The Dubai International Boat Show was a compact affair in 2018. That’s not to say that it was small, or that there were not some impressive yachts on display, but the new venue for the show made the event lass sprawling and spread out as previous years.
This year, the event was staged at the mouth of the Dubai Water Canal, instead of the Dubai International Marine Club at Dubai Marina. The old venue is being redeveloped as ‘Dubai Harbour’ and the boat show will return there when construction is complete.
Targeted
Unlike some boat shows, that are padded out with cabbage cutting gadgets and miracle chamois, the Dubai Boat Show focused on showcasing products and services that made sense for an event of this type. As well as Business to Consumer (B2C) products, there were also quite a few Business to Business (B2B) products – from docks and port equipment for marine developers, to ferries and work-boats for the non-leisure market.
Even the Nikki Beach Lounge was on brand, a luxury beach club concept that fits well with Dubai and the theme of the 2018 event – “Go where you feel free.”
The Boats
As with all Dubai Boat Shows, a large part of the marina was taken up with the local manufacturer Gulf Craft’s products. The company used the show for the global premiere of 3 boats, the Majesty 140, Majesty 62 and the Touring 48. As a nod to the new location and a strategy to promote the Marine Lifestyle, the company also displayed Silvercraft 36 HT yacht, Silvercraft 31 HT yacht and Silvercraft 31 fishing boat.
Perhaps the most remarkable boat at the show was ‘The Foiler’, a 32 ft speedboat that uses technology similar to that used in the most recent America’s Cup to ‘fly’ above the water at 40 knots. Made entirely of carbon fiber, the Foiling Yacht, was the most obvious example of innovation at the show.
Despite Dubai’s marine heritage and the enduring success and popularity of dhow racing, there were very few sailing boats at the show. Only Dufour, Lagoon and Beneteau had a presence.
Marine Lifestyle
While some may see Dubai as a desert city, the fact is that most of the high profile property developments are facing the sea. From the Palm, to Bluewaters to the new Bulgari Hotel and Yacht Club, the Emirate is strategically promoting a Marine Lifestyle that is more than just big yachts.
Areas like ‘Kite Beach’ have turned into busy weekend destinations, with activities from Aqua bikes to Kitesurfing gaining in popularity. The early morning conditions are perfect for Stand up Paddleboarding with iconic landmarks like the Burj Al Arab on the horizon.
This is a trend to watch, however the Dubai Boat show missed an opportunity to take a leadership role when it comes to plastic in the sea.
Single use plastic is something that those who spend a lot of time around the oceans and beaches of the world are starting to care deeply about. It’s a shame then to see exhibitors handing out 120ml bottles of water to guests. The Dubai World Trade Center, who organised the event should make a stand and come up with innovative solutions to rid these events of single use plastic. Handing out re-useable water bottles and providing water-coolers to provide refills would go a long way to promoting a sustainable marine future – which is best for manufacturers and consumers alike.
