Al Marakeb, a leading Sharjah-based boat builder, has sold 18 vessels since January 1 this year, compared to the nine boats it furnished to customers in the first three months of last year.

“Al Marakeb is experiencing year-on-year growth resulting from an increased demand for centre-console multi-purpose vessels, both here in the UAE and in markets abroad,” said Basel Shuhaiber, founder and managing director of specialist in manufacturing ocean-going leisure and fishing craft.

“Global economic conditions are improving and this has led to more owners now prepared to invest in a boat for their recreational activities or to add to their existing fishing fleet and expand their business.”

Al Marakeb’s sales figures related to a 100 per cent increase in revenue turnover for the same period last year.

Approximately 60 per cent of Al Marakeb’s sales are for the local market, with 40 percent of its vessels finding a home abroad.

“Al Marakeb vessels are proving popular for leisure and sports fishing, as well as for commercial fishing and as family boats. We make buying an Al Marakeb boat an enjoyable experience and our vessels are popular because they require minimal maintenance and are easy to operate,” said Shuhaiber.

Looking forward to the rest of 2014, Al Marakeb aims to continue capitalising on the improving economic outlook by further expanding its production capacity, consolidating its position in the local market and growing its reputation in Africa. The company says that it also has plans to look into UAE government tenders, as it feels ideally equipped to play a role in this sector.

“Al Marakeb has a number of plans and initiatives that see us in line for an exciting 2014. Africa is a particularly important growth market for us, so we will have a special focus on that area for expansion,” said Shuhaiber.

“In addition to increasing our production capacity to meet demand both here and abroad, we will be examining the vessel requirements of authorities here in the UAE with a view to tendering for contracts. We believe that the specification of our boats and their economical prices makes Al Marakeb an ideal fit with government projects,” he added.

Al Marakeb’s product line-up comprises the Dino 31 entry-level model, Spartan 25, Triton 35, Habbar 25 fishing boat and the cabin cruiser Scylla 35. The latter model’s facilities include beds, sofas, lighting fixtures, a toilet and air conditioning.

Supporting their portfolio of craft is Al Marakeb’s new retail outlet, which sells specialist nautical and marine equipment. Among the products available from the shop are navigation products from Garmin, fishing gear from Osprey and diving equipment from Seac. – TradeArabia News Service