Dubai International Boat Show welcomes children from Dubai Thalassemia Centre

Commenting on the side-lines of the initiative, Director of the Thalassemia Centre Rd. Essam Dohair, said, "These kinds of community-driven initiatives help uplift sufferers and enrich their lives in a way medicine could not."

"It is very encouraging to see this kind of moral support from the community, because it's important for kids to know that society is not ignoring them. These kids have to take medication daily for the rest of their lives, and when they take part in these kinds of fun, society-driven initiatives it reminds them that there is more to life than their illnesses, and they see hope," he added.

The children were treated to a cruise and lunch on board the 'Iran Zamin', a custom designed floating restaurant designed by local manufacturer, Emirates Waves.

"We are very happy to be involved in this type of charity initiative and are delighted to have the children on board to experience the cruise and enjoy an Iranian lunch. It was a joy to see how excited they all were," said Masoud Shazadeh, Managing Partner of Iran Zamin Restaurant and part owner of the 'Iran Zamin' custom-made boat.

Hosting the children on board 'Moon', the 117 foot, triple decker yacht with a capacity of 50 people, Ultimate Charter's Managing Director Tarik Siam, said, "Ultimate Charter is very happy to have the children on board. It is a good opportunity to give them an idea of what the yachting experience feels like, and in future we'd like to give them a short cruise out on the water."

The children and their guardians stayed on at the exhibition to experience the live displays, entertainment and take in the impressive superyachts and boats on show.

The Dubai International Boat Show is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm to 9:30pm daily and closes today, 9 March, 2013. General admission is Dhs60 per person for all attendees, while children under 12 will be admitted free of charge (they must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Access to the Marina Display Area may be restricted at certain times.