DUBAI, UAE – Dubai International Boat Show 2023 attracted over 30,000 visitors and industry players from across the globe for five days of demonstrations, displays, seminars, launches and workshops.
The global boat-building market is expected to reach over US$47 billion in 2027, at a CAGR of 7.5 percent, and the increasing demand for recreational boats in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a significant factor driving growth.
Brands in Dubai are responding with their latest designs and local manufacturers and suppliers exhibited their innovations at the event.
The global movement towards environmental sustainability continues to reshape the maritime sector and the future of yacht architecture.
Owners and clients are increasingly interested in innovative technologies that can create a greener yacht.
Manufacturers such as Gulf Craft are responding to this demand by integrating sustainable solutions into their builds. Abeer Al Shaali, Deputy Managing Director of Gulf Craft, said.
“At Gulf Craft, we understand that clients prioritize sustainability and durability, and we are committed to supporting them. We are committed to making our yachts more efficient, lightweight, and practical, always with the user’s perspective in mind,” he said.
With brands from 60 countries featured at the show, local manufacturers and distributors exhibiting reported increased business from a diverse range of international markets.
Paurush Farouk.H, Sales Manager, IMG Boats commented that there is a strong market for Middle Eastern products outside the region.
“In previous years, we primarily had interest from across the region, but this year we are receiving more serious leads from international markets, particularly Eastern Europe, and Australia,” he said.
Brands also reported that customization and personalization are high on the list of customer demands this year, as buyers are keen to reflect their personality through their purchases.
Shahid Ahmed Jiwrak, Sales Manager, Ocean Boats, said, “We observed that visitors were very impressed by the options for customization that Ocean Boats offer.”
Dubai International Boat Show brought together the latest innovations from a range of the industry’s verticals.
Historically playing a key role in the UAE’s maritime sector, the country’s Fish and Seafood Market has witnessed significant growth and development in recent years.
Local fishing equipment companies brought the latest advancements in rods, lures, tackles, and other fishing gear to the show.
Taha Darwish, Sales & Marketing Manager, Helal Trading, a wholesale distributor of Okuma throughout the Middle East said that they observed a lot of interest from regional and international retailers for next-generation reels and drags that can handle larger fish.
“New equipment is lighter than before, making it easier to catch big fish like tuna which can go up to 100kg. It was our first time exhibiting at the Dubai International Boat Show, and we had many requests for these and other equipment,” he said.
For local boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers, the event played an essential role in providing a platform for the industry to present its excellence to the international market.