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Officials at the press conference

UAE strengthens position as yacht manufacturing hub

DUBAI, February 24, 2015

UAE is set to build on its position as a leading international yacht manufacturing hubs as local manufacturers expand their operations, international developers relocate and the maritime industry expands with coastline developments, according to industry experts.

The UAE currently ranks ninth in the world for superyacht manufacturing, with 15 projects under development, according to the 2015 ShowBoats International Global Order Book.

Local and international manufacturers are set to announce a slew of new projects for the UAE at the 23rd Dubai International Boat Show, which will run from March 3 to 7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

It will have boats on display worth Dh1 billion ($272.2 million), according to the organisers.

Dr Khalid Al Zahed, vice chairman, Dubai International Marine Club Board, said: “This year’s Dubai International Boat Show will reaffirm Dubai’s status as a leisure marine hub. As the water-based lifestyle becomes increasingly popular in Dubai, we will see this sector continue to expand and grow in the future. Dubai’s commitment to excellence in everything it does will drive the marine industry to achieve new heights and bring more visitors to the city.”

According to the Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries (DCMMI), the total UAE maritime industry is worth more than $61 billion, with 386 boats above 24m built last year, up eight per cent compared to the previous year.

The fleet of yachts in Dubai has doubled since 2009 and the DCMMI predicts the creation of a national classification society – Tasneef – and the introduction of the world’s first code governing private yachts, the UAE Yacht Code, will boost the industry’s future development.

Boosting Dubai’s position as a global maritime hub, Comar Yachts, which has produced more than 6,200 yachts to date, is set to relocate some of its production facilities from Italy to the UAE.

The company aims to manufacture locally around 100 catamarans and powerboats per annum in the 26 to 46 foot range, as it looks to penetrate the wider GCC market and beyond. Comar Yachts will also announce a major global launch at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, with the world premiere of its Comet Power Cat line of power catamarans.

Marco Liello, partner, Comar, said: “The UAE has the advantage of being a major geographical hub, allowing us to extend our reach not only across the GCC but to India and south-east Asia as well. By moving production facilities here we are able to build boats, reach new markets and attract new customers more economically.

“If you look at the success of the regional yachting industry then a lot more shipyards should come to this part of the world, it’s just a question of finding the right place.”

Local manufacturers are also expanding activities in line with the growth in Dubai’s maritime industry, which also aligns with Dubai’s National Innovation Strategy aiming to make the UAE one of the world’s most innovative nations within the next seven years, said a statement.

The UAE’s Gulf Craft is set to invest $100 million over the next five years to develop a state-of-the-art facility to build a shipyard for the manufacture of mega and super yachts within the marine district of Dubai Maritime City, a world-class maritime cluster in the heart of Dubai.

Named one of the top ten superyacht shipyards in the world, Gulf Craft has played a significant role in cementing the UAE’s position as a yacht production hub, and continues to support developments that build the country’s credibility on the international marine scene.

Erwin Bamps, chief executive officer, Gulf Craft, said: “Dubai has everything in place to become a global maritime industry hub and to be a centre of excellence for the yachting industry – there is a high degree of wealth, a commitment to the water-based lifestyle and the allure of Dubai as a brand that stands for excellence.

“Regulation and integration of the industry are key to establishing international credibility, and the recent announcement of the UAE Yacht Code is a prime example. With these new regulations in place, which is a first-time globally for private superyachts, the UAE is put on the map when it comes to the production of world-class vessels.” 

ART Marine, a leading 360-degree leisure yachting enterprise in the Middle East, is also set to consolidate its presence in the region with its Oman launch and reopening in Egypt.

Gregor Stinner, chief executive officer of ART Marine, said: “We are focused on continuing to forge strategic partnerships and cementing our presence in the countries of the region we believe in, not only for the superyacht market but also for people who want to enter this lifestyle with a smaller, affordable boat. The Dubai International Boat Show is the best platform for us, to announce new projects, new partnerships and the ongoing collaborations with our partners in this ever challenging but promising market.”
 
The company will also be signing a deal with Kleindienst Group – developer of the Heart of Europe at The World Islands, on a yet-to-be-announced co-operation of the two companies at several levels for the unique archipelago, on the second day of the show.

Another UAE-based luxury yacht manufacturer, Al Shaali Marine, will unveil its new $5.45 million AS100 model superyacht at the Dubai International Boat Show, which it describes as the first of its kind designed and manufactured in the Middle East.

Sultan Al Shaali, chief executive officer, said: “The UAE’s embrace of innovation and best-in-class technology, which has seen it develop in so many other areas, will help it to become the global market leader in the yachting industry.

“The Dubai International Boat Show will allow us to showcase our offerings to a wider market and help to continue to develop Dubai’s maritime industry.”

With over 800 companies and brands from 54 countries exhibiting at this year’s boat show, tens of thousands of visitors, from more than 120 countries are expected to attend.

The new country participants this year include Djibouti, Indonesia and Luxembourg, while Italy and the US return as top participating countries, and the event will see 45 global and regional launches over the five days of the show.

The show’s new features include dedicated sections for DIBS Sailing, DIBS Fishing, and DIBS Water Sports – industry areas supporting strong sales growth over the last several years as Gulf states increasingly develop planned communities around an active, on-water lifestyle.

The DIBS Sailing section is designed as an interactive zone, where enthusiasts – from experienced sailors to first-timers – can see boats, brands, equipment and suppliers from across the globe in a relaxed environment.

The DIBS Fishing sector will meet the needs of even the most expert fisherman, allowing them to get specialist technical advice from experts and see the latest technologies and products. DIBS Water Sports is an exciting new show zone dedicated to all related things, from kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, and paddle boarding to surfing, kite surfing, and wind surfing, with a dedicated testing pool for water sports enthusiasts

The show sectors for this year include Marina Display, Superyacht Life Area, Outdoor Display, Marine Luxury and Lifestyle, Equipment Services and Supplies (ESS), with popular show features including the Supercar Promenade and the Retail Village returning to the show.

The Middle East Yachting Conference – the region’s largest maritime networking session – will bring together some of the leading industry experts, region’s top boat manufacturers, marina operators, in a collaborative knowledge platform.

In addition, Marine Talks will offer leisure marine enthusiasts the chance to glean the latest tips, trends and tricks from experts in fishing, diving, sailing and watersports.

Meanwhile, the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), held in association with Emirates Diving Association, returns with a 42 per cent increase in exhibiting companies and brands. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: UAE | hub | manufacturing | Yacht |

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