The 2012 Dubai International Boat Show is preparing to celebrate two decades of unrivalled success across the Middle East and a meteoric rise in its status worldwide. The show already had to increase its exhibition space at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi to cater to an unprecedented 750 international and regional exhibiting companies and brands.

With the strong Middle East demand for small and medium luxury, leisure and fishing boats, the external area has also expanded; there will be an additional 30% of dry land exhibition space to cater to this burgeoning market.

Following an estimated Dhs 1 billion worth of sales as a direct result of the last show, the event is also widening its global reach even further in 2012. Exhibitors from more than 40 countries will be taking part including debut appearances from several new nations from as far afield as Madagascar and Tunisia.

The 2011 show hosted 10 members of the world’s most prestigious super yachts builders association (SYBAss), a record for the event, and this year’s show has already equalled that, with more expected over the coming weeks. Among the prized names, Abeking & Rasmussen, AMELS, Benetti, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen Yachts, Lurssen, Oceanco, San Lorenzo and Trinity Yachts, have all confirmed their participation at the 20th anniversary edition of the show and will showcase their latest yacht models and designs in the dedicated SYBAss Pavilion.

Leading marine equipment companies such as Exalto, Elcome, Gulf Development Systems, Japan Marine, MTU and Yamaha are also investing heavily in the Dubai International Boat Show due to increased demand from regional boat builders. Specialist exhibitors from the national pavilions of Australia, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Turkey among others will display the latest international marine technology.

Other key segments of the show include the Super Yacht Boulevard, exclusively reserved for the showcasing of super yachts of 25 metres and above; the Marina Display Area, comprising of the largest on-water display in the Middle East; the Luxury Supplies & Services housing the finest luxury boat builders from around the world and Equipment Supplies & Services, an indoor area filled with exhibitors specialising in products essential to the supply and servicing of the leisure marine industry.

The 20th anniversary of the Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi from 13th to 17th March from 3pm to 9.30pm daily. For more information visit www.boatshowdubai.com.