International groups generate global boat show buzz

The British Marine Federation, Mauritius Marine, The National Marine Manufacturers America and UBI France have all announced their participation in the show.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of DIBS 2007, commented: 'Dubai International Boat Show is rapidly becoming one of the major attractions on the marine industry's calendar, and the increasing participation of the world's leading boat groups underlines its global importance.'

'Such is demand for space in 2007, we have expanded the show by over 35 percent to accommodate new exhibitors,' he added.

They will be joining other international groups in supporting the event, including AIMEX, Australia; DBSV, Germany; UCINA & ICE, Italy; HISWA, The Netherlands; NZ Marine, New Zealand; and the Isle of White Chamber of Commerce, UK.

As a result of such international support, DIBS 2007 promises to be the most international edition ever, with the highest number of countries participating in a regional marine event ever recorded.

The increase in space will also enable a higher number of boats on display on water and on land, with an estimated 150 boats set for the 2007 show, an increase of 19 percent over the last show.

Such significant growth - in addition to the opportunity to forge connections with potential customers and suppliers - is one of the reasons why Dubai International Boat Show continues to attract such considerable interest.

Farouk Nefzi of HISWA Holland Yachting Group, The Netherlands, explains: 'DIBS 06 gave us a unique opportunity to get in contact with the Middle East yachting industry. The industry has shown incredible development and matured in a very short period - if the show continues to grow like this it could easily become the yachting gateway to the region.'

DWTC are aiming to put on show a record number of boats on the water and on external displays, as well as increased exhibition space for equipment manufacturers, charters, boat fittings and fixtures specialists, communication equipment developers and associated service providers.

The 2006 event saw record numbers of trade visitors from Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, in addition to high numbers from India, Russia and Pakistan, reinforcing the increasing internationalisation of the local market.

Dubai International Boat Show 2007 will take place from 13 - 17 March 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, Dubai.