Numerous UAE Firms Participating in MEIBS

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Numerous UAE Firms Participating in MEIBS
Gulf Yachting to display six flying bridge motor yachts

February 25, 2001

Several UAE-based boating companies will have a presence at the Middle East International Boat Show (MEIBS), which will be held at Airport Expo Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club from March 28-31, 2001. Gulf Yachting UAE will display six flying bridge motor yachts valued between US$350,000 to 4.5 million while Al Yousuf Industrial will feature a range of products including a variety of Yamaha diesel and outboard engines.

"We have had an enthusiastic response from numerous marine and ancillary product manufacturers from around the world, and now have more than 115 exhibitors confirmed. Gulf Yachting's decision to display six brand new boats at the Middle East International Boat Show is an added asset. The interest and level of participation among UAE-based companies in general is high representing about one-third of all exhibitors," said Wahid Attalla, General Manager of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Gulf Yachting is the exclusive agent of Italy's Azimut for the Gulf Co-operation Council and Egypt. The company said it sold eight boats in 2000 ranging in size from 40 to 70 feet and its participation in the boat show is aimed at making new contacts and increasing sales in 2001.

"The Middle East International Boat Show is an ideal platform for us to display the technology, design and quality of Azimut's products to discerning buyers from throughout the region," said Captain Alessio Tumbiolo, Sea Master at Gulf Yachting.

Meanwhile, Al Yousuf Motors and Al Yousuf Industrial Est., which have been participating in MEIBS since its inception has confirmed it will have a larger presence in 2001, and will showcase a range of Yamaha marine products including outboard engines, diesel inboard engines, work boats and pleasure craft.

"We will have a wide range of marine products on display and are confident that our stand will attract a great deal of enthusiasts. Yamaha is a premier name in the marine industry and enjoys a significant market share in the Gulf. We expect that this year's boat show will generate tremendous interest this year as it has increased in size and the region's market has expanded considerably as well," said Nizar Anik, Assistant General Manager of Al Yousuf Industrial Est.

The boat show, jointly owned by RAI Group of Amsterdam and the Dubai World Trade Centre, will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of Emirates.

The Middle East International Boat Show held in March 1999 had nearly 100 companies from Italy, the UK, Holland, Australia, Korea, Turkey, the UAE, Japan, the U.S. and India participate in the event. An estimated Dhs80 million (US$1 = Dhs3.67) worth of business was conducted during and after the show, according to feedback from the exhibitors.

The Middle East, Africa and the Indian Sub-continent represent one of the largest work boat markets in the world. The Arabian Gulf has 45 per cent of the world's oil supply and the Ports facilities in Dubai are the 13th largest in the world. Situated at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai's strategic location to reach neighbouring consumer markets of over 1.5 billion customers make the water routes some of the busiest in the world.

MEIBS 2001 is sponsored by Dresdner Private Banking and Al Tayer Motors will provide official cars for the exhibition.

Editor's Note: The Middle East International Boat Show (MEIBS) was established in 1993 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition had humble beginnings but grew rapidly to become the region's largest marine exhibition and was subsequently given membership in the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers. The Dubai World Trade Centre and RAI Group of Amsterdam currently own the show, which attracts some of the biggest names in the marine industry worldwide and high net-worth individuals in the Middle East. EPOC International, with the support of Mike Derrett Marine Consultants are the organisers for EIB 2001.

For more information, please contact:
Ashutosh Kumar, Public Relations Executive
Corporate Communications Division
Dubai World Trade Centre, PO Box 9292, Dubai (UAE)
Tel: 009714-3086083 Fax: 009714-3314853
E-mail: ashutosh@dwtc.com Website: www.dwtc.com