Marine equipment, supplies and services registers 34% growth at Dubai International Boat Show

With a 20% increase in size from last year's show, DIBS 2008's ESS area will witness one of the largest-ever exhibits of the industry's leading companies.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, DIBS will take place at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi from 11-15 March 2008.

In total, 800 companies from nearly 50 countries will be at this year's show with the strongest-ever display of local and international names.

The ESS area of DIBS will deliver a wide range of equipment, supplies and services essential to the function and performance of leisure marine craft, from the finer details like paint, upholstery and deck supplies to a wide selection of engines and communications equipment.

'The ESS sector is one of the most important areas of the event. Not only does this section cater to the functionality of all watercraft, but it will also hold some of the most advanced machinery and supplies from many of the world's leading suppliers in the boating industry in the Middle East,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC.

'The Dubai International Boat Show is the only one of its kind that can provide the marine trade with the largest ever display of equipment and services, as well as the latest developments in the industry, including new innovations and technology,' he added.

One of the market leaders, UAE-based Al Masaood Marine & Engineering, a division of Al Masaood Engineering Group, plans to display an extensive array of marine merchandise and accessories including new product launches at DIBS.

'Al Masaood Marine & Engineering is pleased to announce the launch of several new products from Volvo Penta, Aqua Signal, Segway, HSR and Benelli. Seabob, the new environmentally friendly fun-sports machine diving safely underwater and moves through the water like a fish. Marinepool, the Spirit of the Ocean Sailing Gear and top choice of professional and recreational sailors around the world, will be on display,' said Andrew Wagner, General Manager, Al Masaood Marine & Engineering.

FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co.) is one of the leading distributors of Yanmar in the Middle East region and is showcasing the latest range of technologically advanced Yanmar marine engines at this year's show.

Yanmar offers an excellent range covering sailing and power boat needs from 9HP to 900HP, including inboards, stern-drives and sail drives for pleasure craft, high-performance cruisers and motor yachts.

An added attraction at the FAMCO stand is the new high-power 6HYM-ETE engine, built to cater to a wide range of needs from fast fishing boats to patrol boats, ferries and pleasure boats.

'Dubai is quickly being recognised as a leading destination for marine tourism. The Dubai International Boat Show is a great platform for FAMCO to launch its latest products and services to both the local and international audience,' said Paul Floyd, Managing Director of FAMCO. 'As the leading distributor of Yanmar marine products, we are confident that this year's show will meet our high expectations,' he added.

Dubai-based AMIT, suppliers of marine electronics, will be ýrepresenting JRC Radars, Icom and Sailor radio units, as well as an ýextensive new range of Garmin and Navman chart plotting and fish-finding radar units.ý

One of the highlights from AMIT at this year's show will be the unveiling of one of the latest GPS systems in the market, the new Garmin GPS Map 5015, which is a 15-inch touch screen unit.

'We are a long established exhibitor at DIBS and have seen it become the number one boat show in the Middle East region. The show is very important to AMIT as it gives us the perfect opportunity to generate sales and expose of our leading brands to a large number of people from all over the world,' said Mr. Abdulaziz Abdulla, General Manager, AMIT Dubai.

On the communications side, another regular exhibitor at DIBS, Radio Holland will display its ýcustomised systems from Satcom to VSAT and satellite airtime packages.

Elcome International ýwill also be showcasing a range of brands including Koden Electronics from Japan who deliver ýa series of high performance radars.

Thrane & Thrane from Denmark, manufacturers of the ýnew Inmarsat Fleet Broad Band terminals with high bandwidth satellite connectivity will also have a strong presence at the show.

The Dubai International Boat Show 2008 will take at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi from 11-15 March 2008. Free visitor parking and shuttle service to the event is available next to the Habtoor Grand.