Middle East Maritime Industry Shaped by Rich Heritage, Vibrant Present and Future Marine Developments

The changing face of the regional leisure marine industry and the future of the superyacht business will be put under the limelight at the 11th Middle East Yachting Conference sustained by Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), to be hung on Monday, 27 February at the Westin Mina-Seyahi, in advance of the 25th Dubai International Boat Show.

The annual Middle East Yacht Conference unites global specialists and industry authorities, along with boating fanatics, to deal with the most recent trends, technologies, plans and guidelines affecting the marine recreation sector in Dubai and beyond.

Leading experts from the private yacht manufacturing industry setting up for the day-long seminar will take a look at warm subjects from all corners of the industry, consisting of the means to supply marinas across the region which fulfill the modern needs of private yacht and watercraft owners.

This year's theme, 'Honouring the past, valuing the present, shaping the future', is specifically suitable in view of the role played by the Dubai International Watercraft Show in driving the growth of the regional leisure aquatic industry over the last 25 years.

" Yachting is a significantly important element in Middle East luxury way of life, which is particularly evident here in Dubai with the retail, hospitality and recreation sectors in addition to the spectacular waterfront developments now in progress," stated Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, the conference and show organisers.

" The seminar is designed as a platform for meaningful discussion and to create opportunities for the sharing of experience and expertise, and this year's theme will certainly be underscored by sessions reflecting on where we have actually originated from as an industry in the region, taking a look at where we are today, and looking at the course in advance."

The conference starts with a keynote address on the history of the Dubai maritime industry by Nawfal Al Jourani, Chief Officer, Dubai Marine Cluster Office, Dubai Maritime City Authority.

The event is occurring against a background of comprehensive marina development throughout the Middle East. UAE-based Gulf Craft, among the world's leading 10 superyacht manufacturers, has a unique view of a region in change.

Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, which is marking its 35th anniversary this year, will offer delegates understandings right into exactly what luxury suggests in the Middle East where, inning accordance with the Superyacht Builders Organization (SYBAss), there were 628 HNWIs - families with a minimum of $US250 million bankable properties - at the last matter.

Regulating a session on the future of Middle East Marinas will be Bruno Meier, COO of UAE-based Art Marine which is presently wanting to broaden its marina procedure and monitoring business by forging collaborations to go into the F&B market.

Art Marine states that present marina growth and development jobs in the region will add one more 12,180 berths, 9,200 of these in the UAE, consisting of 1,400 at the recently announced Dubai Harbour project.

Likewise giving understandings into the future for marinas will be Wayne Shepherd, General Manager, Lusail Marina in Qatar, Captain Munis Momani, Marina Manager, Ayla Marina in Jordan, Toby Haws, Head of Marinas, Al Zorah - Emirates Palace - Al Bander - Marsa Al Bateen, UAE, Cedric Lerest, General Manager, YAS Marina in Abu Dhabi and Tony Dye CMM, Assessor with The Luxury yacht Harbour Association in the UK.

Addressing just how the superyacht business has transformed over last few years, a mid-day session moderated by Nabil Farhat, Editor of The World of Yachts & Boats, will certainly deal with the concern - just what is the following "big thing" for the industry.

Prominent speakers will certainly include Farouk Nefzi, Brand & Advertising and marketing Director, Feadship, the Dutch manufacturers, a senior representative from Benetti, Olivier Blanchet, Head of Jet & Yacht Financing, BNP Paribas, France and Captain Roger Towner, Chief Examiner from the Maritime & Coastline Guard Agency (MCA) in the UK.

In addition to conversations centred on the marine industry, Rob Dalla Costa, Director at KPMG will certainly supply a special presentation on the region's introduction of new BARREL laws and just what these modifications will certainly mean for marine business within the UAE.

The seminar will conclude with a keynote address on the spending and demands of UHNWIs by David Awit, Director Middle East, Wealth-X, UK. The 11th Middle East Yacht Meeting will certainly happen at the The Westin Mina Seyahi's Serdaal Ballroom from 9.30am-5.00 pm. Delegate enrollment is cost free and could be done at www.boatshowdubai.com. Media are welcome to go to.

Caption: The future of the region's maritime industry will certainly be reviewed at the upcoming Middle East Yachting Conference, held on Monday 27 February ahead of the Dubai International Boat Show