Dubai, Feb.7th, 2008 (WAM) -- Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), the region's only dive exhibition, has recorded 100 percent growth in the number of exhibitors for 2008, reflecting the ongoing development of both the region's diving industry and an increasing volume of UAE residents considering overseas diving holiday as their vacation activity of choice.
Held alongside the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) and in association with Emirates Diving Association (EDA), DMEX 2008 is set to gather the top names in dive equipment, supplies and services, when it runs at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) - Mina Seyahi, from March 11-15. '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, organisers said in a press release issued Thursday. 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. 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.' 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.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.
