Superyacht Pavilion launch at Dubai International Boat Show

The Superyacht Pavilion will be located within the Luxury Supplies and Services area where interior designers, charter and brokerage companies are also exhibiting - guaranteeing every element of yachting is showcased in one dedicated area.

A super-yachting Index, compiled by The Luxury Institute with yacht broker and charter company Camper & Nicholson's International, found that new orders for yachts over 130 feet were up almost 20 percent in 2008. With Arabs making up a third of the world's superyacht owners, Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of DIBS, will introduce an exclusive hospitality site, Majlis, for VIP guests to meet with superyacht companies for private one to one meetings and bespoke tours.

Superyacht companies exhibiting at this year's Superyacht Pavilion include Abeking & Rasmussen, Amels, Burger Boats, Feadship, Heesen Yachts, Lurssen Yachts, and Trinity Yachts.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: "The launch of the Superyacht Pavilion and the strong presence of the world's leading superyacht companies will set a new standard at DIBS, and at the same time cater to the preferences of our local and international VIP visitors. This year's show will deliver the widest range of marine products and services to the region's fast growing maritime industry."

By securing the participation of the biggest global superyacht manufacturers, DIBS cements its reputation as the most established show of its kind in the Middle East, and among the leading boat shows in the world.

World renowned superyacht manufacturer, Lürssen, makers of some of the world's largest yachts including the 158 meter long 'Dubai,' owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the 155 meters long 'Al Said', owned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, set another milestone in their long history of shipbuilding with five deliveries to its international clients in 2008 between 60 and 155 meters long.

Lürssen has earned its reputation world-wide for its high-class custom superyachts and 2009 will see three further deliveries, ranging in size from 60 to well over 100 meters. At this year's DIBS, Lürssen looks forward to showcasing its models of the latest deliveries and inform visitors about the latest news in shipbuilding.

Heesen Yachts, established in 1978, is one of the world's leading builders of luxury super-fast yachts, sportsfishing vessels, and displacement as well as semi-displacement ships. Heesen recently launched its new 4000 semi-custom series, which the company plans to showcase at DIBS this year in the Superyacht Pavillion.

"To penetrate the Middle East market and build relationships with potential buyers, it is crucial that we participate at DIBS. This year, we plan to introduce our most exclusive range of superyachts, inform our guest about the recent developments in our company and we look forward to a strong response,"

said Fabio Ermetto, Commercial Director at Heesen Yachts.

Another company looking to have a strong presence at this year's show is superyacht manufacturer, Feadship. The company has unveiled the third in its sensational series of 'Streams' designs, created by Studio De Voogt, to reflect the anticipated desires of a new generation of yacht owners. Building on the huge success of the X-stream and F-stream, the new C-stream sees Feadship up the ante. From the sensational Shoot to the uber-flexible wave platform, the brief to add more smart gadgets to the Stream experience has been well and truly met.

Complementing the Superyacht Pavillion, Banna, Benetti, Fincantieri, CRN, Gulf Craft, Rodriquez, Sunseeker and Westport amongst others will showcase their superyachts within the Marina Display section, where the international leaders along with local boat builders partake in the Middle East's largest On-Water display.

The Middle East continues to be one of the most significant markets for boat buyers, and with an increase in wealthy individuals looking to capitalise on the region's temperate climate and waterside developments, yacht manufacturers are eager to showcase their latest designs at this year's show.