Organisers of the Bahrain Boat Show International (BBSI) – the fastest growing event of its kind in the world – are embracing the waves of success and are confident that the kingdom could become the region’s boating capital.
Wael Juju CEO of Knotika Holding, the Dubai-based organiser, says he is working with the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Bahrain to ensure the kingdom builds on its heritage and develops even further to capture a larger slice of the multi-million dinar maritime industry cake.
“It falls in line with our five-year strategic plan in which we are not only showcasing an interesting boat exhibition but also working towards creating an infrastructure in developing the industry of Bahrain,” he explained. “This is our third year and we are on target.
“We are very proud of the evolution of the show so far and couldn’t be happier that this is being reflected in tangible deals for our exhibitors all aimed at establishing Bahrain as a haven for marine lifestyles.”
The show attracted business deals worth more than BD7.5 million including a consultancy and management memorandum of understanding between Durrat Marina and ART Marine for a marina development project as well as record sales reported by Swims of its waterproof yacht shoes.
Exhibitors such as Yamal Boats, Al Dhaen, Sunseeker, Art Marine, Intrepid, St. Martin, Azimut and UMT also secured sales deals as well as promising leads.
Mr Juju said: “A few international companies were cautious of participating this year because of the recent political unrest. They visited us as trade visitors but realised that they missed an opportunity this year.
“They were surprised at how healthy Bahrain was and how people had demonstrated their support – from the government, local exhibitors as well as visitors who flocked in to purchase boats, accessories or services.
“This year interestingly, we felt a strong relationship between all the governmental ministries such as the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Interior, Coast Guard and the Royal Navy.”
The show featured 50,000 sq/m exhibition space with 100 exhibitors displaying exhibits worth more than BD30 million.
Mr Juju said: “When most boat shows around the world are shrinking, the Bahrain Boat Show is exceeding 200 per cent of growth in terms of exhibitors and exhibitor space. This makes the BBSI the fastest growing boat show in the world.”
The show attracted 15,000 people over four days and also welcomed 150 trade visitors. Mr Juju added: “This year we have met all our targets in terms of the number of exhibitors and visitors.
“We are also proud that all the exhibitors have reported positive results as well as a 100 per cent reconfirmation for next year.
“The 150 regional and international trade visitors have also shown serious interest for next year’s show, which will be scheduled for the third quarter.
“We are also hoping, as part of our strategic planning, to be able to convert visitors into boat owners. Visitors this year were educated on different aspects of owning a boat including tips from banks and insurance companies on purchasing a boat as well as its legal aspects and also on the safety aspects by the coast guard.
“Our job is to make the benefits of both the visitors and exhibitors high. If we build that bridge then we are successful and that is exactly what happened this year.”
The show also featured numerous displays, demonstrations and entertainment including a rescue-mission demonstration conducted by Bahrain Defense Force and a ballet performed by young members of the Ballare School of Performing Arts.
Mr Juju said: “This year’s added value was entertainment. We believe that boating is a family affair. We hope to establish the show as a festival and help make it a touristic destination by welcoming visitors from outside the island to enjoy the show as well as their stay in Bahrain.”
