Cutting-edge nautical equipment, supplies and services showcase at Dubai International Boat Show

A wide range of equipment, supplies and services essential to the function and performance of leisure marine craft will be on display, including everything from engines and communications equipment, to paint, upholstery and deck supplies.

DIBS 2007 has a dedicated area for equipment, supplies and services (ESS), which has expanded by more than 25 percent compared to last year giving exhibitors the perfect opportunity to showcase their products.

'Many of the world's leading suppliers in the boating industry will exhibiting at the Dubai International Boat Show 2007, in what is a pivotal event for trade professionals throughout the Middle East and beyond,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, which is organising DIBS 2007.

'DIBS provides a fantastic opportunity for the marine trade to see the latest developments in the industry, including new innovations and gadgets,' he added.

The indoor air conditioned area will include many of the world's leading inboard and outboard engine manufacturers, including MTU Freidrichshafen, Volvo Penta, Honda and Famco, catering for all types of craft up to the largest and most luxurious superyachts.

'The Middle East is a rapidly expanding and highly significant market for MTU products,' said Amgad Emil, of Al Masaood, the local agents for MTU in the UAE. 'We are established exhibitors at DIBS because it gives us an excellent opportunity to meet and support our customers as well as attract new business.'

Trade professionals will also be able to examine the latest navigation, marine electronics equipment and systems, keeping them up to date with latest advances in new technology.

Raymarine, which develops and manufactures electronic marine equipment, will be launching a host of new products on stand A5 - 7 at the Dubai International Boat Show. One of the highlights will be the new '60 STV' which ensures users never miss a favourite television programme wherever they are in the world.

Particularly suitable for yachts of 50 feet and more, the 60STV offers access to hundreds of channels of digital entertainment with digital quality sound, enabling films and TV programmes to be viewed on Raymarine monitors on board or on standard TV screens.

'Visitors to this year's Dubai International Boat Show will be able to view many of our high performance and award-winning products including radar, autopilots, GPS, chartplotters, and other instruments. The show attracts thousands of customers from many different markets which means great exposure for our equipment and our brand,' said Fiona Pankhurst, International Marketing Communications Manager Raymarine.

Many trade visitors and buyers will make their way to Dubai from key markets such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to source goods and services. DIBS provides the only platform in the Middle East for the regional trade community to gather and take advantage of the products on offer.

'Dubai International Boat Show is a fantastically well-organised show which attracts very high quality clientele from around the world. As a supplier for the leisure marine industry, we find that it provides an excellent platform to do business,' said Sarah Flavell, sales manager, Savage Lighting, a UK company that provides a range of interior and exterior fittings.

In total, more than 250 exhibitors will be present at DIBS 2007, a 32 percent increase on last year. More than 470 companies will be represented with a 42 percent rise in the number of international exhibitors and a 21 percent rise in local exhibitors.

'Dubai International Boat Show has rapidly established itself as the event of choice for the international, regional and local marine trade. The sheer diversity of boat equipment, supplies and services this year makes it the biggest and best yet,' concluded Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

The show will take place from 13th - 17th March 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.