AIMEX strengthens ties with Middle East during 2025 Dubai International Boat Show marking the first trade event following the UAE/Australia Free Trade Agreement
The 31st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, held from 19 – 23 February 2025, was the first trade show in the region following Australia and the UAE signing the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in November 2024.
This bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) is designed to enhance trade, reduce barriers, and strengthen economic ties. The Dubai International Boat Show, the largest marine and luxury lifestyle show in the region, provided Australian businesses with a valuable platform to take advantage of this Agreement, facilitating expansion into the Middle East, as well as Asia, and Europe.
Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Superyacht Australia members in attendance were Echo Yachts, Marine Air Flow International, Stella Marine, Maritimo, Savwinch, Maritime Professional Solutions (MPS), Ayres Composites, Ankor Software, Fliteboard and VEEM.
The first day of the Show welcomed a stand visit from the Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) Commissioner Middle East Kassem Younes and Senior Business Development Manager Emma Page who met with the Queensland based exhibitors Marine Air Flow International, Stella Marine, MPS and Maritimo.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with Commissioner Kassem who has a long-standing connection with AIMEX from his previous roles with the Victorian Government. Whilst TIQ Senior Business Development Manager Emma Page has recently assigned the marine sector as an emerging industry to prioritise. Part of this focus will include a webinar with Australian Marine Companies in May to investigate a potential trade mission to SCIBS in 2026.
A highlight of the week was Australian delegates from AIMEX and Superyacht Australia sharing in an private tour hosted by Chief Technical Officer Kostas Christodoulou of Gulf Craft alongside TIQ representatives and the new Australian Gulf Craft distributors, The Yacht Sales Co from the Gold Coast, Queensland.
As Gulf Craft is recognised as one of the world’s top yacht manufacturers and with the UAE-Australia free trade agreement recently signed, the tour offered an opportunity to strengthen relationships whilst Gulf Craft is actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with Australian equipment suppliers.
Gulf Graft Tour
David Good, CEO, AIMEX and Superyacht Australia commented “The Middle East is an important market for Australian companies who enjoy a well-earned reputation for excellent quality and integrity in business dealings. The establishment of the Free Trade Agreement shows that both governments want greater business ties between the countries and marine manufacturing is a strength for both Australia and the UAE”
Chris Blackwell, Sales and Marketing Manager, Echo Yachts commented; “The Dubai International Boat Show highlighted AIMEX’s success in fostering industry growth, with past exhibitors now establishing their own presence in the region – a testament to the value of our network. The event also proved its potential, creating unexpected opportunities, like a last-minute connection with a vessel manager that may lead to a major refit project for Echo Yachts.”.
Chris Blackwell, Brad Marsden and Gary Cooper
The UAE-Australia Free Trade Agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the collaboration and connections between Australia and the UAE, fostering greater opportunities for Australian marine businesses in the Middle East and beyond.
Gary Cooper, Stella Marine
Echo Yachts Virtual Reality Technology
