Dedicated display area will highlight the country’s increasing capacity as a boat manufacturing hub; Boat sales in the UAE marine industry experiences 40% growth in 2012 compared to 2011
The
UAE’s prowess in the field of nautical engineering will be given optimal
exposure at next month’s Dubai International Boat Show, which takes place at
the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi from March 5-9, 2013.
For
the first time in its 21-year history, the show will feature a dedicated Made
in the UAE Pavilion to host the country’s top up-and-coming boat builders.
Companies participating in the pavilion include Julfar Craft, Legacy Yachts and
Ocean Boats. The display area has been introduced to demonstrate the
growing extent of the Emirates’ nautical manufacturing ability, which is
demonstrated by the UAE’s 40% growth in boat sales in 2012 over the figures for
2011, according to a 2012 GCC and regional boating market report by marine
industry consultancy Mike Derrett Marine.
The
Made in the UAE Pavilion is sponsored by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, which aims to promote the growth of the country’s small to medium
enterprises in the boatbuilding industry, facilitate their break through into
international markets and replicate the success of larger manufacturers in the
UAE.
H.E.
Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said:
“Dubai Chamber is delighted to be sponsoring the Made in the UAE Pavilion,
which is a cost effective and unique platform for small-to-medium-sized UAE
boat builders. This pavilion is helping to support the growth of UAE businesses
and is providing them with global market exposure. Dubai Chamber works to
support the development of local business and with the UAE’s history and
expertise in the maritime industry it is an excellent opportunity to show the
rest of the world the high quality of Made in the UAE products.”
Trixee
Loh, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event,
said: “The Dubai International Boat Show facilitates and encourages business
opportunities and growth for UAE-based boating companies, which has culminated
in the Made in the UAE Pavilion this year. The pavilion is an ideal platform
for UAE boat manufacturers to gain international and regional market exposure
for their top quality marine crafts, which are already in high demand.”
The
setting up of a dedicated UAE Pavilion this year was a natural response to the
increasing demand for locally manufactured craft. The country’s marine vessel
manufacturers are now responsible for producing an estimated 60-70% of the
Gulf’s total population of leisure boats, with UAE owners taking advantage of
Dubai having the best boat repair facilities in the GCC, according to the 2012
GCC and regional boating market report.
According
to a recent International Boat Industry report, the global economic downturn
allowed regional consumers to look more favourably at domestic products that
are often more competitively priced and offer greater levels of customisation
for buyers.
One
such manufacturer of smaller leisure crafts, Ocean Boats, will be exhibiting
its products at the Made in the UAE Pavilion. Company owner, Ahmed Bin
Ghulaita, has noted that the rise in popularity for home-grown crafts is down
to national pride and the expanding technological capabilities of UAE firms
producing leisure boats.
“There
is a growing sense of pride about being able to buy local marine crafts in part
due to UAE boat builders having greatly improved their construction
capabilities. This means that they are now able to offer advanced features and
greater levels of refinement for their clientele,” said Bin Ghulaita.
“The
dedicated UAE Pavilion is certainly a great opportunity for smaller business
concerns like mine to be able to showcase our expertise in producing
first-class vessels for fun and leisure out on the water,” Bin Ghulaita added.
Over
the years, larger UAE-based manufacturers have seen great success
internationally, such as Al Hallami Group, Integrity Yachts and Emirates Boats.
Gulf Craft, having celebrated its 30 year anniversary in 2012, is one of the
most internationally recognised pioneers of UAE luxury yachts and fiberglass
boats and a member of an elite circle of superyacht builders worldwide. Gulf
Craft has a presence in major international boating markets through its Majesty
Yachts, Oryx and Silvercraft brands, and has an annual production capacity of
around 500 craft.
The
Dubai International Boat Show is the region’s foremost maritime leisure
exhibition in the Middle East and this year it is expected to attract over 750
companies and brands. It is anticipated that more than 26,000 visitors, 5,000
VIPs and a significant number of high net worth individuals will visit over the
five days of the event. The exhibition will showcase the widest range of boats,
yachts and nautical crafts in the GCC, as well as feature the latest
innovations, world premieres and regional launches.
Highlights
for 2013 include a three-day programme of an industry-leading Gulf Boating
Conference as well as educational seminars and workshops where invited experts
will address the latest trends, technologies and regulations affecting the
marine leisure sector. Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to meet,
network and develop new business opportunities in an interactive environment
during the programme
Exhibiting
companies and brands from at least 49 countries will be taking part with debut
appearances from Malta, Armenia, and Malaysia while 13 new exhibitors from
Turkey will be showcasing their products. Overall Turkey’s exhibition floor
space is eight times larger than last year. At the luxury end of the spectrum,
11 Super Yacht Experience members, under the umbrella of the prestigious
Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), have signed on for 2013.
The
21st Dubai International Boat Show takes place at the Dubai International
Marine Club, Mina Seyahi from March 5-9, 2013. The event will be open to trade
visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9:30pm daily.
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