East boat show A range of boats and marine equipment will be launched next March at the Dubai International Boat Show (Dibs), which was recently renamed from its old name Middle East International Boat Show by the new owners and organisers, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

DWTC said it took the decision to rename the show and fully own it with the intention of strengthening the marine industry's business and growth prospects. The largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East will be held from March 19 to 22.

As part of a new plant to enhance the event, the exhibition will have two exclusive shows at one location Ñ the waterfront at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. The organisers say a specialised air-conditioned structure will be built near the Marina to host the marine-related exhibits. The new exhibition is expected to host the launch of a variety of new pleasure and leisure boats, luxury yachts, commercial boats and marina and electronic marine equipment. The size of products displayed in water or on land will vary from small motorboats measuring a few metres in length to yachts and catamarans stretching more than 50 metres.

The event is also expected to stimulate growth in related activities in the region, while increasing exhibitor and visitor interest and participation.

"We are committed to building on the success of the past shows and will soon be making several announcements demonstrating how we intend to achieve this goal," said Shoaib Rahimi, international project manager, Dibs.

"A significant number of local and international companies recommended a re-organisation of the exhibition. By developing a new style and approach we are enabling this event to serve as a launch pad for new marine products and technologies in this region," said Mike Derrett, independent consultant to Dibs. He said holding the boat show in March would contribute to its success because the weather was more moderate at that time.

"The marine industry in the Gulf has tremendous potential. There are numerous regional manufacturers who produce some of the best boats, yachts and marine accessories in the world. Furthermore, Dubai is recognised as the region's key trade zone for the marine industry. In this context, strengthening the boat show's image is an important factor in the continued development, growth and promotion of Dubai's marine industry," said Chris Doyle, manager, logistics and support, DIBS.

"We have made some excellent inroads into the regions we are keen to develop. Giving exhibitors the opportunity to connect with visitors from the Gulf, Africa, Russia, the Far East and Europe, will ensure that participating in this event is an extremely worthwhile endeavour," said Rahimi.

This year's edition attracted some 14,800 visitors, up from the 2001 edition. The VIP Boat Show, held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, hosted some 980 visitors during the four evenings it was open. More than 100 companies, including 40 from the UAE and representatives from 15 other countries including Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden were exhibitors at the show.