Dubai International Boat Show to Showcase 30 Luxury Boats

The 22nd edition of the Dubai International Boat Show has announced that it will exhibit 30 luxury boats all of which exceed 21 meters in size, including 19 super yachts. The show will also display the largest boat in the history of the show. The show will also feature 840 exhibiting companies and brands – 12 percent increase over 2013, which reflects the UAE’s rising importance in the international luxury maritime market.

According to the McKinsey Global Private Banking Survey 2013, the total high net worth wealth in the Middle East is predicted to increase by USD 3.3 trillion by 2014, positively impacting regional buying power and stimulating further growth across the sector.

With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) having recently increased its forecast economic growth for the GCC to 4.4 percent in 2014, an increase in new boat project builds will be a solid contributor to the region’s steadily growing leisure marine market.

This year’s show boasts strong international participation, with more than 50 countries represented by Dubai International Boat Show exhibitors as well as four dedicated country pavilions from Australia, Italy, USA and Turkey. The USA has confirmed an impressive 35 percent increase in companies, highlighting global interest and investment in the lucrative Middle East market.

The show is also expected to draw more than 26,000 visitors from over 70 different countries, including 5,000 VIPs and key buyers. Regional royalty and top buyers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and the UAE will join the thousands of visitors from Africa, Asia and China while strong visitor footfall from Europe and America is also expected.

With such figures to boast, this year’s Dubai International Boat Show will surely show the resilience of the region’s maritime industry.

The 22nd Dubai International Boat Show runs from 4-8 March at Dubai International Marine Club.