What keeps the boat sector afloat?

dubai — The appeal, accessibility and affordability of boats in the small to mid-sized segment compared to their larger counterparts are a key contributing factor in keeping the marine industry alive, with local and international companies using the Dubai International Boat Show as a platform to target a wealth of eager consumers during the five-day event.

Sultan Alshaali, CEO of Al Shaali Group, said: “Small- to medium-sized boats represent 20 per cent of the market, but they generate 80 per cent of revenue for the entire industry. If you think of it this way, one boat owner will need one service; 20 boat owners will need 20 services and so on. So this

Small- to medium-sized boats represent 20% of the market, but they generate 80% of revenue for the entire industry Sultan Alshaali, CEO of Al Shaali Group

is actually what’s keeping the industry alive.”

The show, which concludes today at the Dubai International Marine Club, features a host of exhibitors showcasing the latest products targeting the largest segment of the luxury boating market.

“We’ve always paid attention to this diversity and never focused solely on megayachts. The medium-sized boats are faster to build and turn around, and if you go to any marina, be it in Dubai or worldwide, you’ll find that less than five per cent of the boats are megayachts with the small and medium segment being the lion’s share. Marinas recognise the importance of this as well, as it is a driving factor for their business,” added Alshaali

With over 800 brands and companies represented from more than 60 countries at the 25th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, there is a wealth of products on display to cater for an array of customers with different budgets. Aside from 19 superyachts at the event, there are over 450 boats moored in the marina on display at the venue, and they feature products that will appeal to customers with a variety of interests.