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'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 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 recognized Gulf Industry experts.

Provisional program for Wednesday 4th March 0930 to 1300 hours

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. With a speaker from Dubai Maritime City Authority who are tasked with formulating the rules and regulations for boating in Dubai.
• Doing business in the Gulf States, insight from Rudi Joustra General Manager of Elcome International 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 ? Regional boating market expert Mike Derrett 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.
• Experts 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.