31 March 2016

Dynamic Dubai: A Review of the Dubai International Boat Show 2016

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On the eve of a new Mediterranean yacht charter season, the big names of the superyacht industry descended on Dubai at the start of March for the Dubai International Boat Show. The event proved to be a glowing reflection of the importance of the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern countries to the yachting world.
This year was the 24th edition of this prestigious event, held between March 1st and 5th at the Dubai International Marine Club, next to Le Meridien and Palm Jumeirah. The city’s famous and futuristic skyscrapers provided a breath-taking backdrop to the yachts on display. The show is the premier yachting event in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region and brings together more than 800 exhibitors from around the globe to showcase their yachts, water sport activities, luxury cars, as well as yachting supplies and yacht management services. IMG_20160304_135530 Over the course of the five-day show, more than 30,000 visitors from over 120 countries attended the event. An array of luxury yachts for sale and charter were on display from prestigious shipyards including Heesen, Azimut, Mondo Marine, Princess, and Dubai-based designers Majesty Yachts. Other welcome attractions included demonstrations of an array of water sports, including sailing, SUP, kite surfing and jet surfing, and a selection of exclusive product launches. A number of competitions were also held, including an underwater photography competition. Performers also performed stunts on jet skis to entertain the crowds. IMG_20160304_141610
As a focal point for the Middle East’s maritime investors and enthusiasts, the Dubai International Boat show is an unmissable opportunity for the sales and charter brokers to connect with their clientele in the region: Fraser Yachts Charter Broker, Céline Pujol, who was in attendance at the event, said: “This new edition of the Dubai Boat Show brings together prestigious visitors including UHNWIs based not only in the UAE but around the Middle East. It is crucial for me to attend this show in order to get a better feel for the current local trends and to better understand what this clientele expects from us. From a charter brokers’ perspective, it is a great opportunity to meet in person clients, business partners and prospects as the Dubai Boat Show is THE place to be for anyone based in the Middle East with an interest in yachting.” The success of the event is a wonderful testament to the vibrancy of the yachting scene in the region, which annually constitutes a highlight of the Middle Eastern maritime calendar. To find out more information about the yachts for sale with Fraser Yachts, please contact a member of the team.