Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Chairman of Emirates Group and Vice Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), today inaugurated the 14th Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the largest marine event ever held in the Middle East and Africa region.
The Boat Show’s high profile has attracted visitors from across the region, with high numbers travelling to Dubai specifically for the event, with particularly strong representation from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia this year.
A range of new attractions – including the launch of Gulf Craft’s Majesty 88 Luxury Yacht and Exomos’ new airboat – are set to pull in the crowds, in addition to wakeboarding demonstrations and live jazz throughout the exhibition, which runs at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, until March 18.
Dubai International Boat Show 2006 also runs concurrently with the Dubai Match Race Challenge, the world-class yachting race which has brought in competitors from around the world, and spectators will have a front-row view from the banks of the Boat Show.
“The year’s Boat Show has really achieved the right balance between building a platform for the serious business of marine leisure and also providing a unique spectacle for boat enthusiasts. In all, we expect to welcome in excess of 25,000 visitors to this year’s event, and we’re delighted to see a strong crowd arrive for the first day,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General – DWTC, organiser of Dubai International Boat Show 2006.
In addition to high numbers of visitors, Dubai International Boat Show is set to see a high level of business conducted during its run. The on-water pontoon area has been specially expanded to accommodate increased demand from exhibitors, with 120 boats on-water throughout for the event.
A number of major Middle East companies have unveiled enhanced presences at this year’s event – including Duboats, Gulf Craft, ART Marine, Al Shaya Marine, Exomos, Al Dhaen Craft Factory, Al Yousuf, Nakheel, and Al Masood Marine and Engineering – and senior executives are anticipating potential multi-million deals to be closed before the end of DIBS 2006.
For the first time there are also seven national pavilions representing Australia (AIMEX & GCCC), Germany (DBSV), Italy (ICE & UCHINA), Netherlands (HISWA), New Zealand (NZ Marine), Turkey and the UK (Isle of White Chamber of Commerce).
The event is also playing host to the 2nd Gulf Boating Conference, which takes place on the mornings of the 15 and 16 March. The conference, entitled “Vision for the Future” covers topics such as new marina and waterside developments and the potential for imported and locally manufactured boats.
Running from the 14 – 18 March 2006 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, the event is set to be the region’s largest display of boats, marine supplies and services, attracting individual and trade buyers from across the world of boating and yachting.
The Dubai International Boat Show is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and will take place from 14 – 18 March 2006 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.
