Major luxury brands and more than 750 exhibitors will showcase the latest high-end superyachts, watercrafts and equipment
Keen interest from the Middle East's high net worth individuals (HNWI) is predicted at the 20th Dubai International Boat Show where major luxury brands and equipment will be showcased next month. The show runs from March 13 to 17 at the Dubai International Marine Club. A total of 750 exhibitors from over 40 countries will attend.
High-end customers
With the number of HNWIs in the region surging ahead last year, organisers are confident of the interest in this year's event with more than 25,000 visitors expected. According to the latest World Wealth Report published by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini, the Middle East had one of the highest growth rates after Africa. Those with more than USD1 million in wealth rose by 10.4 per cent to 440,000 individuals.
"Every year, the boat show attracts an audience of HNWIs and that is the foundation of the region's luxury consumer market. They come to see our exhibiting companies' new superyachts, watercrafts and related equipment, but they also like the social networking with other enthusiasts who are attracted to the show's other luxury offerings, such as the Supercars," said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre and organiser of the show.
Loh said the Dubai International Boat Show celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and continues to attract some of the most prestigious names in their respected fields, which emphasises the world class calibre of the exhibitors, VIP visitors and buyers who attend the show annually.
Last year the Dubai International Boat Show recorded its biggest sale during the show, a 40-metre Sunseeker superyacht was sold for a staggering Dh100 million. Additionally, exhibitors reported excellent sales with smaller boats, mid-range yachts and superyachts all selling well in the first three days of the event.
Highlights
A key segment of the show that captures visitors' imaginations is the Marina display area, comprising the largest on-water display in the Middle East, including the superyachts of 25 metres and above.
Along with the popular Marina Display Area, the other areas of interest are Luxury Supplies & Services area where the finest luxury boat builders from around the world can be found, and the Equipment Supplies & Services space, which is an indoor area filled with exhibitors specialising in products essential to the supply and servicing of the leisure marine industry.
Following the success of the hugely successful Supercar Promenade that was introduced last year, the finest models on four wheels will be back in force at the show to align perfectly with the prestige of the high-end boating brands.
Exhibitors and sponsors
For the third year in a row, luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz and elite watchmaker Officine Panerai have confirmed they will act as supporting sponsors of the show.
Wassim Derbi, Marketing Manager of Gargash Enterprises, said: "We have partnered with the Dubai International Boat Show 2012 for the third consecutive year as the Official Car Sponsor and look forward to featuring the latest models from Mercedes-Benz at this prestigious event. Amongst the line-up of Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be showcased this year are the SLS AMG Roadster, the all new M-Class, and much more."
"The boat show is a premium, high-end event and has become a 'must-attend' in the calendars of people across the region. As the event celebrates 20 years, the Gargash Enterprises team would like to congratulate the organisers as well as the team behind this spectacular annual event and also wish for more successful years ahead."
Panerai's Managing Director, Milvin George, agrees the annual boat show appeals to the region's luxury community, adding that "the Dubai International Boat Show is very dynamic and vibrant, attracting the top mariners and sea lovers of the Middle East region. With the sea being part of Panerai's DNA, the boat show is an opportunity for the brand to connect with the universe of sea lovers and to make them feel that they are in the right environment inside our VIP welcome lounge. The show gives us the right exposure and increases our brand awareness."
The Dubai International Boat Show brings together many of the yachting and boating world's most famous and prestigious names. Among these, a record number of 11 Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) members, the most respected and exclusive superyacht association globally. Among the prized names, Abeking& Rasmussen, AMELS, Benetti,CRN, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen Yachts, Lurssen, Oceanco, San Lorenzo, and Trinity Yachts, have all confirmed their participation at the 20th anniversary edition of the show and will showcase their latest yacht models and designs in the dedicated SYBAssPavilion as well as the SuperyachtPavilion.
The vast number of new exhibitors coupled with the Dubai International Boat Show stalwarts including Al Rubban, Al Shaali, Aquaspeed. ART Marine, Azimut, Cummins, Emirates Boats, Gulf Craft - who celebrates its 30th anniversary - Heinen&Hopman, Princess Yachts, Sunseekerand Westport also ensure that the 2012 Dubai International Boat Show will be the most successful yet.
Leading marine equipment companies such as Exalto Emirates, Elcome, Gulf Development Systems, Japan Marine, MTU and Yamaha are also investing heavily in the Dubai International Boat Show due to increased demand from regional boat builders, and the latest international marine technologywill be showcased by specialist exhibitors from the national pavilions of Australia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Turkey and South Korea among others.
The 20th anniversary of the Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi from 13 - 17 March 2012 and will open to trade visitors and the general public from 3:00pm - 9:30pm daily.
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About Dubai International Boat Show: www.boatshowdubai.com
Dubai International Boat Show, the most trusted and established marine industry exhibition in the Middle East, is a showcase of yachts and boats from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine equipment and accessories.The multi-award winning show showcases the latest leisure boats, equipment and associated services in the Middle East. Exhibitors include both local and international boat manufacturers as well as the latest innovations in marine equipment and supplies.More than 23,000 international and local visitors attend including key buyers from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of GITEX Technology Week, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 32 years' experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge.
Our team organises 18 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region. Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors.
© Press Release 2012
