Regional royalty and top buyers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and the UAE joined visitors from Africa, Asia and China at the The Dubai International Boat Show 2014 which opened opened today (4 March 2014) at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi
Strong visitor footfall from Europe and America is also expected with the show’s organisers, Dubai World Trade Centre, expecting more than 26,000 visitors from 70 countries to see 430 boats worth AED 1.8 billion, including 19 large yachts at the stunning Marina Display Area.
Two of the largest superyachts in the history of the show are attracting the most attention with the world press agog choosing to report on how many lavatory’s each has on board rather than the yachts themselves.
The 88 metre Quattroelle built by German shipyard Lürssen is topped by just 500 centimetres The 88.5-metre-long Nirvana, built by Oceanco and exhibited for sale by Edmiston. This is the first time
Demonstrating the region’s growing maritime market, 750 exhibitors – with a 20% increase in new exhibitors compared to 2013 – from 50 countries around the world are looking to make a splash with a total of 42 launches including 11 global launches and 31 regional launches.
Gulf Craft a local shipyard is also highlighting its under-construction Majesty 155 – the largest build in its history – with a special presentation at DIBS of the superyacht’s interiors, which illustrate the company’s focus on innovation and engineering, high quality material selection and craftsmanship.
Company Chairman, Mohammed Al Shaali, said, “Our different approach to designing and manufacturing extends across our entire range of products – from superyachts to smaller leisure craft and sport cruisers.”
He added, “In recent months, Gulf Craft has been recognized as one of the leading shipyards on the global stage, joining other UAE brands in the luxury and marine lifestyle business that have successfully exported their expertise to foreign shores.”