The 19th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show opened on Tuesday showcasing the widest range of boats, yachts, equipment and services.

Thousands of visitors attended the first day of the show, where 425 yachts and boats are on parade, including a record 30 regional launches and 11 global premieres from some of the most prestigious names in the boating industry.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the show, seen as the Middle East’s most successful marine sales event.

Boating buyers and enthusiasts can choose from more than 750 leading companies and brands from 42 countries, presenting the very latest leisure marine products and services in a region famous for breathtaking yachts and stunning marinas, said the event organisers, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

And with every item on display for sale, from dinghies to superyachts, the event caters to experts and beginners alike.

"For nearly two decades, this show has been the focus of the Middle East’s marine business and it is now one of the five largest international boat shows anywhere in the world," remarked Helal Saeed Almarri, DWTC chief executive officer.

Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Monaco, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Ukraine are all set to make their debut at the show, he added.

ART Marine, a Middle East marine powerhouse, will have a total of 23 boats, including eight regional launches and Bahrain’s Al Dhaen, in its first appearance at the show will present three world premieres.

Abdulla Al Fahal, director - Administration, Al Dhaen Group of Companies said: "Today’s industry is very much about being adaptable and presenting the customer with value, innovation, new ideas and new ranges. The show is an excellent opportunity for us to put these concepts and ideas forward and to expand our reach."

Another of the region’s leading marine companies, Gulf Craft has been supporting the event since its first edition in 1992 and will show 15 boats this year, including three global premieres.

Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer, described the boat show as the most important platform for the entire leisure marine industry across the wider Middle East.

"There is no bigger or more relevant event for the regional industry and it consistently delivers the full range of products and services, and for us it is the key platform for our winter and spring launches," he added.

As well as the record number of launches, the 2011 show has many other ‘firsts’, including more Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) members than ever before in its 19 year history.

World brands such as AMELS, Benetti, Burger Boat Company, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen Yachts, Lürssen, Oceanco, Sanlorenzo and Trinity Yachts are showcased in the Enhanced Superyacht Pavilion.

The first ever Supercar Promenade will run alongside the show, showcasing the elite of the motoring world, including Rolls Royce, Bentley, Porsche, Brabus, Hamann and Invader, with a 436kph speed sensation and the latest model of the classic 911 Carrera on display.

The 5th Dive Middle East Exhibition, the only dedicated diving exhibition in the region being held in association with the Emirates Diving Association has doubled in size and features live demonstrations and daily 'try-a-dive' sessions.

The boat show is open from 4pm to 9.30pm and admission is Dh55 ($14.9) per person.-TradeArabia News Service