Largest ever Dive Middle East Exhibition to date takes place at the Dubai International Boat Show

Following the success of last year's DMEX and Gulf Boating Conference, and with all areas of the show sold out, event organiser - Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) -is anticipating its largest show to date. The Dubai Boat Show will run from 3 - 7 March 2009 at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi.

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

"In the current economic climate, the marine industry worldwide is looking to the Middle East as a key growth market, where an increasing number of boat buyers and water sport enthusiasts reside. Having leading events like DMEX and the Gulf Boating Conference run alongside the Dubai Boat Show is a step towards reaching our goal to promote the UAE and the rest of the Middle East as one of the world's leading hubs for marine leisure activity."

As the only diving exhibition in the region, DMEX serves as an ideal meeting place for UAE and international diving industry players. Partnering with Emirates Diving Association, DMEX is a forum to promote the latest in diving equipment, services and techniques for a fast growing industry.

"There has been a constant growth in diving tourism and a recent boom in the number of divers in the UAE. We have seen more interest from both experienced and novice divers in the past years who are more engaged in the UAE's reef and marine life. These divers see diving as more than a sport, it has become a lifestyle. We expect a significant improvement in the marine life, particularly in the next two years, and as a result, a growth in the number of divers," said Ibrahim Al Zubi, Director, Emirates Diving Association.

Highlights of DMEX include live diving demonstrations, a variety of presentations on the latest dive gear, educational activities and training programmes from key exhibitors including Al Boom Diving, Beauchat and JVC. DMEX will also offer its exhibitors from outside the UAE an opportunity to showcase what's on offer in international waters.

The show will also host the fifth Gulf Boating Conference, titled 'Where is the industry going?' where professionals from across the region will meet to discuss the change in the leisure boating industry worldwide.

Mike Derrett, regional boating market expert, said: "The leisure boating industry is experiencing a period of transition worldwide as its major markets in the US and Europe experience a decline in demand for new boats. This dip in foreign markets has placed strong emphasis on the need to find new markets around the world - not least of which is Gulf States, where leisure boating has enjoyed rapid growth in the past five years. And although the GGC is experiencing some drop in sales as a result of the world wide recession, it is forecasted to recover strongly when the upturn comes as many Gulf economies are less indebted than those in Europe and the US."

The conference, taking place on 4 March 2009, will be under the chairmanship of industry expert Dr. Mohammed Hamdan Al Shamsi. Other topics to be discussed include "Saudi Arabia - the untapped Gulf boating market" and "Rules and regulations for boating in the Gulf."

The Gulf Boating Conference will also host a panel of experts, including Andrew Wagner, Managing Director of Mohammed Bin Massoud Abu Dhab and Erwin Bamps, Executive Manager of Gulf Craft - the Middle East's largest boat builder, who will be available to tackle any questions related to the industry.

Now in its 17th edition, The Dubai International Boat Show will take place from 3-7 March and will feature five key areas: Equipment Supplies & Services Area, Luxury Supplies & Services Area, External Area, and Marina Display Area and the new dedicated Superyacht Pavillion.