Ahead of the 2018 UAE Maritime Week, the organizers of the annual Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show have announced the return of its ninth installment, taking place on Nov. 8 – 10, 2018 at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
The Middle East is a key marketplace for super yachts, with 205 high-end vessels over 40 metres in length reportedly registered in the region. The UAE is also a hub for maritime commerce, forecast by Oxford Business Group to be worth $66 billion by the end of 2018.
Abdulla Ali Al Noon, Club Manager at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, says: “We are proud to present yet another Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show to GCC residents and visitors to the UAE. Globally, the yachting industry is expected to be valued at $74.2 billion by 2022, which shows a continuous upward trajectory of the industry, and thus a need for events of this nature. Last year we welcomed a record number of visitors over the three-day event, and this year we aim to take the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show to the new heights – offering quality vessels at affordable prices, and an enjoyable weekend event for both prospective buyers and families.”
Following the successful Dubai International Boat Show in February, and the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show in October, the maritime needs of the region’s locals and residents continue to increase. Coupled with these events are various development plans in the region – including the Dubai Harbour mega project that will introduce 1,400 additional berths; and Dubai Properties’ AED 1 billion development of five marinas, over a 7.4km stretch along the Dubai Water Canal, which is set to provide 1,250 berths for boat owners to dock at. These efforts are poised to reinforce the country’s position as a leading maritime destination, which currently sits at 10th globally, and fifth in terms of attractiveness and competitiveness.
The 2018 Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show will have over 25 exhibitors, including Bush & Noble and Gulf Craft displaying some of its most luxurious vessels. Also included in this year’s show is event partner, Xclusive Boat Club, which was recently launched in September 2018 as a division of award-winning yacht rental company, Xclusive Yachts.
Wayne Munro, Boat Club Manager of Xclusive Boat Club, said: “The pre-owned boat show is an important event for us because the majority of our clients are people who have either owned a boat or are looking to get into boating by purchasing a pre-owned boat. We find that the people who attend are the perfect demographic for our product, giving them the option to enjoy boating without the headache that comes with owning one.”
Commenting on the future of the marine industry in the region, Munro said: “The biggest development for us is the addition of new marinas, which illustrates the high demand. We hope that this reduces berthing fees in the region and, in turn, makes boating more affordable. The introduction of the FTA regulation will also have a big impact, making boating in all UAE waters much safer, along with a greater impact on the environment as a result of certain rules and regulations in place.”
The 2018 Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show takes place from Thursday, 8th November until Saturday, 10th November. It is open from 02:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m. on the Thursday, and from 12:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m. on the Friday, and Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m. on the Sunday.
