Dubai: The Dubai International Boat Show 23rd edition is reporting increased interest in boats of all kinds this year.
UAE-based Al Shaali Marine said it is expecting to sell at least three superyachts and seven medium-sized boats by the end of the show.
“Not only are we expecting to sell superyachts and boats, but we’ve also inked three dealership agreements — one regionally and two in Europe — to supply our high quality, UAE-manufactured luxury yachts to even more buyers,” said Sultan Al Shaali, CEO of Al Shaali Group.
ART Marine reported the sale of the luxury Italian-made Fiart 47, worth 800,000 euros (Dh3.2 million).
San Lorenzo Middle East, represented by ACE Marine, also confirmed the sale of their 26.45-metre SL 86, worth 5.6 million euros in the first three days of the show, with serious prospects expected to convert to sales in the coming days.
Regional specialists, Delma Marine, have recorded total sales of Dh12 million across their unique Mercury engines, amphibious Quadski and Boston Whaler line of sports boats, including a Cabo yacht valued at approximately Dh3.67 million.
Local manufacturer Al Hareb Marine has also reported the sale of four boats at a total value of Dh8 million.
IMG boats, local manufacturer of uniquely designed fishing boats, reported two custom sales: a 52 footer worth Dh2.4 million as well as a 40 foot sport fisher valued at Dh1.1 million, with more orders to be finalised on the final day.
First-time exhibitor Brodie Boats, premier wake boat specialist and authorised dealer for Moomba and Supra wake boats, has already seen a massive return on investment on exhibiting, after visiting the show last year.
Returning exhibitor MTM Powersports, distributor for Sea-Doo watercraft and Can-Am vehicles in the region, has sold more than 12 Sea-Doos, as well as two of the only Middle East-built jetboats, with total sales currently around Dh840,000, according to Commercial Manager Bassem Wazafi.
“Watersports are becoming more and more popular in the region and we’ve seen this reflected in the sales of jet skis and jetboats every year,” Wazafi said.
Exhibitors from the show’s new sectors, DIBS Fishing, DIBS Sailing and DIBS Watersports, have also fared well, with sales taking place every day of the show.
“Kayaks have been our most popular product. We sold four on the first day itself and continued to sell many every day. The turnout has been amazing and we’ll definitely be exhibiting again next year,” said Sterenn Bourges, CEO and Owner of Sea-You watersports company specialised in non-motorised equipment.
