Dubai is preparing to open the gates to its 15th International Boat Show (DIBS), the premier exhibition in the Middle East for the leisure marine industry. The show runs from 13 – 17 March, and will be 33% bigger than last year’s event, covering 20,000 square meters and showcasing more than 142 boats on the water.

DIBS 2007 will bring together more than 25,000 boating enthusiasts from across the region to Dubai, a city steeped in maritime history and culture. Interest in boats and sailing is at an all time high, driven in particular by the increasing availability of waterfront property, afforded by multi-million dollar developments and new marinas in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

“The Dubai International Boat Show holds the position as the regions premier event for people involved in the business of boating, whether it’s exhibitors launching new products or trade or public buyers looking for good deals and great marine leisure products,” said Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Helal Saeed Al Marri.