Major international interest in the Middle East’s marine leisure industry is encouraging Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) to “think big” for 2007. Figures released show…
Major international interest in the Middle East’s marine leisure industry is encouraging Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) to “think big” for 2007. Figures released show that a total of 22,418 visitors passed through the gates of the Boat Show last month, an increase of nearly 10 percent on visitors who attended in 2005.
Most encouragingly, the show attracted its highest proportion of regional visitors in its history, with significant increases from Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi in addition to many international visitors from as far afield as America and Australia.
DWTC is currently in discussions with Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on show development plans to serve the ongoing rise in interest, and particularly on ways to facilitate the demand for additional space from exhibitors, including national pavilions and regional manufacturers and dealers who are looking to return in 2007.
Indeed, over 80% of this year’s exhibitors have confirmed their attendance for next year.
“Many exhibitors have commented that 2006 was the year that the Boat Show stepped up another gear in terms of international status and visitor profile, and we’re keen to keep this positive momentum going into 2007 and beyond,” said Trixee Loh, General Manager – Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre.
“We are currently examining a number of options which will enable us to welcome even higher numbers of visitors and exhibitors in 2007, and to ensure we continue to provide a truly world class event for the region’s marine leisure industry,” added Loh.
Among the ideas under consideration are an extended “on-water” area to accommodate more boats in the marina, and greater capacity to host marine equipment manufacturers and display their products.
A number of Middle East companies saw record results at the 2006 Boat Show, particularly those from the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait who all registered significant sales.
The next Dubai International Boat Show, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, will take place from 13-17 March 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.
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