The 17th edition of the biggest and most recognized international boat show in the Middle East, DIBS, will open its doors in Dubai from March 3 to March 7, 2009.

There will be 721 companies representing 50 countries and a special section focusing on the world of diving.

Gone are the days when the people of this country would venture out to sea only to fish or collect pearls. Instead of the traditional wooden Dhows gracing these waters, one can now admire shiny, expensive yachts and the very, very expensive Superyachts.

Aside from the already established areas of Equipment Supplies, Luxury Supplies, External Area and Marina Display Area, new this year will be the dedicated Superyacht Pavilion.

This Pavilion will feature names like Lürssen, for example, makers of the $300 million, 158 meter long “Dubai”, owned by the Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the U.A.E., His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This section of the industry saw new orders for yachts over 130 feet rise almost 20 percent in 2008.

In spite of the downturn of the global economy, the organizers will have over 400 boats on display and hope to top last year’s attendance which registered just over 27,000 visitors. Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s main and most luxurious hubs for water-bound leisure activities.

“The opportunities remain extensive in this region and the Dubai Boat Show is well positioned to provide the international marine industry the boost of confidence and opportunities they are seeking at this critical time,” said Mr. Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of the Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of the event.

But DIBS is also a show for dives. Alongside the boat show, the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) will take place. Here you can meet the people that deal in diving equipment, services and techniques for this rapidly growing industry.

“We’ve seen an explosive growth in the last 5 years and particularly in the last 3 years along with the rest of Dubai” says Simon Tambling, General Manager of Al Boom Diving, the largest dive operator in Dubai.

Source: Relaxnews