Dubai will reaffirm its position as the region’s leading showcase for luxury yachts and high-end craft, when the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2008 takes place at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi from 11-15 March.

The international positioning of this premier marine event, combined with the strong local demand for luxury boats, has propelled DIBS into a position where many of the world’s leading boat-builders are competing for space.

According to a recent report, the Middle East region has over 150,000 yachts in total, with local factories accounting for approximately 15 percent of worldwide production.

In particular, DIBS has become one of the primary show-grounds for superyachts, the 23 metres plus (82 feet) luxury craft that have come to represent the highest-end of the marine leisure market. Four of the worlds largest yachts – including the 160m Platinum – are now owned by individuals and organisations based in the Middle East. A total of 10 superyachts will be talking pride of place at this year’s event.

As a result of this surging market, the dedicated Luxury Supplies and Services (LSS) area at DIBS 2008 has grown by over 30 percent, with over 90 companies participating.

“The range of luxury boats and yachts on display has become one of the distinctive features of the Dubai International Boat Show over the years, and the 2008 event is set to be one of the most prestigious editions ever held. Today, boating is as much about the feeling of luxury as it is about the thrill of being out on the water and the Dubai International Boat Show is the only place in the region to source these exclusive yachts,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the event.

A global array of companies are set to have an increased presence in 2008, including Amels and Feadship from The Netherlands, US super yacht builders Burger, Trinity, Westport and – new for 2008 - Lazzara Yachts.

They will be joined by Warwick from New Zealand, Lurssen from Germany, Royal Denship from Denmark and Shama Yachts from Egypt, while Italy’s high profile in the global industry will be underlined by the presence of Canados, CRN, Ferreti, Fincantieri and San Lorenzo.

Kasper Fritz Bandholm, Sales Manager of Royal Denship said: “Royal Denship is taking part in the show for the first time, but we have no doubt that Dubai is the gateway to our sales opportunities in Middle East, India, Asia, and Australia. The DIBS event, with its Luxury Supplies and Services area, gives us a great branding opportunity for the Royal Denship name.”

“DIBS is becoming one of the leading platforms for marine design and engineering professionals to demonstrate their experiences and skills and the focus provided by the dedicated LSS area offers a unique environment that brings together every element of high-end marine pursuits,” said Michael Schutte, Founder and Principal Naval Architect of Brilliant Boats.

From the rapidly-expanding Charter and Brokerage market, industry leaders such as Cavendish White, Edmiston and Fraser Yachts will use DIBS as a platform to entice existing and new clients. Fraser Yachts is set to unveil its brand new corporate identity to the Middle East and Africa for the first time at DIBS 2008.

“Our participation in DIBS 2008 coincides with the 60th Anniversary of our company and marks a very special time for the company which has recently experienced unprecedented growth in the region,” said Candice Rossi, Marketing Manager, Fraser Yachts.

Interior Designers Greenline and Pino Meroni will also showcase the very finest.

“Taken together, the broad range of exhibitors in the LSS area presents a comprehensive picture of the range and depth of the luxury market today,” concluded Al Marri.

DIBS will welcome over 800 participating companies and nearly 400 boats to this year’s event, the highest number since the show was launched in 1992. Companies from every part of the industry, from boat-builders through to marine equipment, suppliers and service providers, are set to exhibit.