Dubai International Boat Show organisers target No1 status

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  • The Dubai Boat Show was attended in high numbers this year.

    The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) has reported high attendance, vast international reach and strong sales following the conclusion of its 23rd edition yesterday, and organisers admit they have their eyes on making it the largest boat show in the world.

    Showcasing over 430 boats and more than 800 exhibitors and brands from over 54 countries, 26,000 local and international visitors had descended on this year’s DIBS (March 3-7), including Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, who yesterday was shown around the grounds by Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA vice president and president of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE.

    Saeed Hareb, chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club and senior advisor to DIBS, was impressed by the massive turnout but admits he dreams of taking the show to new heights.

    “My dream is to see this show grow bigger and bigger, and to see it go from its current status as the sixth-largest in the world to become the top boat show on the planet. We always say no to impossibility and it’s not far-fetched that we go up to No1 in the future,” Hareb told Sport360°.

    “The exhibitors have given us great feedback, they have had positive results from this show and sealed many deals. The value of money on display here is very high and I expect that deals worth more than Dh200 million have been completed, based on initial data we have gathered.”

    UAE-based Al Shaali Marine, who unveiled the AS 100 superyacht this year, valued at $5.45 million (Dh20 million), said they were expecting to sell at least three superyachts and seven medium-sized boats by the end of the show.

    “Not only were we expecting to sell superyachts and boats, but we also inked three dealership agreements – one regionally and two in Europe ,” said Sultan Al Shaali, CEO of Al Shaali Group.

    Meanwhile, SNS Marine Group auctioned off a Chris Craft 21-foot Carina boat to raise funds for Breast Cancer Arabia.

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