Boat ownership rises 15%

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (pictrued above), Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, on Tuesday inaugurated the 16th Dubai International Boat Show at the Dubai International Marine Club at Mina Seyahi.

Boat ownership in Dubai is set to rise by 15 per cent in the next 12 months as a result of the increased availability of berthing space and better facilities, said the head of Dubai Maritime City.

“Although much of the marine infrastructure is still being developed, the maritime sector is growing by more than 10 per cent – a strong indication of the increasing confidence in the market and Dubai’s enormous potential in this industry,” said CEO Amer Ali.

“With more berths, better facilities and more suppliers we expect boat ownership to take off, especially in the leisure boats and yachts sectors.”

The maritime centre, part of Dubai World group, is set to become the main supply, service and refit centre for leisure boats and yachts in the region. The final preparations are being made to complete the first phase of its marina berth project.

“The show will be particularly interesting because of the increasing number of aficionados drawn to the event,” he said. (With input by Joseph George)