The 23rd edition of the Dubai International Boat Show will run from the 3rd to 7th March 2015. The level of superyacht ownership in the region has reportedly seen an increase in recent years, and is reportedly continuing to rise. Furthermore, according to the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), more than half of ultra high-net worth individuals in the Middle East and Africa region are likely to own or buy a superyacht.

Operational Director of SYBAss, Robert van Tol, comments on this regional increase in superyacht ownership. He says, “According to our latest SYBAss Economic Report, the propensity to buy a superyacht among UHNWIs in the Middle East and Africa has increased to 51%, from 48% last year. This means that more than half the UHNWIs in the region are likely to own or buy a superyacht – the highest proportion in the world.”

Aiming to promote the ultimate superyacht experience, SYBAss will represent the world’s leading superyacht builders at the Dubai International Boat Show, bringing them together in one dedicated platform at the Superyacht Life Area of the show’s Marina Display.

“After some rough economic waters, there is a quiet feeling of optimism, interest and vitality in the market,” said Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of Oceanco, a SYBAss member and custom yacht builder of yachts in the 80+ metre range. “This region will become even more important as marinas and yachting facilities are developed in the Middle East and the Gulf.”

Oceanco, which is a long-time exhibitor at Dubai International Boat Show, currently has seven projects under construction in the 85 metres to 110 metres category, according to Onkenhout, and is on track to open a state-of-the-art facility at the beginning of this year to accommodate the construction of superyachts up to 140 meters in length.

In addition to the continual increase of superyacht ownership in the region, Dubai’s importance to the superyacht industry has been underlined by the recent announcement that the UAE’s Gulf Craft is to invest $100 million in a new shipyard located in Dubai Maritime City to build a global luxury yacht manufacturing facility. Gulf Craft, a global top 10 superyacht manufacturer in 2014, is expected to deliver 13 new project builds in 2015, totalling more than 1,500 feet.

Another UAE-based luxury yacht manufacturer, Al Shaali Marine, will unveil its new $5.45 million AS100 model superyacht at the Dubai International Boat Show, which it describes as the first of its kind designed and manufactured in the Middle East.

Beyond the Superyacht Life Area, Dubai International Boat Show visitors will also be able to attend this year’s show sectors: Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Marine Luxury and Lifestyle, Equipment Supplies and Services, Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), and the Supercar Promenade. The show’s newest features for 2015 include; DIBS Sailing, DIBS Fishing and DIBS Watersports. Key returning partners include Italian luxury watch brand Officine Panerai together with Bombardier, the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains, as a Supporting Partner.

Senior Vice President of DWTC, Trixie LohMirmand, comments, “We want to make the Dubai International Boat Show a better experience every year and we are always looking at innovative ways we can achieve this. With Dubai firmly established on the global marketplace for superyachts, the Dubai International Boat Show is an essential part of the industry calendar, attracting exhibitors and companies from around the world.”

The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from 3-7 March 2015.