Dubai International Boat Show set to be bigger than ever
The 2013 Dubai International Boat Show promises to be bigger and better than ever.Organisers have confirmed the maritime extravaganza will take place between March 5th and 9th, when 19 of the world's most luxurious superyachts will be showcased.This is a 40 per cent improvement on last year and there is every chance the figure will increase before the event gets underway in just under two months' time.More than 26,000 people are expected to attend the show and around 750 companies have already confirmed they will be there.This is the 21st time the boating celebration has been held in the emirate and exhibitors from more than 49 countries are set to take part.Organisers also announced that firms from Malaysia, Malta and Armenia will make their debut at the event, while Turkey will have the biggest presence, having secured 800 sq m of floor space.Businesses will demonstrate the latest innovations in the boating world and visitors will also be able to enhance their knowledge during a series of seminars.Chief executive officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre - the organisation behind the event - Helal Saeed Almarri said the Middle East has become one of the fastest growing leisure markets in the world, so it makes sense to host such a high-profile global exhibition in the Gulf."Considering Dubai is a gateway to the affluent Middle East and Asian luxury buyers' market, in which one-third of the world's largest superyachts are owned by Gulf Co-operation Council nationals, the Dubai International Boat Show has cemented its position as the region's largest and most preferred sales platform," he remarked.The 2012 version of the Dubai International Boat Show was an undoubted success, with visitors from 76 different countries attending the event.In total, 430 boats were exhibited during the show with a combined value of AED 960 million.Many deals were completed over the four days and almost 50 per cent of guests said the main purpose of their visit was to buy a new yacht.