The 18^th Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) has been opened in an optimistic mood by the deputy ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. After the success of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show exhibitors are hopeful that DIBS will support the belief that the superyacht market is recovering albeit slowly. Helal Saeed Al Merri, chief executive of Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of DIBS, suggested that: "The show provides remarkable business opportunities as we see the momentum move towards recovery and an increase in consumer confidence. This year there will be many great deals available from some of the world's top leisure marine companies."

Out of the 400 or so boats on show 27 fall into the superyacht category and they include the world's current largest yacht Dubai and the 73m (240ft) Silver Zwei available for sale at €60m. The 27 compares with 19 superyachts exhibited last year reflecting that this sector is keen to push for business in the expanding Middle East market. The show, which runs to March 13, includes 15 international launches and 25 regional launches. Superyacht exhibitors include Trinity yachts and Westport from the US, Sunseeker Middle East, ART Marine, Danish Yachts, and the Al Masaood Group to name but a few.

With two significant boat shows in the same region within a few weeks those from the superyacht sector that have exhibited and visited one or both shows will be taking stock of where this growing market stands. ADYS suffered a drop in visitors and the DIBS is anticipated to do the same but it will be more the mood of the businesses in the sector, the thoughts of visitors in terms of their yacht purchase plans and the level of business done that will be the main pointers as to where any recovery stands.



Superyacht Business / David Robinson, 10 March 2010