Dubai Yacht Show 2011

Super yachts and cars come together for a memorable international yacht show in Dubai

So the Dubai International Boat Show is over for another year. Despite talk of reduced visitor numbers for 2011, the vibe around the yacht marina at Mina Seyahi seemed as upbeat as ever at this perennial superyacht favourite.

New market opportunities in the world’s biggest super yacht market

Early signs were that families visited in unprecedented numbers this time – not just for a great day out but as serious potential buyers of yachts in the Dhs 150,000–200,000 range. Does this reflect the increasing affordability of smaller yachts in a market traditionally associated with ownership of one in three of the world’s superyachts? We think so.

Renewed optimism in Middle East super yachting

On the subject of top of the range yachts, the show featured more than 10 world launches, over 40 premieres and more than 400 vessels on display at the Dubai International Marine Club. And as reported elsewhere on the SuperYachts Directory news pages, we were delighted to learn that Sunseeker sold one of its blue-water-ready 40 Metre Yachts to a local buyer. It’s facts like this that reflect the return of consumer confidence reported by Trixi Loh, VP-Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre, during a pre-show broadcast for AMEinfo.com.

Super car design meets super yachts in more ways than one

Whilst our main focus is on super yachts, we were impressed by the organisers’ decision to create the new Supercar Promenade this year. Along with the enlarged Super Yacht Boulevard this decision reflects the confidence of the show’s organisers. Our favourite car? It has to be a toss up between the 6.3-litre Brabus 800 and Hamman’s striking yellow and black Mercedes coupe.

We were also wowed by the 'supercar looks' of Danish Yachts’ AeroSpeed Yacht tender. Currently at concept stage, the SuperYachts Directory understands that this new Rainsford Mann design will go into production soon. It's stunningly beautiful.

We're already looking forward to the 20th Dubai yacht show...

So, as the sun set on Dubai at the end of the show, Sunseeker sales, breathtaking super yacht designs, new market opportunities in the Middle East and growing optimism made this an event to remember. We can’t wait until next year and the excitement that will inevitably surround the 20th Dubai show.