Global Marine Industry Welcomes the Development of Middle East's Largest Maritime Exhibition; 330 Boats on Display this Year
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: This year's edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2007, held at the Dubai International Marine Club, has received strong praise from international visitors and exhibitors for providing a strong platform for business development and industry growth.
DIBS 2007 has grown in all directions, with 722 participating companies, up 53 percent compared to 2006, and exhibitors from 44 countries, up by 16 percent on the previous year.
In addition, the number of boats on display has risen to 330 in total, with 188 in the external area and 142 on the water.
International Boat Industry, the magazine of the global boating market, claimed that the Show has "come of age" in a live report from DIBS 2007, writing that every international exhibitor it spoke to was "unanimously impressed with the professionalism and potential of the show".
This view was widely endorsed by exhibitors at national pavilions at the show on Friday, who all expressed admiration for the high level of organisation and delight at the volume and scale of business transacted.
The response from the Australian Pavilion - which hosted a record number of boat builders and marine equipment suppliers from 'Down Under' - was overwhelmingly positive.
The Riviera Group, which builds Riviera Flybridge cruisers, sold five of its boats with UAE distributor ART Marine, at an estimated value of US$3.5 million, fully validating their decision to exhibit.
In addition, the group was able to sign deals with two new dealerships in Qatar and Kuwait, increasing the reach of the group across the Middle East.
Aqualuma Underwater Lighting, of Queensland, Australia, signed deals to supply 40 lighting sets for a total value of US$50,000, while Bladerider International, represented by Australia's 2005 World Champion Moth Sailor, Rohan Veal, sold five of its advanced craft for an estimated US$60,000.
German companies also reported strong success at this year's event. The German pavilion, with 21 companies exhibiting, reported extremely positive results at the "world class fair."
Claus-Elhert Meyer of the German Boat Builders commented: "This year's show has attracted visitors from across the world and has provided us with important exposure to a number of major markets."
Italy's San Lorenzo - which produces tailor-made motor yachts -reported high levels of interest and strong sales.
Super-yacht builder Amels, from the Netherlands, recorded a number of key business development opportunities. "Dubai's importance in the leisure marine industry is increasing, and, at the same time, so too is the Dubai International Boat Show. DIBS is the venue to meet new as well as existing clients."
Companies from within the GCC also expressed delight at this year's event. Kuwait's Al Shaya Marine, which brought a range of eight cruisers, speed boats and fishing boats to the show, had sold four boats by Friday, and was anticipating selling its entire inventory by the close.
Sales have been particularly strong to visitors from Kuwait and Qatar, who had travelled over for the weekend.
Bader Alshaya, general manager, Al Shaya, said: "This year's boat show has been exceptional for Al Shaya Marine. Demand is outstripping supply at the moment, but with the increase in marinas in the Middle East we look forward to selling more with each Dubai International Boat Show."
Dubai International Boat Show closes today.
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About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 27 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 15 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. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
About Dubai International Boat Show
Dubai International Boat Show, the largest 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.
Established in 1992, the Show is the Largest Gathering of 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
Over 25,000 visitors expected to attend from around the region including key buyers from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia
For more information, please contact:
Dubai International Boat Show
Thomas Clarke
WMC
Tel: +971 4 390 1950
Fax: +971 4 367 2801
E-mail: thomas.clarke@wallismc.com
Amanda Slater
DWTC
Tel : +971 4 308 6661
Fax : +971 4 3188 607
E-mail: Amanda.slater@dwtc.com
© Press Release 2007
