February 15, 2014 - Ocean Magazine's Ms. Jeni Bone talked to Mr. Erwin Bamps, Gulf Craft's Chief Operating Officer on the company's vision of the Dubai Expo 2020.
Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer, on Gulf Craft's Dubai Expo 2020 vision
What do you think the impact of Expo 2020 in Dubai will be on the marine sector, superyacht and infrastructure in the UAE?
Expo 2020 is expected to draw an even higher number of tourists and investors to the UAE in the short term. Both the government and private sector have recently announced a number of ambitious projects to boost the infrastructure, retail, hospitality as well as residential provisions in the region. The focus on waterfront lifestyle developments will remain, with new projects focused on adding more coastline and waterways to the country’s assets.
Combined with the fact that the UAE government considers tourism a key pillar of the UAE economy and that we are seeing a further growth of the number of residing affluent expatriates, yacht charter and boat ownership will continue to flourish.
How will Gulf Craft capitalize on the influx of visitors and spotlight on Dubai?
Gulf Craft, founded in the UAE in 1982, has grown in international recognition and market reach in line with the growing exposure of the UAE globally. With Dubai in particular continuing to grow as a business, transport and tourism hub, as a high-end leisure and marine lifestyle destination, Gulf Craft enjoys the association with the luxury lifestyle image of Dubai. As one of the top 10 superyacht builders in the world today, Gulf Craft in turn acts as an ambassador for the UAE’s pragmatic and ambitious entrepreneurship, as well as quality of life.
Gulf Craft, avid supporter of the Dubai Expo 2020
What support will the government be giving the yacht and marine industry in the lead up to the event?
The government, through the announcement and commencement of a growing number of waterfront lifestyle developments like The Mohammed bin Rashid City, Blue Water Island, Dubai Canal and the continued development of the World Islands Project, is offering indirectly support through the infrastructure, resort and residential developments that all breathe marine lifestyle.
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