Local and international manufacturers use Dubai International Boat Show as a key platform for boat sales
80% of revenue generated by small to mid-sized vessels sales and maintenance, keeping the market afloat[1]
Dubai, UAE: The appeal, accessibility and affordability of boats in the small to mid-sized segment compared to their larger counterparts are a key contributing factor in keeping the marine industry alive, with local and international companies using the Dubai International Boat Show as a platform to target a wealth of eager consumers during the five-day event.
Sultan Alshaali, CEO of Al Shaali Group said: “Small to medium sized boats represent 20% of the market but they generate 80% of revenue for the entire industry. If you think of it this way, one boat owner will need one service; twenty boat owners will need twenty services and so on. So this is actually what’s keeping the industry alive.”
Running from 3pm to 9:30pm daily until Saturday 4 March at the Dubai International Marine Club, a host of exhibitors are showcasing the latest products targeting the largest segment of the luxury boating market.
Added Alshaali: “We’ve always paid attention to this diversity and never focussed solely on megayachts. The medium sized boats are faster to build and turn around, and if you go to any marina, be it in Dubai or worldwide, you’ll find that less than 5% of the boats are megayachts with the small and medium segment being the lions share. Marinas recognise the importance of this as well, as it is a driving factor for their business.”
With over 800 brands and companies represented from more than 60 countries at the 25th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, there is a wealth of products on display to cater for an array of customers with different budgets.
Showcasing the Sport 348, the 43 Flybridge and the 49 Flybridge, a first for the Middle East, Princess Yachts have pinpointed the Dubai International Boat Show as a key event to target consumers of small to mid-sized vessels, making up the bulk of their sales.
Salim Tayssoun, Managing Partner for Princess Yachts said: “As a foreign manufacturer at the Dubai International Boat Show, the small to medium sized boats are our best selling products. The majority of our clients are expats who are looking for the best quality and technological features, and we always focus on bringing our latest products here.”
As well as 19 superyachts at the event, there are over 450 boats moored in the marina on display at the venue, and they feature products that will appeal to customers with a variety of interests.
Ahmad Al-Ameeri, General Manager for Seas and Desert Group, distributor of Azimut Yachts said: “With all of our customers, we’ve seen that they use their vessels 360 degrees, for fishing, diving and travelling. For the smaller range of yachts we see that owners want to drive and take care of the boat themselves, and not involve any crew. This is particularly the case with vessels up to 50 feet.”
Among the manufacturers and suppliers of vessels present at the show, Axopar Boats, Boston Whaler, Chapparal, Mastercraft and Wajer Boats are all showcasing the latest designs of small to mid-sized boats.
Running until Saturday 4 March at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), the five-day event is attracting visitors and professionals interested in all sectors of the maritime industry, is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from Feb 28 to March 4, 2017. Tickets are available at the gates for AED 60.
About Dubai International Boat Show:
Dubai International Boat Show, the most trusted and established 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. The multi-award winning show showcases the latest 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. More than 26,000 international and local visitors attend including key buyers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 34 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 20 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.
[1] Sultan Alshaali, CEO, Alshaali Group