Nakheel sponsorship announcement confirms global prominence of Dubai International Boat Show

The sponsorship deal further illustrates the growth of the Middle East leisure boating market, and the important role the Dubai International Boat Show is playing to promote the industry in the region. Nakheel's support will also ensure the Boat Show, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, continues to gain exposure with an international audience.

Nakheel currently has US$30 billion worth of projects under development, which will add 1,500 km of waterfront to Dubai once they are completed. These include the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira islands in addition to The World and Dubai Waterfront. Nakheel Marinas will create thousands of berths at a number of prestigious marinas to service the demand created by these astounding developments.

'We are delighted to be sponsoring the Dubai International Boat Show 2006. Nakheel's unprecedented waterfront developments have created huge demand for marina facilities and leisure activities on the water, so the Boat Show will enable us to interact directly with our customers,'

said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel.

The leisure boat market in the Middle East is growing rapidly, but a shortage of berths in Dubai at present is slowing growth in the UAE. 'Upon completion of all the Nakheel waterfront projects, it is expected that more than 40,000 boat berths will be available to meet demand,' said Ali Saeed BinThalith, General Manager, Nakheel Marinas.

Throughout the exhibition Nakheel will be featuring its partnership with International Global Yachting, the internationally renowned developer and manager of luxury marina facilities and the exclusive providers of design, development and management services for all Nakheel marina properties.

'The Dubai International Boat Show is one of the world's elite marine events, so it is entirely fitting for a waterfront development company of Nakheel's stature to be the show sponsor. Nakheel is at the heart of Dubai's immense waterfront development which will shape the city's marine development and the Boat Show for years to come,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the DWTC.

This year an unprecedented 250 exhibitors will take part in the show, with 120 yachts and motor driven boats on the water including 8 superyachts which are over 24m in length. On-shore, the exhibitor availability is virtually sold out and the Luxury Supplies and Services Area - which hosts superyacht and luxury boat builders, charters and brokers - is now fully booked.

'Dubai is the fastest growing city in the world, and both Nakheel and the Dubai International Boat Show are playing a key role in bringing marine business and tourism to the Gulf,' concluded Helal Saeed Al Marri.

The 14th Dubai International Boat Show will be the Middle East's largest gathering of boats, supplies and services and is the most prominent event in the marine leisure industry calendar.