Dubai International Boat Show leads the Middle East in global and regional marine launches

As a leading event positioned at the heart of the region's boating industry, DIBS is increasingly being used as a platform to stage international product launches.

Taking place from 11 - 15 March 2008 at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi and organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year's show will be 20% bigger than last year.

A total of 800 companies participating from 48 countries will be present at DIBS, the largest assembly of leisure watercraft, equipment and supplies in the UAE's history.

"This year's show will reflect the full spectrum of companies in the region's booming marine leisure industry, with everything from the most prestigious superyachts through to equipment and supplies on display. The Dubai International Boat Show's impressive record of sustained growth reflects the ongoing development of this dynamic sector in the Middle East," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre.

To capitalise on this fast-growing market, builders such as Al Hareb Marine, AS Marine and Gulf Craft will be staging world premiers of new craft at this year's event. Whilst regional premieres from Azimut, Cigarette, Doral, Fairline, Ferretti, Formula, Maxum, Sunseeker, Riva and Viking will also be thrilling the buyers.

For 2008, the show is divided into four main areas, all of which have seen significant growth: the On-Water Area, the Luxury Supplies and Services Area, the External Area, and the Equipment Supplies and Services Area.

The show this year will feature the largest ever On-Water display, with a total of 158 boats and yachts - an 11% increase on 2007, including 10 multi-million dollar superyachts, which will take pride of place.

Additionally, the Luxury Supply and Services (LSS) section has grown by over 38%, bringing DIBS' total net size to 24,000 sq m on land.

"We are strong supporters of the Dubai International Boat Show and are delighted to host the show at DIMC as it continues to grow and evolve. With planning and preparation all in place, we look forward to welcoming the many guests that that make their way to DIMC this year from all over the world," said Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of Dubai International Marine Club.

One of the driving factors within the industry is the rapid expansion of marine developments within the Middle East including the second Marina within the Dubai Marina lifestyle community opening in mid-2008, Nakheel's three Palm Projects (Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali Palm and Palm Deira), The World Project & Dubai Waterfront and Dubai Maritime City, the platinum sponsor for DIBS 2008.

As well as acting as a primary focal point for people wanting to buy a boat or marine equipment, DIBS' success is also reflective of the increased focus on the lifestyle elements of waterside living and activities.

Running alongside DIBS, the Dive Middle East Exhibition 2008 brings together the leading names from the world of dive equipment, supplies and services.

The event, which has grown by over 100% for 2008, has become a natural meeting point for diving enthusiasts in the Middle East. DIBS will also 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.

This will be the first time that event has organised its own DIBS Fashion Show, with a series of brands taking to the catwalk in 2008.

On show will be an exciting variety of marine clothing and accessories from Marine Poole's Spirit of the Ocean Sailing Gear, the top choice of professional and recreational sailors around the world plus Al Boom and Scuba Dubai's latest range of wetsuits!

Marine industry professionals are also making their way to the 4th Gulf Boating Conference, which takes place at the Boat Show on the mornings of the 12 - 13 of March, and is this year entitled, "Dubai as a Gateway to the Middle East Region".

"With the biggest ever display since the show's inauguration in 1992, we look forward to DIBS receiving a record-breaking number of visitors and meeting the high expectations of the show's exhibitors. As the organiser for DIBS, we are very proud to be putting Dubai on the map as a leading maritime hub," concluded Al Marri.