A Sunseeker 38m (125ft) Special Edition, valued at AED 72m, was purchased onsite — an indication that the Middle East's leisure marine market is potentially on the road to recovery.

"Consumer confidence is back and the Dubai International Boat Show has played an important role in stimulating demand and reinvigorating the leisure marine industry as highlighted by the impressive number of deals conducted at this year's show," says Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of show organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

With 15 global launches and 25 regional premiers, business was busy throughout the entire five-day event. Companies reporting particularly strong sales include Al Masaood, Al Yousuf (Yamaha), ART Marine, Gulf Craft, IMG Boats, Mercedes, Sebile, Sun Marina and Sunseeker.

"This is our best ever result at the Dubai International Boat Show," said Francesco Pitea, general manager of Sunseeker Middle East LLC. "It was a great start to sell the Sunseeker 38 metre Special Edition on the very first day and we have confirmed further sales across the course of the week."

Middle East boatbuilder Gulf Craft also confirmed several deals. "We have already finalised four orders and five more are currently under negotiation," said COO Erwin Bamps.

"It has been a exceptional show," added Waleid Ateir, general manger of Sun Marina. "We have seen so many people from the GCC and Levant region and we have had many very serious enquiries from further a field, including from Morocco and Tunisia.

"We have done more than AED one million of business during this year's show with people from all around the world."

(25 March 2010)