UAE Boat Builder Aims to Make a Splash at Pre-owned Boat Show

Sharjah-based company to showcase its value-for-money vessels

UAE, Dubai, November 21, 2013: UAE boat builder Al Marakeb is aiming to make a splash at the forthcoming Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show. The Sharjah-based company will be showcasing three of its value-for-money craft at the event, which is being held at Dubai Creek Marina from November 21-23.

This year marks the third consecutive year that Al Marakeb has participated in the event, having identified the market it serves as being one that attracts the serious sailing aficionado. Founder and Managing Director of the company, Basel Shuhaiber, says that his company's line up of open water craft appeals particularly to those who are genuinely considering purchasing a leisure vessel.  

“We particularly enjoy the Pre-Owned Boat Show because it attracts the true enthusiast. We have found that there are a much higher percentage of customers at this event than other boat shows, which are more about glamour and tend to attract spectators over serious buyers,” said Shuhaiber. “We sell well at the Pre-Owned Boat Show and we get a real feel for what people are looking for in a nautical craft, which is of great benefit to us since we are constantly striving to improve our products and services,” he added.
 
For the past two years at the Pre-Owned Boat Show, Al Marakeb has exhibited its Dino 31 model, an entry-level craft that will also be making an appearance this year. Alongside it will be two of the company's new models, the Habbar 25 - a fishing boat that was launched earlier in the year - and the Scylla 35, the company's first cabin vessel, which made its maiden voyage on the market two weeks ago.

Al Marakeb believes that the type of craft that his company manufactures attract serious interest because they incur a relatively low financial outlay, require minimal maintenance and are economical to operate. They also do not require a quayside berthing space, as they can be easily parked on a trailer outside the customer's home.

“The length of the longest boat we offer for sale is a mere 35 feet,” said Shuhaiber. “Our latest model, The Scylla 35, is this length and is easily accommodated in a driveway or similar space, yet once on board, its cabin comfortably fits a family and includes such creature comforts as beds, sofas, lights, a toilet and air conditioning. It goes from villa-side fixture to ocean-going leisure vessel in just as long as it takes to drive to the sea,” he added.

Established in 2007, Al Marakeb growth has been exponential year on year. The company's other two models in its five-boat line up are the Spartan 25 and Triton 35, with all of its vessels being customisable with flexible personalisation options. Al Marakeb supplies boats to private and commercial buyers in the regional and international markets. Currently, the company's network extends into the Sultanate of Oman, GCC, North Africa and Asia.

Last year's Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show attracted the participation of 7,200 people. Twenty-nine yachts were sold at the event for a total value of $2.6 million, making it one of the top boating events in the region.