Dubai International Boat Show to highlight the progress of the leisure marine industry

Its support of the largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East is part of a strategic move to increase awareness and promote the marine leisure industry to the local, regional and global maritime community.

The 15th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show is set to be the largest ever, with record numbers of exhibitors and visitors from the world's marine industry flocking to the event. Organiser Dubai World Trade Centre is on course to achieve its highest level of exhibitors to date, with over 35% growth through significant increases in the number of boats on the water, external displays and increased exhibition space for equipment manufacturers, suppliers and those servicing the marine leisure industry.

In addition, 2007 will be the most international year in the event's history, with four of the world's leading global boat groups attending for the first time in addition to those long standing supporters, underlining its increasing global prominence.

The Middle East is one of the fastest growing leisure boating markets in the world. Developers in the region have launched a host of innovative projects and waterside developments and none more so than in Dubai. Dubai has taken advantage of its strategic location between Europe and Asia, to become one of the most important ports of call for the global maritime industry and is viewed as a world-class cruise destination.

Dubai Maritime City, a strong supporter of the Dubai International Boat Show since the start, will be the first ever purpose-built city designed to specifically serve and enhance the global maritime community. It will offer an exceptional mixed-use environment covering every aspect of industrial, commercial and leisure requirements for the maritime industry.

The relocation of Jadaf Dubai to Dubai Maritime City will provide a major impetus to regional maritime trade and will also facilitate a number of companies operational at Jadaf Dubai to expand their operations. When complete, Jadaf Dubai will be a one stop destination for ship repair and maintenance, yacht manufacturing & repair and ancillary industrial maritime parts, supplies and services.

In his comments, Amer Ali, Project Manager of Dubai Maritime City, said: 'Our support of the Dubai International Boat Show is a testament of our dedication to the maritime industry and the strategic importance of the event. We have enjoyed a unique relationship with Dubai World Trade Centre for many years and strongly commend them in their endeavours to promote the maritime culture of the region. Dubai Maritime City will provide the core elements of infrastructure required by key marine and maritime-related industries and services in one location that will perfectly complement Dubai's existing leisure marine needs. We have had a phenomenal response to our unique concept which is set to far outstrip expectations.'

Noting the support from Dubai Maritime City, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the Dubai International Boat Show stated: 'Dubai International Boat Show is now firmly established as a key event for the international marine industry, with a broad range of companies displaying their products and services, and a very diverse range of visitors from around the world. Support from eminent groups like Dubai Maritime City enables us to continue the ongoing development of the Show, and to contribute to the development of leisure marine lifestyles in the region.'