Thousands of visitors attended the 20th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show which was opened today marking the beginning of the region’s biggest marine event.

The event which will go on till March 17 was opened by HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, features an impressive number of global and regional premieres.
 
A total of 430 yachts and boats are on parade, valued at a staggering Dh960 million ($261.4 million). The show features over 20 superyachts, 33 regional launches and 9 global premieres from some of the most prestigious names in the boating industry.

This year will see exhibitors from new countries including Austria, Cyprus, Egypt, Hong Kong, Madagascar, Poland, and Tunisia, a statement said.
 
Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event, said: “Over the last two decades, the Dubai International Boat Show has served as a key business driver for the marine sector boosting the regional industry.”

“The impressive evolution and growth of the show from an event focused on the UAE boating market to the leading maritime industry event in the Middle East and one of the most lucrative in the international arena supports the ideal platform that Dubai offers for global trade and business opportunities,” he said.
 
Among those taking centre stage this year are Gulf Craft, a leading UAE-based manufacturer, unveiling a 135 ft superyach;, and Sunseeker launching 63 and 65 ft yachts; Samawy Marine launching the Samawy Marine 44 and Koot Yachts launching the Koot 54.
 
This year the Dubai International Boat Show hosts a record number of 11 Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) members, the most respected and exclusive superyacht association globally.

Saeed Hareb, senior advisor, Dubai International Boat Show, said: “Dubai is increasingly becoming a top destination for the leisure marine community and the Dubai International Boat Show plays a leading role in that success.”
 
Other key segments of the show include the marina display area, comprising of the largest on-water display in the Middle East; the luxury supplies & services, housing the finest luxury boat builders from around the world; and equipment supplies & services, an indoor area filled with exhibitors specialising in products essential to the supply and servicing of the leisure marine industry.

“Following last year’s success, 2012 will see the return of the hugely popular supercar promenade where visitors will be able to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s fastest and most expensive cars – such as Bentley Continental Series 51, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé – all of which can be purchased at the show and driven off the site,” Hareb said.

“Visitors can also enjoy the exclusive opportunity to see the world’s only Alpha Romeo of its kind, and meet and greet the chief designer from Stile Bertone,” he added.
 
The Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), the only dedicated diving exhibition in the region, in association with Emirates Diving Association, will bring together international manufacturers and local suppliers of sub-aqua diving equipment and services, with live demonstrations and daily 'try-a-dive' sessions.
 
As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, The World of Yachts Recognition Awards 2012 will take place alongside the Dubai International Boat Show. 

The awards celebrate people and companies behind the region’s marine industry and champion the very best achievements. Hosted at the Al Koufa Fort, One&Only Royal Mirage, the awards ceremony is organised by the Arab Marine Industries Association and co-hosted by the World of Yachts and Boats magazine and the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“This year’s 20th edition will celebrate the rich history and incredible growth of the regional maritime industry, bringing together the who’s who of the industry from five continents,” Hareb said.
 
Competitions and prize giveaways including a spectacular, fully-equipped 22-foot fishing boat built by Al Shaali Marine, will be running throughout the show, with the popular feature 'Heritage Village' presented by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing providing a glimpse back in time to Dubai's rich history of maritime culture.
 
The show is being held at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi and will open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm to 9:30pm daily, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service