Even if your love for the sea does not extend beyond the simple pleasure of walking on the beach, make sure you make your way to the Dubai International Boat Show this week.
This year’s show, the 22nd in its history, is teeming with goodies for all tastes and ages. You can find just about everything associated with water here – from beach slippers to superyachts.
If the sheer size and luxury of the 88.5-metre superyacht Nirvana doesn’t impress you – and that would be difficult – you can always gawk at what’s on show at the Supercars Promenade.
That array includes a couple of Dubai Police toys, including the new Brabus G-Wagon. But if water and boats stir up a passion, make sure you visit the show with plenty of time on your hands. Because this year, especially with the world economy looking up again, it’s a massive gala.
The show will feature close to 750 brands from across the globe, including 16 UAE-based boat builders.
There are 430 boats on display, valued at Dh1.8 billion, including 19 superyachts. And by the time it closes on March 8, the event is expected to attract 26,000 visitors from 70 countries.
Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said: “Because of the buoyant sentiment and very high consumer confidence in the region, especially in the UAE, the show has grown by a strong 20 per cent.”
Diving enthusiasts can head for the Dive Middle East Exhibition, with its remarkable selection of diving innovations. There are several product launches planned and you can have a look at the state-of-art gears from various leading manufacturers.
Nirvana, one of a handful of elite world cruising yachts, is a must watch. Priced at 230 million euros, experts are saying it is money well spent because of its careful detailing. If you want something smaller and yet demand for more space, have a look at the unique Wider 42’ yacht.
It widens out by means of extensions on either side of the hull, doubling the usable surface and significantly increasing the yacht’s stability. The mobile extensions are opened and closed by means of an automatic, electronically controlled system.
Also have a look at Quadski, the world’s first high speed amphibian (HSA) personal watercraft. It is a combination of a quad bike and a jetski, and is able to reach speeds of 45mph on both water and land, and transitions between them in seconds.
Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, food and beverages, and can enter various competitions to win prizes. Prizes include a Waverunner by Yamaha, vouchers from Dubai Exotic Limo and Discover Scuba Diving vouchers, a pair of Silver tickets for the Football World Cup Semi-Final in Sao Paulo and one pair of Platinum Plus tickets for the final in Rio De Janeiro.
The show is open between 15:00 and 21:30 until March 8. The entry fee is Dh60.
WHAT: Dubai International Boat Show, featuring the very best of marine industry.
WHERE: Dubai International Marine club,Mina Seyahi.
WHEN: The Boat Show runs until Saturday, March 8. Gates open at 15:00 and closes at 21:30.
Sport360° VERDICT: If apart from drinking it, you are even slightly enamoured by water, this is the must-attend event of the year. It caters to every taste – from those interested in fishing, to deep sea diving to owning a yacht.
Contact: Visit www.boatshowdubai.com for more details or call +971 4 308 6430
