Dubai prepares for record-breaking show
By IBI Magazine
Around 722 exhibitors are expected to attend the 2007 Dubai International Boat Show, resulting in a 53 per cent increase over last year's levels. The show, which runs from March 13-17 at the Dubai International Marina Club in Mina Seyahi, will see exhibitor space rise by more than 33 per cent to 20,000sq ft. The event itself is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors.
"Interest in boats and sailing is at an all time high, driven in particular by the increasing availability of waterfront property, afforded by multi-million dollar developments and new marinas in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman and the United Arab Emirates," says Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general of event organiser the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
"As the market continues its impressive growth, manufacturers, dealers and distributors from across the Middle East are producing and importing greater numbers of high performance and luxury boats to cater for the demand."
The show will be divided into four main areas: the Marina Display Area, which will be dedicated to power and sailing boats; the Luxury Supplies and Services Area for boatbuilders, waterside developers, interior design companies, charters and brokers; an External Area, which will showcase small to medium sized craft; and the Equipment Supplies and Services Area.
DIBS 2007 will also be a showcase for several superyachts of more than 25m (82ft) in length, offering facilities such as state-size dining rooms and state-of-the-art entertainment and satellite communications systems.
During the show, the 3rd Gulf Boating Conference entitled The Expanding Regional Market will take place on the mornings of March 14 and 15. The two day-conference will cover areas such as Islamic yachting financing, the importance of the Indian leisure boating market and its links with Dubai and the Gulf States, and boating regulations in the Culf Cooperation Council (GCC).
(7 March 2007)
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