This year’s Dubai International Boat Show attracted over 30,000 visitors and industry players over five days, as the Middle East’s biggest boat show was held in Dubai Harbour for the second year in succession. (For a post-event report, click here.)

Organisers announced that the 29^th edition of the show featured about AED2.5 billion (about US$680 million) worth of boats and yachts, from small dinghies to superyachts. The event featured over 1,000 companies and brands from 60 countries, with onshore attractions including water toys, maritime equipment, technology and accessories.

John Bush, co-founder of Sunseeker Gulf, said the company concluded four deals amounting to GBP9 million (about AED39 million).

“We had constant visitors, great-quality clients,” he said. “Every day, we had about a dozen potential buyers on the stand, so we couldn’t be happier. They included people who moved to Dubai in the last couple of years and recognise the seasons are very long and the facilities are great. There was a real mix of nationalities and demographics.”

Gulf Craft reported a record number of visitors to its stand every day, while fellow UAE builder IMG Boats attested to the diversity of nationalities among visitors. “In previous years, we primarily had interest from across the region but this year we received more serious leads from international markets, particularly Eastern Europe and Australia,” said Sales Manager Paurush Farouk.H.

Francesco Pitea, CEO of SF Yachts, which represents brands including Prestige, Beneteau and Riviera, said the dealership achieved AED30 million in sales. “This was our best participation yet at the [Dubai] boat show,” Pitea said. “We saw a lot of new, younger customers compared to previous editions, which is very important for the whole industry.”

Michel Torbey, Sales Representative Middle East for Sanlorenzo, said the brand closed three deals for a total value of AED390 million, while Yachts 1, whose brands include Princess, converted five deals valued at AED78 million, said Nader Dara, Sales and Operations Manager. Other exhibiting builders included Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti Group, Sunreef and SAY Yachts.

www.boatshowdubai.com