The changing coastline of the Middle East is creating a new wave of challenges and opportunities for the marine industry, according to organiser of Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS)

Ongoing progress on major waterfront developments across GCC countries – including multi-million dollar projects like Dubai's Palms and Qatar's Pearl – are encouraging the creation of new marinas, yacht clubs and marine leisure resorts.

This in turn is stimulating the industry in every area, from boat-building through to equipment and supply.

Given this accelerated pace of development, The 4th Gulf Boating Conference, entitled "Dubai as a Gateway to the Middle East Region", from the 12-13 March provides an important opportunity for professionals to network and understand the changes occurring across the region.

Leading industry speakers are expected to discuss new trends in the region's marine industry.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of DIBS 2008, said: "A significant number of waterside developments are set to be completed over the next five years, expanding the range of marine attractions available in the Middle East. Given the business opportunities being created by this dynamic climate, this year's Conference is a must-attend event for industry representatives wanting to understand how best to benefit."

Held alongside the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2008, this year's Conference runs on March 12-13 at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi and welcomes the exclusive support of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).

Tony Rice, Secretary General at ICOMIA said: "ICOMIA is very pleased to once again be endorsing the Gulf Boating Conference. This year's theme of ‘Dubai as a Gateway to the Middle East Region' neatly describes our significant interest in this rapidly emerging market with its very large investment in the necessary infrastructure to support sustained growth."

DIBS' support for the high-level industry discussion generated by the Conference is one of the many factors that have positioned the exhibition as the leading event in the region and increasingly one of the most important marine leisure exhibitions in the world. With the support of ICOMIA, the voice of the boating industry worldwide, this year's Conference is set to be a key event for marine professionals visiting DIBS and demonstrates the region's scope in becoming an international marine hub.

A major focus of the 2008 Conference will be the predicted impact of the new developments on the marine industry as a whole. Chairman of the 4th Gulf Boating Conference is the esteemed Dr. Mohammed Hamdan, Member of Board of Directors, Gulf Craft, who together with industry experts Magdy Youssef, Planning Manager of Qatari Diar, and Chris Ahern, Development Manager for Island Global Yachting, who will examine the overall effect of the opening of new marinas, yacht clubs and diving schools that will populate waterfront properties across the GCC.

Another area set for discussion will be the changing regulatory climate. Rudi Joustra, General Manager of Elcome International, will discuss the potential for using Dubai as a hub from which to do business in Saudi Arabia, the most populous of the GCC marine leisure markets.

"The industry is expanding at a rapid rate at the moment, with a higher proportion of international suppliers seeing the region as a priority market, and strong local competition bringing in a significant number of new customers. This conference will provide an important insight into key current trends, as well as the potential for future growth," said Dr Mohammed Hamdan, chairman of the 4th Gulf Boating Conference.

The conference will hold further presentations on the subject of Dubai as a gateway to the Middle East and how it serves as re-export hub to these many other countries. Additional highlights include half day field trip to new waterfront developments including the marinas in and around Dubai, and a 30-minute helicopter ride offering delegates optimal viewing of all waterfront developments from the air.