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SIBS	04 Mar 2009

DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE EXPLORES LAUNCH OF BOAT SHOW IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Proposed launch of Saudi International Boat Show Set to be the Best New Marine Event in the Middle East

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Organisers of the Dubai International Boat Show have announced its intention to launch the Saudi International Boat Show at the Al Furusya Marine & Yacht Club in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the 28 - 31 October 2009.

The announcement was made today at a press conference during the Dubai International Boat Show held at the Dubai International Marine Club - Minya Seyahi. HH Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of Al Ahlam Marina Tourism Group, the management company of the Al Furusya Marine & Yacht Club, and Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the planned Saudi International Boat Show, discussed the event's strategic positioning and proposed plans.

"We are delighted with Dubai World Trade Centre's plans to organise the Saudi International Boat Show in Jeddah. The launch of this leisure lifestyle event will provide thousands of marine enthusiasts in Saudi the much awaited occasion to experience the latest and newest boats, yachts and marine activities from different parts of the world.

"We welcome Dubai World Trade Centre on their initiative to extend their world-class boat show organising achievement and experience to the city of Jeddah. We look forward to hosting the event in our esteemed club later this year, "said Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of Al Ahlam Marina Tourism Group.

"Dubai World Trade Centre prides itself in connecting its customers to the best markets of the world. Most importantly, we want to ensure that we consistently deliver a world class service that is synonymous with the Dubai International Boat Show.

"Jeddah is the top destination of leisure marine lifestyle in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It presents tremendous opportunities for growth in the boating and marine tourism industry. With our proven experience and trusted reputation in organising one of the most dynamic boat shows in the world, we continue to work hard to explore the full potential and opportunity for a robust launch of the Saudi International Boat Show in the coming months," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The Saudi International Boat Show is proposed to be held at the Al Furusya Marine & Yacht Club located in the grounds of the new Park Hyatt Jeddah. Set amidst a luxury sanctuary, the marina is located in the prime Al Hamra district This marina is located in the Al Hamra area in the heart of Jeddah, minutes away from Jeddah Port and spectacular views across the Red Sea and King Fahd's fountain.

With a third of all super yachts currently owned by Arab Nationals and a growing shift in trends from berth spaces held in European to regional waters, Saudi Arabia is fast becoming the region's most sought-after marine tourism destination for superyachts, boats, water sports and leisure marine activities.

Demand for leisure boats of all sizes is also being fuelled by the emergence and rapid growth of marina-style real estate developments and marine tourism in the Kingdom.

Several waterside projects and resorts, such as Emaar's US$27 billion King Abdulla Economic City project north of Jeddah are currently under construction, creating new options for existing and potential boat owners.