Venue:
Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) - Mina Seyahi

Dates:
‎3 – 7 March 2009‎

The 5th annual Gulf Boating Conference (GBC) that will run alongside Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) is confirmed to take place on 4th March 2009 at Dubai International Marine Club- Mina Seyahi (DIMC) and will once again be a main attraction for members of the local and international leisure boat industry. The conference is a must attend event for industry professionals wanting to keep up with the fast paced developments in this area. Participants will hear about the latest groundbreaking projects and developments that are now driving the leisure boat industry and associated services, as well as have the opportunity to network with local and worldwide marine business associations. Gulf Boating Conference is exclusively supported by ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations).

The 2009 GBC will focus on the following:

Where is the industry going?

The leisure boating industry worldwide is undergoing massive change as its major markets in the US and Europe experiences a downturn in demand for new boats. This is driving strong interest in finding new markets around the world, not least of which is Gulf States where leisure boating has enjoyed rapid growth in the past 5 years.

While every part of the world is affected by the economic recession, the developing world including the Gulf and Asia is forecast to fair the best. High liquidity in many of the Gulf and Asian countries and growth rates that IMF experts say will still be between 3% to 5% are key factors to maintain this. The medium and long term growth potential for the marine industry in the Gulf and the near region is strong and will accelerate rapidly as soon as the world economies pick up again in some two years time. Make sure you are positioned to take advantage of this by attending the 2009 Gulf Boating Conference and gain from the knowledge and wisdom of recognised Gulf Industry experts.

Provisional programme for Wednesday 4 March 9.30am to 1.00pm

Speaker topics under the Chairmanship of Doctor Mohammed Hamdan Al Shamsi,

• Saudi Arabia, the untapped Gulf boating market - the inside view on the potential and how to get your share of it by
  Captain Ahmed Shaker from Kaust University
  Saudi Arabia is the most difficult boating market to understand but has enormous potential with new marina projects coming on stream; it also has the longest coastline and biggest population many of whom are extremely affluent.
• Rules and regulations for boating in the Gulf, Perspective from the Government of Dubai
  Speaker from Dubai Maritime City Authority
  Tasked with formulating the rules and regulations for boating in Dubai.
• Doing business in the Gulf States
  Rudi Joustra General Manager of Elcome International
  As one of the leading suppliers in the Gulf of Marine Electronics, Rudi has over 20 years experience in the marine leisure industry in the Gulf and will provide valuable insight into how to do business in this exciting market.
• Regional update, in the light of continuing gloom in the US and Europe boating markets can the MENA and Asia markets take up the slack?
  Mike Derrett, Regional boating market expert
  Mike will review the latest trends and opportunities in the MENA and Indian sub continent leisure boating markets and offer his view of the future. Statistics, trends and hot spots for business will be reviewed.
• Expert panel, your chance to put your questions to a panel of Gulf boating experts including our four speakers and additional experts including:
  - Andrew Wagner Managing Director of Mohammed Bin Massoud Abu Dhabi one of the largest Gulf marine Equipment Distributors of equipment and engines including brands such as Volvo Penta and MTU
  - Toby Haws, Ex Editor of Middle East Boat Owner magazine and now Administration Manager at Dubai Marine Yacht Club.
  - Erwin Bamps, Executive Manager of Gulf Craft in the Middle East's largest boat builder manufacturing a range of boats and Yachts under the majesty Yachts, Oryx and Silver Craft brands.

Delegates can also enjoy a site visit and lunch at the Dubai Maritime City Authority on 5 March

Registration fees for the conference are as follows with special rates for exhibitors and ‎ICOMIA Members:‎

Conference registration is now open. To book your place at this must attend event, please visit here

We look forward to welcoming you to at the Gulf Boating Conference 2009!

Kind regards

DIBS Project Team