Recording 20% growth Dubai International Boat Show sails towards biggest year ever

Running from 11-15 March 2008 at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi, DIBS has firmly established its position as the number one event in the region. In recent years, it has grown into one of the most important marine leisure events in the world, propelled by the major growth of the Middle East market across all sectors.

Up to 400 boats will be on display at this year's event, the highest number since the show was launched in 1992. Companies from every part of the industry, from boat-builders through to marine equipment, suppliers and service providers, are set to exhibit.

To reflect the increasing sophistication of the marine leisure industry, as well as the evolving opportunities in niche and specialist areas, this year's show has both expanded its overall size and increased the number of dedicated sector areas.

Organiser of the event, Mr Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General from Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said: "Dubai International Boat Show increasingly appeals to a global audience, and is particularly relevant for marine leisure enthusiasts from a territory that ranges from across the Middle East, through to India and the CIS. These territories are among the fastest-growing globally, so the potential for business development is huge for companies across all sectors and areas of specialisation."

DIBS 2008 will see the launch of a new section for Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), Inflatables and Tenders, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the marine leisure industry. Leading companies such as Capelli, Emirates Inflatable Boats, Joker Boats, Kimera, North West Marine, Royal Tender, Sealegs, and Yamaha will all be taking part in this dedicated area. In addition, new for this year is the inaugural DIBS Fashion Show with companies presenting the latest marine clothing and accessories.

It will also feature an increased Equipment Supplies and Services Area, bringing together local and international companies offering the latest innovations in every product sector, from fixtures and fittings through to the latest hi-tech communication and navigation equipment.
On the Luxury, Supplies and Services side of the show, the finest superyacht and luxury custom boat builders ýfrom around the globe, as well as their suppliers and ýservice providers will exhibit with renowned interior designers, charter, brokerage and waterfront ýdevelopers detailing new marina projects.

The key to the growing popularity of marine activity in the Gulf region in particular is due to massive growth in the number of reclaimed island sites and waterside developments. 2008 is set to see a major boost in people having access to waterside developments across the region, from the local opening of Palm Jumeirah's first marina project - Anchor Marina, to the launch of marina berths in the first phase of the $2.5bn Pearl-Qatar.

DWTC will be making imaginative use of the space available in Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi to display a wide range of craft from world-renowned super yachts to portable local craft, to maximum impact.

Following its success in 2007, Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) 2008, which is held alongside DIBS maintains its exclusive ýposition as the only dive exhibition in the Middle East. The number of companies registered to exhibit this year has grown by over 100 percent with the synergy of the two events, making it a natural meeting point for all those with an interest in the diving sector.ý The event this year will be complemented by the presentation of trial dives in the new diving demonstration pool and a series of live demonstrations and by the Emirates Diving Association and DMEX exhibitors.

The 4th Gulf Boating Conference entitled 'Dubai as a Gateway to the Middle East Region' is this year exclusively supported by International Council of Marine Industry Associations as industry leaders gather to present key issues and discuss both UAE and Regional development plans for the marine industry.

The Dubai International Boat Show 2008 will take at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi from 11-15 March 2008. DIBS is open to trade visitors and general public, from 3pm - 9.30pm daily. Children under 12 will be admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Access to the Marine Display Area may be restricted at certain times.