Some of the biggest marine and leisure supply companies and distributors, will be at the 'Saudi International Boat Show 2010'  to be held from December 8 to 11 in Jeddah.

More than 124 local, regional and international brands will seek to capitalise on the boom in Saudi's boating market estimated at SR500 million ($133.3 million), according to Alkhorayef Commercial Marine Division, one of the top Saudi companies taking part.

The event is being organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) at the Al Furusya Marina & Yacht Club in Jeddah.

Besides Alkhorayef, several key industry players including Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, Al Shaali Marine, Art Marine, Badr Fibre Glass Factory, Blue Limits, Dream Divers, KB Marine, Luxury Sea Boats, Mega Marine, Princess Yachts and Saudi Yacht, Sea Pros Yachts, Trinity Yachts, Westport will be at the show.

Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group will showcase its full range of products that include premium boats and yachts, chandlery, navionics, water toys, and dive gear, as well as a wide selection of services being the country's leading marina operator and the largest and most diversified dive operator in the Middle East.

'The participation of the biggest maritime enterprises and suppliers in Saudi Arabia confirms the reputation of SIBS as the premier business-to-business platform in the Kingdom,' said Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, chairman of Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group.

'We have prepared an exciting array of the biggest industry names and the most prestigious brands, making the show a genuinely must-attend event for all stakeholders in the boating community,” he remarked.

“The high-profile participation of top industry names makes the event a highly strategic venue for maritime decision-makers, investors and government authorities to network with key market players and explore mutually gainful business opportunities and joint venture prospects,' he added.

Harry Kourmousis, general manager, Mega Marine, said: 'SIBS is a very prestigious business networking event that complements our efforts to boost brand value and create awareness about our activities in the Saudi market.'

'We will be showcasing a variety of boats and will also take advantage of the event's high-profile attendance to organise an official launch of our company in the Saudi market,' he noted.

“We have witnessed rapid growth in the Saudi yachting market. Mega Marine has ventured into the Saudi to cater to this demand and to bring some of the world's best brands to the local market. The show's venue is also perfect for us as our core operations are based in Jeddah, from which we shall soon expand to other markets across Saudi Arabia and the GCC,' he added.

The boat show is being managed by Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group and endorsed by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

The SIBS, which is one of its kind event in the region, will also feature a full spectrum of fishing and diving apparel, high powered fishing boats, small leisure craft and sailing boats.-TradeArabia News Service