CAIRO: Egyptian exhibitors are docking at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) next month, showcasing their products among over 400 boats and yachts at the largest exhibition in the Middle East for the leisure marine industry. Organized by Dubai world Trade Center (DWTC) and running from March 11-15, visitors can expect to see an impressive display from three of Egypt s leading players in the leisure marine market at this year s show: Shama Yachts, DeBirs Yachts and Oceandro Large Yacht Builders. "The marine industry in Egypt is witnessing exceptional growth and we look forward to welcoming several of these key manufacturers to the Dubai International Boat Show, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and the most important show for buyers and exhibitors alike, said Joanne Cook, industry group manager at the DWTC. Of the Egyptian exhibitors this year is Alexandria-based DeBirs Yachts, which specializes in the construction of 25-30 meter custom fiberglass luxury motor yachts. According to Marwa Singer, executive director of DeBirs, the company has been supporting and participating in the DIBS since the beginning "when it was basically a tent . we have seen it grow and have seen an increase in the number of visitors and [diversity in] the types of participants, Singer said. Established at the Dutch Yard in the Amria Free Zone in 1998, DeBirs has been a key player in the growth of the Egypt and North African leisure marine market with superyachts in the 82, 85, and 86 Raised Pilot House (RPH) and 100 Sports Yacht range attracting buyers from across the world. Chairman of DeBirs Yachts Tarek Ragheb takes pride in the fact that his company competes internationally with a 100 percent Egyptian workforce. "We sell in the Gulf, Italy, America and Egypt. . We gained foreign expertise but 100 percent of our workforce is Egyptian, Ragheb said. Ragheb boasted that DeBirs has managed to garner international media attention and was featured in magazines like Newsweek, representing Egypt and the development it is experiencing. While some might think that this kind of product is not at high demand in Egypt, Ragheb argues that "Egypt is quickly positioning itself as one of the most desirable boating locations in the world with new marinas and waterfront developments nearing completion. "We initially thought that our market was the Gulf but quickly realized that we are offering a product that is needed in Egypt and everywhere, Ragheb added. Ragheb added that although the luxury of yachts was not around before, now it is spreading "in an extraordinary manner in places like Hurghada. Another company enjoying huge demand on its luxury yachts is Shama Marine Industries, one of Egypt s largest privately owned and managed manufacturers of fiberglass motor yachts, which last year launched its new 30-meter long luxury Super Sports yacht. "Egypt s renowned coastline continues to be a star attraction for residents and international visitors, which has reflected on the growth of the marine industry in the past years. This demand has had a tremendous impact for our company and with our participation at DIBS, we look to increase our presence across the region, said Amr Sedik, marketing manager of Shama Yachts. DIBS is expected to generate multi-million dollar business orders and deals for the booming Middle East leisure marine industry with 810 companies participating - a 10 percent increase from last year. "With more maritime projects in development, DIBS continues to attract a high number of visitors and prospective buyers from Egypt and North Africa, where a huge variety of state-of-the-art yachts and equipment will be showcased, Cook said. "We support the Egyptian industry and that is why we re here . We hope to see more companies representing Egypt to promote it as a diving destination, she concluded.
