Trixie LohMirmand on the New Era of the Dubai Show at Dubai Harbour

The Singaporean, a veteran organizer of the Dubai International Boat Show, asserts that the event may now "scale up" owing to its position at "a world-class marina suitable for one of the world's most significant leisure boating events."

What led a Singaporean woman to become an organizer of the Dubai International Boat Show over 15 years ago?

Dubai sought an individual with extensive experience in large-scale events that yield substantial economic impact, capable of driving transformation, restructuring teams, and collaboratively developing plans. At that time, I had been overseeing one of the largest aviation events globally, catering to both government and private sectors, which rendered me well-suited for this job.

The Dubai leadership's commitment to fostering achievements through collaborative innovation and actively pursuing global talent diversity since the early 2000s exemplifies a progressive city dedicated to establishing super brands such as the Dubai International Boat Show.

Abdulla Binhabtoor (Dubai Harbour/Shamal Holding), Mohammed Alshaali (Gulf Craft), Saeed Hareb (Dubai Sports Council), and Loh Mirmand at DIBS 2022.

What is the experience of collaborating with Dubai Harbour?

The accessibility, infrastructure, operations, and logistics, together with the adaptability of Dubai Harbour's helpful team and management, rendered the organization of the latest edition one of the most seamless we have experienced.

Dubai Harbour is situated at the core of the area designated as the worldwide tourism and leisure center in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This renders it a very appealing and strategically cohesive venue for the Dubai International Boat Show, a significant contributor to recreational maritime tourism.

In 2022, Dubai Harbour served as the inaugural venue for the Dubai International Boat Show

Organizing a large-scale, international boat exhibition can interrupt the daily operations of a functioning marina; yet, the collaboration with the Dubai Harbour crew was exemplary. With the backing of all governmental entities, it generated one of the most remarkable editions of the event.

What evaluations did you obtain regarding the venue and other elements of the performance?

It is frequently necessary to reconcile the demands of superyacht manufacturers with those of medium and smaller boating enterprises during a regional event that caters to the interests of all target demographics. All stakeholders share a shared objective in utilizing the venue and event offerings to enhance the leisure boating and tourist sector, thereby increasing its market appeal and significance in the global economy through a sustainable approach.

The premier yacht show in the Middle East drew 30,000 attendees last year.

How does the current number of exhibitors and boats compare to previous years?

The industry's robust performance throughout the pandemic resulted in significant growth of the event, driven by increasing demand for recreational sailing. The previous year's edition signified the resurgence of numerous multinational corporations eager to reestablish connections with clients as travel restrictions were lifted.

Gulf Craft is conventionally the foremost exhibitor at the event.

Do you believe the event will be more substantial?

As of last October, tourism in Dubai had risen by 134 percent year-on-year, and the robust partnership model between local and global government and private sectors continues to enhance the Dubai International Boat Show's status as the region's preeminent leisure boating lifestyle event.

We anticipate a 25 percent growth in the upcoming edition due to increasing demand for boating, as authorities persist in relaxing and amending tax, visa, access, and movement laws for the yacht industry. Moreover, the winter tourist initiative has achieved significant momentum.

Do you observe an increase in global interest in the Middle East yachting sector?

The appealing schedule of experience events and festivals in Dubai and the surrounding region has significantly increased tourism, boosting yacht trips to the area. The appealing temperature for nine months annually and the elevated livability index of Dubai have attracted new residents and tourists, while the innovative sea-land tourism options exclusive to this region continue to captivate global interest.

The Superyacht Avenue ranks among the most favored sections of the exhibition

Luxury yachting is driving the sector's expansion in the area, with Dubai maintaining its position as the leading location for high-net-worth person (HNWI) wealth. Recent modifications to immigration policy in the region position us favorably in the global competition for talent and investment, hence facilitating the growth of the Middle East yachting market.

What are the predominant Gulf markets, and which other countries are projected to experience substantial growth as yacht markets in the forthcoming years?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, together with Saudi Arabia, are rapidly becoming intriguing destinations with considerable potential for market growth. This results from a coordinated approach to marine regulations, novel tourism initiatives, trends in talent movement, regional stability, and sustained economic accumulation.

What is your perspective on the future development of connections between Asia and the Middle East?

There are signs of heightened yacht mobility between two of the world's most intriguing new hotspots. As Asia emerges from pandemic constraints and seeks to normalize business and lifestyle practices under increasingly favorable yachting legislation, the growth of maritime activities and collaborations is anticipated to increase. The inquiry pertains to the quantity and velocity.