Deals in excess of Dh16 million ($4.35 million) were said to have been concluded with 26 craft declared as having been sold during the 11th Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in March.

"We are pleased with the response and the deals struck during the four-day event; the success of the event is even sweeter because it has been achieved against the backdrop of a conflict in the region, which started on the very first day of the show," said DWTC director general, Mubarak bin Fahad.

"This is a veritable statement about the pro-business nature of Dubai and easily the most appropriate example of the 'business as usual' message," Bin Fahad stressed.

Celebrities visiting the show included Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Department of Civil Aviation and chairman of the Emirates Group. Some 129 exhibitors, 67 per cent of whom were international parties from Australia, North America, Europe and the Middle East, participated at the event. They included boat and equipment manufacturers, designers, dealers, distributors, importers and exporters.

"All facets of the pleasure boat industry domestically and internationally, from producers of luxury craft to service providers, were well represented at the event," said Shoaib Rahimi, international project manager of DIBS 2003.

Gulf Craft had a huge presence at both the main event and the VIP Boat Show and commented positively about the show. "Despite the prevailing circumstances in the region, the success of the Dubai International Boat Show has by far surpassed our expectations," said Erwin Bamps, executive manager, Gulf Craft.

Al Yousuf Industrial Est, which manufactures FRP (fibreglass reinforced plastics) boats at Al Quoz Industrial Area in Dubai in collaboration with Yamaha Japan, launched its new 34-foot Yamaha multipurpose boat at the event.

"The classic design and selection of power options offered by Yamaha provide the most comprehensive range of packages for individual consumers. Offering the choice of twin outboard motors at 200hp (combined total 400hp) or 250hp (combined total 500hp), or Yamaha diesel inboard stern drive engines, the multipurpose boat can be used for a range of patrol, rescue, survey and passenger activities," an Al Yusuf spokesman said.

"The large surface area of this new model opens up possibilities not only for commercial uses, but also for socialising, affording a perfect place for groups of up to 20 people to relax in comfort."

In addition to the new 34-foot multi-purpose boat, Al Yousuf displayed the much-awaited Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines and the new four-stroke Personal Watercraft as well as a full range of outboard motors and inboard diesel engines, an array of water vehicles, a range of Yamaha and other pleasure craft and the Sea Prince 39.

Mohammed Bin Masaood & Sons said they received inquiries and made new contacts. Andrew Wagner, the general manager of the marine division said, "There seems to be an increasing amount of interest in the boating industry this year, and we have been very pleased with the response we generated at the exhibition".

Duboats, one of the latest entrants to the marine industry in the region, said the Boat Show was an extremely successful launch pad for them. "The response we received has been tremendously positive and encouraging. The show also provided us with an opportunity to highlight our affiliation with Bénéteau, the world's largest recreational boat manufacturer," said Christophe Vanek, Duboats general manager.

"A notable accomplishment was the sale of our first boat within the first few hours of the show and we will follow up on 1,000 prospective buyers", said Vanek.

Another exhibitor, Victory Team, said their participation amongst the exhibitors signalled their launch into a new commercial entity.

A/S Marine, a second-time participant, carried out many serious negotiations at DIBS 2003. Their sales consultant Wael Joujou said the 2003 show offered better flexibility.

Yacht Solutions said the sales leads and the contacts generated were very satisfying. "International response has been strong with couples from Germany, Italy, UK, Russia, America and Australia showing interest. Regional response has also been overwhelming," said Rita Cappuccitti, marketing manager of Yacht Solutions.

Barry Groves, the international trade manager of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, which was the UK Pavilion representative, said: "We are very happy with the serious sales leads generated and the extremely good quality of visitors at the show. Our companies met all the major manufacturers and distributors in the boat and marine industry."

The Italian Pavilion reported excellent response, and Italian company Normic expressed sincere interest in participating at the next edition of the exhibition.

Heinen and Hopman Engineering BV from the Netherlands was represented at DIBS 2003 by Fairpromotion.