(MENAFN - Emirates News Agency (WAM)) His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today took a tour of the 21st edition of Dubai International Boat Show, being held at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) - Mina Seyahi from March 5-9.
Exhibitors from more than 49 Arab and foreign countries are showcasing their best of class boats and yachts of mixed uses at the region's biggest and most prolific marine leisure exhibition.
Sheikh Mohammed viewed some luxurious super yachts being displayed for the first time in the Middle East. He commended the significant growth in terms of participation by local, regional and international boat manufacturers.
As he interacted with exhibitors, Sheikh Mohammed indicated that the marine event had been playing an instrumental role in stimulating marine navigation and cruise and leisure tourism in the UAE, which boasts of serene and pristine beaches that attract amateurs of diving, fishing and other marine sports.
More than 780 exhibiting brands and companies are participating in the show with 126 new exhibitors at the show for the first time this year.
The show has seen strong international demand with more than 49 countries participating and debut appearances from Armenia, Belgium, Malaysia, Malta, Palau and the Russian Federation. The event has seen the United States and Italy increase their total exhibition space by 110% and 47% respectively, with Turkey increasing its floor space by eight times.
The Made in UAE Pavilion', a show first, is aimed at providing a platform for small-to-medium UAE boat builders such as Al Hareb Marine, Julfar Craft, Legacy Yachts and Ocean Boats, to increase local and global market exposure for the UAE boat manufacturing industry.
Local boat and yacht builders have increased their engagement at the event by 48% over the previous edition.
