19 February 2015
Dedicated Section Will Feature Casting Demonstrations, Competitions, and Seminars From Regional Fishing Experts;

Over 350 Commercial Fish Species in Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Gulf

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

With recreational fishing becoming increasingly popular in the GCC region, the Dubai International Boat Show is introducing a dedicated fishing section to bring together enthusiasts, suppliers, operators and people keen to learn more about the activity.

The tradition of fishing is deeply rooted in the UAE's culture and history as sailors have fished the Arabian and Indian seas for centuries. There are over 350 commercial fish species in the fisheries of the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf and fishing's popularity has soared in recent years in line with global interest in sports fishing.

"Dubai is very much a travel and business hub, with a strong local fishing market and other attractive fishing destinations close by. The sector has definitely developed a lot in the past few years as we see increasing interest in sports fishing activities in the region," said Nick Bowles, partner at Ocean Active, the first dedicated fishing company that specialises in fishing charters, trips and products in the Middle East. "The Dubai International Boat Show is crucial to the development of the regional marine and leisure fishing industry because it allows people to come and see what is available on the market and gives suppliers and operators access to a wide range of customers."

The DIBS Fishing feature, which will be a dedicated section within the Outdoor Display area, is aimed at meeting the needs of keen fishermen, attendees looking to buy fishing boats or people interested in event fishing holidays. The interactive zone will allow exhibitors to demonstrate products and educate and interact with the region's fishing community.

As well as featuring a huge range of equipment, including tackle and the latest rods, DIBS Fishing will feature casting demonstrations, competitions, and seminars from fishing experts and celebrities. 

"Fishing is the largest sport in the world by the sheer number of people fishing, from small remote communities in the South Pacific or Amazon to bustling places like Dubai, London and New York. Fishing means so much to so many people. It's not simply catching a fish, it's the experience of being out on a boat, being with your friends and family out on the water, there's nothing else like it," said Ocean Active's Bowles.

"Fishing is very much part of the fabric of the regional marine industry, and as the Dubai International Boat Show aims to grow in step with the regional industry, it's a natural choice to add fishing to our area of coverage," said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President of DWTC. "We look forward to growing and developing this segment of the event in future years in line with fishing's growing popularity in the region."

Hakan Demiralp from regional fishing specialist company Emirates Fishing, a media partner for the Dubai International Boat Show, agrees with the rising popularity of recreational fishing: "The UAE is a fishing haven and commercial fishing was a major source of income not long ago. Recreational fishing has evolved significantly over the last 20 years and is still very popular in the region."

With an estimated 66% of UAE residents eating fish at least once a week, sustainability is an important issue for the development of the local fishing market and one that is at the heart of Emirates Fishing's activity.

"At Emirates Fishing, our vision is to be the leading recreational fishing company and one-stop solution for all angers in the gulf, but we also aim to raise awareness of conservation and sustainability issues. The Dubai International Boat Show can help us to spread these vital messages,' added Demiralp.

Recreational fishing licenses are mandatory as part of a wider, Federal decree to protect and develop aquatic life in the UAE, as well as to control and monitor fishing activity.

The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm - 9.30pm daily from 3-7 March 2015.

-Ends-

About Dubai International Boat Show:

www.boatshowdubai.com
Dubai
International Boat Show, the most trusted and established marine industry exhibition in the Middle East, is a showcase of yachts and boats from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine equipment and accessories. The multi-award winning show showcases the latest leisure boats, equipment and associated services in the Middle East. Exhibitors include both local and international boat manufacturers as well as the latest innovations in marine equipment and supplies. More than 26,000 international and local visitors attend including key buyers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

 About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

www.dwtc.com
Dubai
World Trade Centre offers more than 34 years' experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. 

Our team organises 20 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region. Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors.

For more information, please contact:
Rola Abu Hassan / Reethu Thachil
Wallis Marketing Consultants
+971 4 390 1950
DIBS@wallis-mc.com

Amelia Naidoo                                                        
Manager - PR & Media Relations                          
+971 55 747 9086                                                  
Amelia.Naidoo@dwtc.com

© Press Release 2015