Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Today's boating industry is dynamic and sophisticated, and the cosmopolitan city of Dubai is a perfect place to showcase its assets.
Dubai is viewed as the gateway to expanding markets and is also considered a high-profile cruise destination. Manufacturers and those servicing the marine leisure industry can find a huge concentration of investment in waterside developments in Dubai and the Middle East.
Since its inception more than a decade ago, the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) has grown into a premier event. The show attracts local and international boat suppliers to Middle Eastern shores to showcase the latest in the boating industry, as well as many thousands of visitors to peruse the products and services on display.
As the largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East, DIBS promises to be even bigger and better this year, showcasing yachts and boats from both local and international builders, together with the latest innovations in marine equipment and accessories. The 14th edition of the show will take place from March 14 to 18 at the Dubai International Marine Club.
The Middle East is one of the fastest growing leisure boating markets in the world. From Bahrain to Oman, developers are heading to the coast armed with innovative projects and ideas that benefit boat owners.
An investment group in Bahrain is on the verge of spending $1.5 billion (about Dh5.51 billion) on creating the iconic Bahrain Bay, a futuristic marina off the north-east cost of Manama. Shops, offices and apartments will arch round an island that houses the Kingdom's tallest building - a ladder-like 300-metre high hotel. Residents will be able to admire the architecture when they sail out from the first-rate marina.
Driven by sustained regional economic growth, Dubai is now seeing the largest expansion of waterside developments in the world.
Some of the prestigious marine projects in the UAE include the three Palm developments, the World project, Dubai Marina complex, the Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Maritime City, Dubai Festival City, Abu Dhabi Conference Palace Hotel and the Dubai Waterfront.
Helen Wynd, Project Manager at DIBS says, "The DIBS has always had a massive response and has grown by more than 34 per cent this year. The luxury, supplies and services area of the show has been sold out since the beginning of January while other sections are almost at full capacity."
She adds, "An extension on the marina area has made extra pontoon space for the on-water displays with a record number of more than 120 boats on display. The external space has been maximised to accommodate both local builders and international dealers. There will be a whole range of different boats on display besides a variety of water sports equipment, kite surfing gear and diving equipment.
"More than 25,000 visitors are expected from around the Gulf as well as Russia and India. DIBS has seen increased visitor participation due to the promotions around the region in markets such at Kuwait and Qatar where the marine industry is growing rapidly with many new marina developments and reclaimed waterfront projects," says Wynd.
Some of the world's finest superyachts, more than 24 metres in length, will be on display at this year's show. The prestigious boats include Romeo Design's 52-metre long Al Hanem - the largest superyacht built in the Gulf, which is the epitome of luxury and finesse in the boating world, priced at $8 million (about Dh 29.38 million) upwards.
"These superyachts are very impressive vessels and it is fitting that so many are now choosing to exhibit at the DIBS. The Middle East superyacht market is thriving, with an estimated 30 per cent of the world's megayachts owned by citizens of the Arab world," says Wynd.
When it comes to luxury, these boats take the cake. The Al Hanem has a spacious master suite, five luxury double guest cabins, a gymnasium, two indoor sitting rooms, two outdoor lounges and both indoor and outdoor dining rooms. The top ?sky deck' is equipped with a bar, jacuzzi and sun beds to provide an excellent combination of privacy and panoramic views.
Umm Al Quwain's Gulf Craft is one of the few boat-builders in the world producing super-yachts of 30 metres and above. The success of Gulf Craft's Majesty Yachts class at the DIBS is testimony as to why it has evolved from being a small UAE boatyard to becoming a global player.
"The DIBS has been a tremendous launch pad for Majesty Yachts and Gulf Craft is thrilled to be exhibiting several superyachts at the show. There's a lot of excitement about the new Majesty 88 which comprises four staterooms and en-suite bathrooms all finished with the finest leather and wood upholstery and marble flooring," says Erwin Bamps, Executive Manager, Gulf Craft.
DIBS is expected to receive participation from more than 40 countries worldwide. The national group pavilions from Germany will be participating for the first time along with the German boat and ship builders association, the DBSV. Their core members, including Lurssen and Abeking and Rasmussen, will be at the show.
Other international exhibitors include HISWA Holland Yachting Group, which represents superyacht manufacturers in the Netherlands and is seeking to increase the worldwide reputation of the Dutch yachting industry in the lucrative Middle East market.
"The DIBS is vital to our organisation in terms of gaining the widest exposure for Dutch yacht brokers, yacht builders, architects, suppliers and just about anything connected to the industry," says Marleen van Doorn, HISWA.
HISWA, along with DBSV, which represents superyacht companies in Germany, will operate national group pavilions at the boat show for the very first time.
The Italian marine association with the Italian trade commission will have a massive presence in the show. They are one of the biggest exporting countries for this industry in the world.
There will also be a lot of participation from marine groups from New Zealand (NZ Marine), the UK (Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce) and Australia (AIMEX and GCCC).
Local distributors from the UAE will also be present at the event. Among the most anticipated events is the display of the Azimut 80, by the Dubai-based Art Marine group.
The luxury supplies and services section of the DIBS will welcome some of the biggest superyacht designers, including Italian manufacturer Benetti, New Zealand's Warrick Design, Shama Marine from Egypt and Trinity Yachts from the US. Lending more excitement to the event is the launch of the Majesty 88 - Gulf Craft's newest boat, which is making its international debut at the show. A range of submarines will also be showcased, among which the Exomos will exhibit its unique product line as the company gets set to make the underwater experience more accessible for consumers.
Following the immense success of the Gulf Boating Conference 2005, the Dubai World Trade Centre is running the second Gulf Boating Conference on March 15 and 16, at the Dubai International Marine Club. The conference is being held in the morning to allow visitors to attend the Boat Show, which is held later in the day. A special sailing event will also be an important feature of DIBS 2006.
FACTS
At a glance...
- Event name: Dubai International Boat Show
- Dates: March 14 to 18
- Venue: Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC),
- Mina Seyahi
- Opening hours: 3 to 9.30 pm
Admission: The show is open to trade visitors and general public. Unaccompanied children under the age of 15 will not be allowed entry to the Marine Display Area. The general public will pay an admission fee of Dh25 per person.
