Dubai makes ripples in leisure waters

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Dubai makes ripples in leisure waters
The 25th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show will be held from February 28 to March 4.

dubai - Major waterfront projects in Dubai are turning the UAE into the next global marine leisure hub

By Staff Report

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Published: Fri 20 Jan 2017, 7:12 PM

Last updated: Fri 20 Jan 2017, 9:15 PM

Major waterfront projects in Dubai are turning the UAE into the next global marine leisure hub and can drive superyacht and boat sales in the Middle East, organisers of a marine industry event have said.

bbfDubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organisers of the Dubai International Boat Show, are confident that the 25th edition of the event, from February 28 to March 4, will help stimulate further growth within a thriving regional boating community.

The event takes place at the Dubai International Marine Club, which is set to be an integral part of Dubai Harbour, the new development which will reinforce the emirate's status as a global marine industry destination and a regional hub for yachting, boating and water sports.

The 20 million sqft Dubai Harbour project features a 135-metre-high tower, Dubai Lighthouse, housing a luxury hotel and an observation deck. It will also have a 150,000 sqft cruise liner terminal capable of handling 6,000 passengers, as well as entertainment and retail space, a yacht club, shopping mall, hotels and residences.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president, events management, DWTC said: "The Dubai International Boat Show has always catered to the needs of the boating community and has grown over the past 25 years to accommodate the expanding marine industry. Developments such as the Dubai Canal Extension and the recent announcement of the Dubai Harbour project, featuring exclusive berthing facilities for superyachts up to 85m long, will continue to have a tremendous impact on both the show and the emirate's reputation as a globally recognised marine hub."

In creating the Middle East's largest marina and a waterway sweeping through the city offering new marine lifestyle opportunities, Dubai can expect to create a new wave of boat owners in the region.

Added LohMirmand: "These developments will add to the appeal of the Dubai International Boat Show for yacht and boat owners, water sports enthusiasts, industry figures as well as contribute to the event's growth in stature alongside the marine industry's other top events in Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Cannes."

Among the major exhibitors at the Show is UAE-based Gulf Craft, a superyacht manufacturer.

The company's CEO, Erwin Bamps, said: "Dubai's ambitious waterfront projects are quickly transforming the UAE into the next global leisure marine destination. The recent launch of the Dubai Canal and the announcement of the Dubai Harbour project are examples of this, offering both tourists and residents a host of rich lifestyle experiences.

"We believe such projects will help grow a thriving boating community because they give people the opportunity to enjoy protective waterway cruising, allowing aspiring yacht owners to experience the serenity of on-water living without having to leave UAE borders or venture into the open seas."  

- business@khaleejtimes.com


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