The upcoming Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) will showcase the latest spectacular boats and equipment, with 11 global premieres and 25 regional launches to be unveiled at the event, show organisers said.

The 18th edition of DIBS will take place from March 9 to 13 at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).

Following millions of dollars worth of sales from last year’s show, hundreds of companies have confirmed their attendance at the show, said a statement.

“The Dubai International Boat Show has gained a reputation for bringing the world’s best to Dubai, and at this year’s event we will have more world and regional launches than ever before,” said Trixee Loh, senior vice president, Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of the show.

“Our longstanding relationship with the world’s top marine companies and providing visitors with the latest, most extensive product and design offerings across all marine sectors, allows for one of the most anticipated social events of the year – all within a spectacular and high-profile networking environment,” Loh added.

Among the many global launches, Gulf Craft will unveil its updated edition of the Majesty 63 and Majesty 101, while attendees will also be able to see the two latest models from IMG Boats, a 47-metre yacht by Al Sayer Yachts, and three new world launches from Emirates Boats.

“Gulf Craft will be launching the Majesty 63 and the 101 with a complete revamp and fit out at the show, but we will also be bringing lots of 2010 updates of the fleet,” said Erwin Bamps, chief operating officer, Gulf Craft.

“We are committed to displaying better quality and improved features, without increasing the price; we have also added to our after sales team this year. We want to provide a better value proposition to clients and we are dedicated to the Middle East region,” he added.

For regional launches, ART Marine will be unveiling to the Middle East four of its latest yachts, including the Azimut 82 and Azimut 100, while Aquaspeed Boats will be showcasing the latest edition of Regal Boats for the very first time in the regional market and Westport are unveiling the new Westport 112 to the show.

Constantinos Constantinou, CEO and president of ART Marine, the local exclusive importer and distributor of Azimut-Benetti group and long-standing exhibitor at DIBS, said: “Having been in the yachting industry for more than twenty years and a regular guest at the world’s best marine events, I can confirm that DIBS is a crucial outlet for us to launch our best products in the Middle East – one of our most important buyer markets.”

This year’s show will feature seven key areas, which include Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), the Superyacht Pavilion, Luxury Supplies and Services area (LSS), Equipment Supplies and Services area (ESS), Marina Display area, External area, and a new dedicated Superyacht Boulevard, located within the Marina Display area.

The new Superyacht Boulevard, located at the Marina Display area, will be exclusive to superyachts of 25 metres and above.

“Last year’s show – amidst the global crisis – saw a record number of sales inquiries for Sunseeker,” said Francesco Pitea, General Manager, Sunseeker Middle East.

“This year, we plan for a bigger and better display and look forward to entertaining our growing number of customers from the region coming to Dubai for the event,” he added.

Exhibitors specialising in products essential to the supply and servicing of the leisure marine industry will be located at the Equipment Supplies and Services area (ESS). The ESS area also includes a dedicated national pavilions area.

The Luxury Supplies and Services area (LSS) will house the finest names in superyacht and luxury boat builders, as well as a number of waterfront developers, service and product suppliers, and charter and brokerage firms.

Also located within the LSS area is the superyacht pavilion, where the world’s leading superyacht builders and shipyards including Danish Yachts, Platinum Yachts, Trinity Yachts and Westport are to showcase their latest designs and models.

Additional features include a luxury retail plaza, exclusive corporate hospitality, dedicated VIP areas and a host of watchmakers, jewellers and fashion boutiques targeting the tens of thousands of affluent attendees expected. - TradeArabia News Service