Dive Middle East Exhibition reports 100% growth for 2008

'The significant expansion of DMEX for 2008 reflects the ongoing boom in diving as a sport and marine leisure activity in the Middle East. Activities like diving are a major attraction for international visitors, so the growth of this sector has positive benefits for the wider travel and tourism industry,'

said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the event.

With the extraordinary increase of waterside developments and the expansion of the number of dive companies setting up in the region, the Middle East is rapidly becoming a popular venue for dive companies, who continue to offer unparalleled dive programs and package dive site tours for local and international divers.

The UAE in particular is seen as a potential travel hub for divers, offering both a wide range of dive sites around its coasts, as well as providing an attractive base of operations for diving tours in the region. The ongoing progress of projects like the luxury island development - The World, will further stimulate the creation of scuba diving schools and diving sites.

Working together with DWTC, the EDA's support and commitment ensures the event promotes these new diving destinations, as well as highlighting the regional environmental and commercial considerations.

Ibrahim Al Zu'bi, Advisor to Emirates Diving Association said 'We support the local diving industry through the preservation and conservation of the UAE marine environment. As we continue to promote responsible and safe diving, we are confident the UAE is becoming a diving tourist destination and DMEX will become a key event in the International diving calendar.'

Such is the level of international interest, that the tourism boards of Malaysia and The Seychelles are using DMEX this year to promote their own diving offerings.

Tuan Razali, Regional Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, said: 'We see DMEX as an important platform to showcase Malaysia's exciting range of diving and marine leisure options, particularly as the event grows in scope and diversity.'

This year DMEX will also see the highest number of confirmed participants including Al Boom Diving, Scuba Dubai, Beuchat, JVC, Pavilion Dive Center, Marsa Musandam, Dive Arabia, Emirates Diving Association, Divers Down, Divelink and Easttrade.

Stephanie Davis, General Manager from Scuba Dubai said: 'Because Dubai is the focal point for the diving industry for the whole of the Middle East, The Dubai International Boat Show is the way ahead for DMEX, and each year we are confident that it will continue to become better and better.'

DMEX 2008 in association with Emirates Diving Association (EDA) will feature an interactive dive pool hosting trial dives, a series of live demonstrations and providing exhibitors with a place to demonstrate their dive equipment's capabilities. Experts will be on hand to offer advice and instruction the latest dive techniques, in an exhaustive series of live events.

DIBS and DMEX will take place at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi from 11-15 March 2008. Open to trade visitors and general public from 3pm - 9.30pm daily, visitors without an invitation must pay an entrance fee of Dhs40 per person. Children under 12 will be admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Access to the Marine Display Area may be restricted at certain times.