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Region's largest display of boats, family-friendly activities, prize giveaways, and new sectors draw thousands of visitors and first-time buyers to Dubai International Boat Show 2015
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Thousands of visitors have streamed through the gates of the 2015 Dubai International Boat Show, to view the most luxurious yachts and boats, experience family-friendly activities, prize giveaways and exciting new show sectors including Fishing, Sailing and Watersports.
New sectors and small to mid-sized boats haul visitors
Potential first-time boat owners seeking to enter the lifestyle have been able to view a large number of small to medium sized craft that include boats as well as jet skis, quad skis and other marine leisure products.
“It's my first time at the show, and I've just become an owner for the first time at the entry level. When you live in this market, you have to be involved in the sea and all things boating. I've come a long way to see what this show is all about, and whether you're looking for boat engines, to accessories, to billion dollar superyachts, this show has everything,” said Philip Bryson, Senior Vice President for Operations, Marriott International.
“This is my first time at the Dubai International Boat Show, and I'm very impressed with what I've seen – it easily matches up to other international shows I've visited. I am considering buying a new speedboat, and I've been talking to Riva who have a nice new collection of boats and interiors. This is also a great place to do business, thanks to the high profile visitors who attend,” said Maher Wali, CEO of local outdoor furnishing company, Grass It Up.
Visitors show keen interest in marine leisure lifestyle
Among the popular draws for marine leisure enthusiasts are new show sectors, DIBS Fishing, DIBS Sailing and DIBS Watersports – brand new additions to the show line-up that have been developed as Gulf states increasingly develop planned communities around an active, on-water lifestyle.
Exhibitors have also seen strong interest in smaller boats, jet skis, and water thanks to more maritime developments come online, UAE residents and tourists increasingly take to the water for leisure time activities, and the UAE hosting safe inland waterways and modern marina facilities.
SeaYou, supplier of stand-up paddleboards and other non-motorised equipment, is exhibiting for the second time at the show, this time as part of DIBS Watersports, has noticed a growing trend of young residents wanting to be out on water but not able to purchase an expensive boat.
“Practically anyone can afford to buy a kayak, or a standup paddleboard, and part of their popularity relates directly to their affordability. Being a part of the show, especially in this new sector, has allowed us to bring the love of the marine leisure world not just to local residents, but also to regional visitors who are keen to be on water,” said Sterenn Bourges, CEO and Owner of SeaYou.
First-time exhibitor Pelican Marine Equipments Trading, who are the exclusive regional distributors for Laser Performance, Magic Marine, Neilpryde, Ovington and Zou has already seen a huge amount of interest in their dinghies (small boats) at the show, which range from children-sized through to dinghies big enough to fit two adults and two children.
“A lot of people didn't even know that these kinds of products were available in the UAE, and mistakenly thought that they would have to go abroad to Europe to buy them. We've had so much positive feedback from both local and regional visitors to our stand who were happy to see non-motorised vessels on display, and we've seen this reflected already in our sales,” said Jayne Gilmour, General Manger of Pelican Marine Equipments Trading.
Located near these sections is the Marine Talks zone, where visitors can pick up tips and hear stories from global sailing, fishing and water sports experts. The agenda of topics include free diving in the UAE, how and where to kayak, overcoming the challenges of fly-fishing, as well as kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding and sea kayaking.
“Many first-time boat owners will test the water with a smaller purchase, and will upsize with a larger boat as their love the lifestyle increases. We are seeing a wide spectrum of prospective boat owners here at Dubai International Boat Show, from the high net-worth individuals seeking superyachts, to visitors who want to delve into the marine leisure world,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre.
Exciting prizes and entertainment
Visitors can enter competitions and prize giveaways to win scuba diving vouchers, boat rides, stays and dining at luxury hotels. The Heritage Village offers a fascinating glimpse into the UAE's rich maritime history and diverse culture, while live entertainment and show stoppers will be on site to entertain visitors.
The show, which has more than 430 boats worth over AED 1 billion on showcase, has seen families, maritime enthusiasts, and keen influential buyers visit the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi, immersing themselves in over 800 companies and brands from over 54 countries.
Organiser of the event, Dubai World Trade Centre, has made it easier than ever to attend the show, with a range of free parking and transport options to help visitors make their way easily. Free parking is available at Nakheel Gateway Tower, with direct tram transfer from Nakheel to Mina Seyahi Station every six minutes, or free shuttles to DIMC. Alternatively visitors can go to Skydive Dubai where an improved service with increased frequency will allow transfer by water buses.
The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show is held at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi, from 3-7 March 2015. The event will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3 pm – 9:30 pm daily, with admission of AED 60.
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