Within the first hour of the opening of the Dubai International Boat Show, one of the event's most prominent exhibitors sold a brand new Dh1.4 million ($381,149) cruiser from its stand.

Bahrain boat builder Al Dhaen had the new 500 Wavebreaker on display for just 50 minutes when the contract was signed with a visitor from Qatar, a Wam report said0.

Abdulla Alfahal, director - administration, Al Dhaen Group, said: "Even before the event began, we were totally confident that the Dubai International Boat Show was going to be a great success for us. To make this sale within an hour is fantastic, and shows that we have not just the highest quality boats, but that we are attracting the highest quality customers.

"The potential for sales at this event is greater than any other in the Middle East. There are very serious buyers here and we provide them with exceptional service. We listen to our customers and we deliver," he said.