Dubai International Boat Show 2009 records 15% growth

Open from 3-7 March 2009 at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) - Mina Seyahi, DIBS will once again reconfirm its position as one of the leading and most important marine leisure events in the world. Up to 400 boats will be on display at this years' event from every part of the industry from boat-builders and designers through to marine equipment, suppliers and service providers.

Organiser of the event, Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said:

"Dubai International Boat Show continues to register steady growth and this year, more so than ever, companies are looking to emerging markets such as the Middle East for new opportunities. DIBS provides the most comprehensive platform for international and regional companies to connect with this robust market."

DIBS will be launching the new dedicated Superyacht Pavilion, located in the Luxury Supplies and Services area, for the first time this year. As one of the fastest growing sectors in the Middle East marine industry, this area brings together the finest superyacht and luxury boat builders in the world. The pavillion is an exclusive section that will house companies such as Abeking & Rasmussen, Amels, Burger Boats, Feadship, Heesen, Lurssen Yachts, and Trinity Yachts.

More superyacht manufacturers, interior designers, charter and brokerage companies with the likes of Icon Yachts, Moretti Yachts, and Palmer Johnson that have already confirmed their participation can also be found in the Luxury Supplies and Services area.

Complementing the superyacht pavillion, Banna, Benetti, CRN, Gulf Craft, Rodriquez, Sunseeker and Westport will showcase their superyachts within the Marina Display section, where the world's leading manufacturers along with local boat builders partake in the Middle East's largest on-water display.

DIBS will also feature an expanded Equipment Supplies and Services Area, bringing together local and international companies offering the latest innovations in every product division, from fixtures and fittings through to the latest hi-tech communication and navigation equipment.

Following its continued success in 2008, Dive Middle East Exhibiton (DMEX) 2009, which is held alongside DIBS maintains its exclusive position as the only dive exhibition in the Middle East. The event will present the latest in dive equipment and services, as well as a series of live dive demonstrations by Emirates Diving Association and DMEX exhibitors plus the opportunity to take part in trial dives in the diving demonstration pool.

The 5th Gulf Boating Conference entitled 'Where is the industry going?', exclusively supported by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), will gather industry leaders to present key issues and discuss both UAE and regional development plans for the marine industry. The conference aims to address the massive changes that the leisure boating industry worldwide is undergoing as major markets in the US and Europe experience a downturn in demand for new boats. This is driving companies to seek new markets around the world, not least of which is the Gulf States where leisure boating has enjoyed rapid growth in the past five years.