Duboats has signed an agreement with the Bénéteau Group, the world's largest recreational boat manufacturer that has a 120-year old boating tradition, to promote its products in the GCC region. The Bénéteau Group has earned wide reputation and commercial success for its products and services and has a 22 per cent market share in sailing boats worldwide.
Duboats, a new company founded by the Bin Zayed Group to cater to the increasing demands of the Middle East's fast-growing leisure boating market, made its debut at the Dubai International Boat Show held from March 19 to 22. The company showcased its international product range including sailing and powerboats at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club during the show.
The powerboats it displayed included the new Antares 13.80, the Flyer Viva 9.20 and the Flyer 650. Sailing enthusiasts were also able to view the 'cruiser-racer' First 260 Spirit from Bénéteau.
Shaikh Khalid bin Zayed bin Saqer Al Nahyan, chairman of Duboats, said the growth potential of the marine sector in the Middle East region was immense.
"The ongoing development of waterfront properties and the facilities being created to accommodate the influx of new powerboats, yachts and cruise liners bode well for this rapidly progressing industry. High disposable incomes, a superb coastline and the fast expanding tourism sector will all contribute to the leisure boating industry, " said Shaikh Khalid.
Waterfront properties with emphasis on marina developments and facilities, as well as international water sport events such as power boat races in the region have resulted in increasing levels of interest in the sailing and powerboat sectors. Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE have all begun major projects that focus on waterfront properties, which offer both leisure and commercial opportunities to companies in the boating industry. Duboats has partnered with select industry leaders to offer a wide range of sailing and power boats to meet the multifaceted demands by clients in the GCC region - be it cruises, sport fishing or power racing. The company is drawing on the industry's top-notch international expertise within a local setting to identify and meet the specific requirements of the GCC market.
"The selection of Duboats' product range, which includes long-haul luxury yachts, catamarans, sailboats and power boats, has been made taking into consideration the short- and long-term development of the marine industry in the GCC. Development is picking up in terms of berths, yacht clubs and sailing facilities, which, added to the calm and warm waters of the Gulf, is expected to increase the demand on all types and price ranges of boats," said Christophe Vanek, general manager, Duboats.
Vanek said Duboats' first boat was sold within the first few hours of the Boat Show.
"The response that we received at the show has been tremendously positive and encouraging. The show also provided us with an opportunity to highlight our affiliation with Bénéteau, the world's largest recreational boat manufacturer, which will now provide a wealth of expertise and services to the GCC region."
