23rd Annual Dubai Boat Show to Feature Growing Middle Eastern Marine Market

Regional industry leaders predict the Dubai International Boat Show to be among the world’s Top 4 Industry Events by 2020.

Organizers of this year’s edition say that the Dubai International Boat Show is expanding its features to capture the growing regional marine market. According to Dubai Maritime City Authority Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the UAE’s maritime industry makes up 60 percent of the total value for the sector across the GCC. The UAE will be responsible for as much as 35 percent of the up to $190 billion investment in the Middle East’s marine sector over the next three years, experts estimate.

Taking place from 3-7 March 2015, the 23rd running of the Dubai International Boat Show will be marked by international and regional premieres as well as a new show features dedicated to sailing, fishing, and water sports, according to DWTC, reflecting the annual event’s significant growth in popularity among serious buyers from across the UAE and GCC, Africa, Southwest and Central Asia, and beyond.

“Every year, the Dubai International Boat Show gains in stature and international popularity because it continues to evolve and improve its offering for visitors,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President of DWTC, commenting on the show’s new features.

Visitor are expected to be in the tens of thousands and from more than 120 countries. “Dubai International Boat Show enjoys tremendous potential for attendee selection over the next five years, as it focuses on quality buyers of all sizes of boats,” says Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, the UAE-based manufacturer of boats and yachts, and the world’s top 10 superyacht shipyard. “This event also has the potential to become a global Top 4 industry event, after the US and Europe’s three big events.”

Within the region, increased wealth among residents is expected to drive further show attendance and related sales.  The number of HNWIs across the world has ballooned by 59% since 2003, more than doubling in the Middle East, according to the 2014 Wealth Report from global real estate giant, Knight Frank.  And the Dubai International Boat Show has a demonstrated track record of having secured more than 20 per cent of its overall annual attendance from HNWIs.

For more information, visit www.boatshowdubai.com