This year’s Dubai International Boat Show will feature a dedicated display area which will highlight the country’s growing capacity as a boat manufacturing hub. Boat sales in the UAE marine industry experiences 40% growth in 2012 in comparison to 2011.
Dubai International Boat Show
The UAE’s prowess in the field of nautical engineering will be given optimal exposure at next month’s Dubai International Boat Show, which takes place at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi from March 5-9, 2013.
For the first time in its 21-year history, the show will feature a dedicated Made in the UAE Pavilion to host the country’s top up-and-coming boat builders. Companies participating in the pavilion include Julfar Craft, Legacy Yachts and Ocean Boats. The display area has been introduced to demonstrate the growing extent of the Emirates’ nautical manufacturing ability, which is demonstrated by the UAE’s 40% growth in boat sales in 2012 over the figures for 2011, according to a 2012 GCC and regional boating market report by marine industry consultancy Mike Derrett Marine.
The Made in the UAE Pavilion is sponsored by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which aims to promote the growth of the country’s small to medium enterprises in the boatbuilding industry, facilitate their break through into international markets and replicate the success of larger manufacturers in the UAE.
H.E. Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Dubai Chamber is delighted to be sponsoring the Made in the UAE Pavilion, which is a cost effective and unique platform for small-to-medium-sized UAE boat builders. This pavilion is helping to support the growth of UAE businesses and is providing them with global market exposure. Dubai Chamber works to support the development of local business and with the UAE’s history and expertise in the maritime industry it is an excellent opportunity to show the rest of the world the high quality of Made in the UAE products.”
Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event, said: “The Dubai International Boat Show facilitates and encourages business opportunities and growth for UAE-based boating companies, which has culminated in the Made in the UAE Pavilion this year. The pavilion is an ideal platform for UAE boat manufacturers to gain international and regional market exposure for their top quality marine crafts, which are already in high demand.”
The setting up of a dedicated UAE Pavilion this year was a natural response to the increasing demand for locally manufactured craft. The country’s marine vessel manufacturers are now responsible for producing an estimated 60-70% of the Gulf’s total population of leisure boats, with UAE owners taking advantage of Dubai having the best boat repair facilities in the GCC, according to the 2012 GCC and regional boating market report.
According to a recent International Boat Industry report, the global economic downturn allowed regional consumers to look more favourably at domestic products that are often more competitively priced and offer greater levels of customisation for buyers.
One such manufacturer of smaller leisure crafts, Ocean Boats, will be exhibiting its products at the Made in the UAE Pavilion. Company owner, Ahmed Bin Ghulaita, has noted that the rise in popularity for home-grown crafts is down to national pride and the expanding technological capabilities of UAE firms producing leisure boats.
“There is a growing sense of pride about being able to buy local marine crafts in part due to UAE boat builders having greatly improved their construction capabilities. This means that they are now able to offer advanced features and greater levels of refinement for their clientele,” said Bin Ghulaita.
“The dedicated UAE Pavilion is certainly a great opportunity for smaller business concerns like mine to be able to showcase our expertise in producing first-class vessels for fun and leisure out on the water,” Bin Ghulaita added.
Over the years, larger UAE-based manufacturers have seen great success internationally, such as Al Hallami Group, Integrity Yachts and Emirates Boats. Gulf Craft, having celebrated its 30 year anniversary in 2012, is one of the most internationally recognised pioneers of UAE luxury yachts and fiberglass boats and a member of an elite circle of superyacht builders worldwide. Gulf Craft has a presence in major international boating markets through its Majesty Yachts, Oryx and Silvercraft brands, and has an annual production capacity of around 500 craft.
The Dubai International Boat Show is the region’s foremost maritime leisure exhibition in the Middle East and this year it is expected to attract over 750 companies and brands. It is anticipated that more than 26,000 visitors, 5,000 VIPs and a significant number of high net worth individuals will visit over the five days of the event. The exhibition will showcase the widest range of boats, yachts and nautical crafts in the GCC, as well as feature the latest innovations, world premieres and regional launches.
Highlights for 2013 include a three-day programme of an industry-leading Gulf Boating Conference as well as educational seminars and workshops where invited experts will address the latest trends, technologies and regulations affecting the marine leisure sector. Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to meet, network and develop new business opportunities in an interactive environment during the programme
Exhibiting companies and brands from at least 49 countries will be taking part with debut appearances from Malta, Armenia, and Malaysia while 13 new exhibitors from Turkey will be showcasing their products. Overall Turkey’s exhibition floor space is eight times larger than last year. At the luxury end of the spectrum, 11 Super Yacht Experience members, under the umbrella of the prestigious Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), have signed on for 2013.
The 21st Dubai International Boat Show takes place at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi from March 5-9, 2013. The event will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9:30pm daily.
