Dubai International Boat Show postponed due to coronavirus
credit: David Pin licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
The Dubai International Boat Show has been postponed until late November, amid fears surrounding the outbreak of coronavirus.
The show was set to take place from March 10th to 14th but it will now be held from November 24th to 28th. The Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of the show, highlighted that the UAE “remains completely safe for travel”. However, it cited travel restrictions, meaning a high proportion of stakeholders in the event would be absent, as the reason for postponement.
Dubai World Trade Centre said: “We have been working closely to assure that our clients’ needs are most effectively addressed, and the delivery of strong international participation considered, in these extraordinary times. Our decision comes after much deliberation in consultation with the event’s main participants and industry stakeholders, who have strongly endorsed our prioritisation of the collective interests of both the global exhibitors and the key buyers from the region.”
The acting CEO of Gulf Craft, Abeer Al Shaali, said the new show date, which coincides with the Dubai Expo 2020, would be a great opportunity for the UAE-based shipbuilder. “Gulf Craft, Dubai International Boat Show’s largest exhibitor based in the Emirates, is delighted that the boat show’s new dates will coincide with the nation’s most-awaited celebration, Expo Dubai 2020, in November this year.”
Tim Trenker, CEO BehneMar Yachting Monaco & Dubai, was positive about the show’s postponement. “Dubai Boat Show has rightly prioritised the interests of the yachting community by settling on a November time for the event. The confluence of Dubai Boat Show at a fully operational Dubai Harbour in parallel with the great Expo Dubai 2020 show is a world-class act.”
Michael Bremen, sales director, Lurssen, said: “I’m pleased the organiser has consulted its clients on the new date for Dubai Boat Show. November is a wonderful time for our global yachting business and the simultaneous organisation of Expo Dubai 2020 and Dubai Boat Show will co-create new opportunities and heighten interest in the region’s leisure yachting lifestyle appeal.”
Other boat shows in Asia have also encountered difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Japan International Boat Show, set to take place March 5th to 8th, was cancelled, as was the Singapore Yacht Show and Taiwan International Boat Show. While the Korea International Boat Show, due to take place March 12th to 15th, will now take place from June 5th to 7th.
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