To mark its 20th anniversary, the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) has emphatically underlined its position as a vital marine industry arbiter with the launch of the inaugural World of Yachts Recognition Awards, at which individuals, companies, and government agencies were recognized for decades-long excellence in service to the leisure marine industry.
Celebrating key movers and shakers who are making an influential splash on the world stage, and putting a vivid spotlight on the region’s rich and fast-growing marine industry, the high-profile ceremony took place with much pomp and circumstance under the stars at Dubai’s One&Only Royal Mirage hotel on 14 March 2012.
His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority presented the awards to the Government partners for their continued support to the marine industry in the Middle East.
Organised by the Arab Marine Industries Association and in partnership with Officine Panerai, the awards were co-hosted by the Dubai World Trade Centre and the World of Yachts and Boats magazine.
The opulent event comprised six diverse categories: Government Support Awards, Industry Support Awards, International Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, Marina & Seafront Development Awards, and Recognition Awards.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of His Highness Shiekh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in recognizing industry leaders that have strengthened the Middle East maritime sector. The Dubai International Boat Show has become one of the world’s most influential marine events and a vital gateway to the global boating market. We are proud to co-host these awards to recognise some of the figureheads and innovators that have not only helped us grow in stature, but also made a marked and lasting impact on the industry at large,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Dubai International Boat Show.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Saeed Hareb for his support and dedication to the marine industry across the Middle East, particularly within the UAE.
Hareb was also presented with the Industry Support Award for his unwavering commitment and work achievement at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).
“It is a great honour to receive such an award from the Dubai World Trade Centre and World of Yachts and Boats magazine, as I have dedicated so much of my life to this industry and Dubai’s leadership role within it. I am very proud of what the Dubai International Boat Show has become over the last 20 years; it is quite an achievement,” said Saeed Al Hareb, Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show.
Notable Recognition Awards for yacht and boat-building business achievement went to H.E. Mohamed Al Shaali of Gulf Craft for their 30 years of excellence in the industry.
Al Shaali Marine’s Sultan Al Shaali was also rewarded for their 20 years of excellence in the Middle Eastern marine sector.
Other proud Recognition Award winners included Ammar Al Wafi from Al Yousuf Marine, Andrew Wagner from Al Masaood Marine, Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari from Sunseeker Middle East, Alain Maaraoui from Sea Pros, and Constantinos Constantinoufrom Art Marine for his special contribution to the Middle East’s yachting industry.
Government Support Awards were presented to Dubai Police and the Road and Transport Authority for their 20 years of continued support to the Middle East’s marine and transport industry.
The International Award for Outstanding contribution to the Gulf superyacht industry, meanwhile, went to Dr. Mohammed Al Barwani, Chairman of Oceanco.
Home to 430 yachts and an astounding 33 premiers – including 9 world launches and 24 regional premieres – Dubai International Boat Show is one of the top five international boat shows, as well as the Middle East’s number one destination for leisure marine trade.
Running from 13-17 March, this year’s edition has attracted 186 new companies from 46 countries, and is expected to draw more than 25,000 visitors over the five days of the show.
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Source: DIBS, March 15, 2012