According to Helal Saeed Al-Marri, chief executive officer of the Dubai International Exhibition and Congress Center, the organizer of the event, over the past 20 years, the Dubai International Boat Show has been one of the key components contributing to the development of regional shipbuilding and shipping. "During this time, thanks to its impressive" evolution "and growth, it has transformed into the most important event of its kind in the Middle East region, and has become an ideal platform for developing business in this sector, attracting international businessmen and providing them with new opportunities," Helal said Said Al Marri.
It should be noted that the most anticipated premieres of this year were: the 135-foot superyacht of the emirate Gulf Craft, 63 and 65-foot yachts of Sunseeker, Samawy Marine 44 of Samawy Marine, Koot 54 of Koot Yachts and some others. This year's boat show featured a record number of superyachts, namely 11 owned by members of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss). Among them are such famous names as: Abeking & Rasmussen, AMELS, Benetti, CRN, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen Yachts, Lurssen, Oceanco, San Lorenzo and Trinity Yachts. All of them could be seen in the SYBAss Pavillion pavilion. There were 186 participating companies at the boat show, including Al Shaali, Aquaspeed, ART Marine, Azimut, Cummins, Emirates Boats, Gulf Craft, Heinen & Hopman, Princess Yachts, Sunseeker and Westport.
Other segments of the show included: the maritime display area (Marina Display Area), which is the largest water exhibition in the Middle East; exhibition of suppliers and services of a class of "luxury" (Luxury Supplies & Services), at which the best international shipbuilders presented their services and products; Exhibition of Equipment and Services Suppliers.
Thanks to last year’s success, the Supercar Promenade was also a part of the show, where visitors could see the world's fastest, most expensive and rarest cars, including the Bentley Continental Series 51, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe that could be purchased right here. In addition, the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), the only one in the Middle East, was also held as part of the Dubai International Boat Show. It was held in conjunction with the UAE Diving Association (Emirates Diving Association). Thanks to this event, international and local manufacturers and suppliers of diving equipment and services came together to conduct live demonstrations and provide everyone with the opportunity to try out their new products.
