Khaleej Times

boats of confidence

- Rohma Sadaqat

dubai — With Dh1.5 billion worth of boats being showcased by companies from over 60 different countries, it’s not hard to see why the Dubai Internatio­nal Boat Show (DIBS 2018) is one of the most eagerly-awaited events in the region, officials say.

The 26th edition of the DIBS runs until tomorrow at its new home at the Dubai Canal.

The 2018 edition of the show features 845 companies, including debuts appearance­s by 91 companies. More than 450 boats are being showcased, including 20 superyacht­s.

The annual show acts as a global platform for brands to showcase their products to potential clients from across the Middle East and beyond. Experts at the show say that the continued success of the event and its importance to the region is reflected in the strength of Dubai’s maritime industry.

“Although a lot of people from outside consider UAE a desert, in reality people here spend more time in the waters than in Europe,” Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, told Khaleej Times. “It has to do with the temperatur­e in the first place. Unlike Europe, where the summers are shorter and the water colder, here you have a host of benefits — the pristine white beaches and warm conditions for most of the year. It looks like it is summer throughout the year.

dubai — Gulf Craft, the UAE’s pioneering builder of luxury superyacht­s, fine yachts and leisure boats boasted an imposing presence with a global premiere of its new creations at the 26th edition of the Dubai Internatio­nal Boat Show.

Starting from February 27 to March 3, this year’s show is held at an exciting new location — Dubai Canal, just minutes away from some of the other prominent new leisure, shopping and marine developmen­ts in Dubai.

The newly unveiled Majesty 140 is an elegant 140-foot superyacht that offers unrivaled luxury. It’s extensive glass side windows allow plenty of sunlight inside and give the guests stunning panoramic views of the seascape around.

Along with Majesty 140, Gulf Craft also unveiled the Majesty 62. Finished with stained Eucalyptus as the main veneer, Oak Rhodes for the floorings and leather walls, the new yacht can be distinguis­hed by its large panoramic windows. The main deck has been designed and built to maximize the onboard space, connecting the indoor and outdoor decks together. Propelled by two MAN engines, each with a capacity of 800 hp, the yacht travels at a speed of 26 knots.

Lastly, Gulf Craft unveiled the Touring 48, a fine limousine boat built with luxury yacht materials, can take up to 15 people, while the custom-made ferry version can take up to 42 guests. It is one of the very few passenger boats in the world that feature a stepped hull made of reinforced composites, a typical design for performanc­e boats. The boat is powered by three 350 hp outboard engines, gaining a speed of 37 knots. What also makes this model special is that it is being manufactur­ed by Gulf Craft in two of its facilities, the UAE and the Maldives.

“Gulf Craft is proud to be one of the global leading manufactur­ers of luxury yachts and boats,” said Mohammed Hussain Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft. “The company’s continued commitment to support the Dubai Internatio­nal Boat Show since it was founded, reflects our leading position in the industry both regionally and internatio­nally. Today the Majesty 140 is a continuati­on of our three and half decade long commitment to create yachts and boats in accordance with the world’s best standards, carrying the ‘Made in UAE’ flag with pride.”

— business@khaleejtim­es.com

 ?? KT GRAPHIC • SOURCES: DIBS, DWTC, DMCA, DUBAI TOURISM ??
KT GRAPHIC • SOURCES: DIBS, DWTC, DMCA, DUBAI TOURISM
 ?? — Supplied photo ?? Gulf Craft officials at the 26th edition of the Dubai Internatio­nal Boat Show.
— Supplied photo Gulf Craft officials at the 26th edition of the Dubai Internatio­nal Boat Show.

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