US$260m worth of boats on show in Dubai

A total of 430 boats and yachts valued at a staggering AED960m (US$260m) are on display in Dubai this week at the emirate’s 20th annual Dubai International Boat Show. The event was opened by HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and features more than 20 super yachts, 33 regional launches and nine global premieres.   The Dubai International Boat Show is the largest event of its kind in the region and this year includes exhibitors from far flung locations such as Hong Kong, Madagascar and Poland.  “Over the last two decades, the Dubai International Boat Show has served as a key business driver for the marine sector boosting the regional industry,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event. “The impressive evolution and growth of the show from an event focused on the UAE boating market to the leading maritime industry event in the Middle East and one of the most lucrative in the international arena, supports the ideal platform that Dubai offers for global trade and business opportunities,” Almarri added. Among those exhibitors taking centre stage at this week’s event are UAE-based Gulf Craft, which is unveiling a 135 ft super yacht, and Sunseeker, which is launching 63 ft and 65 ft vessels.