Dubai has increasingly become a top destination for the leisure marine industry and this is evident from the 20th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show that opened on Tuesday. The number of launches and international exhibitors present at the venue of one of the largest purpose built marinas at the Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi that bears testament to a flotilla of 430 yachts and boats all valued at almost Dhs960 million. The five-day show was officially inaugurated by the Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who was accompanied by top dignitaries. According to Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event this year’s event is bigger in size and features over 20 superyachts, 33 regional launches and 9 global premieres from some of the most prestigious names in the boating industry. The event, which is one of the largest and most successful show of its kind in the Middle East has attracted new exhibitors from Austria, Cyprus, Egypt, Hong Kong, Madagascar, Poland, and Tunisia. More outstanding achievements are expected during the on-going show, as leading buyers are already showing interest in some of the cutting edge of technological innovation in leading plush yachts on display. There are 186 new exhibitors who have joined Dubai International Boat Show stalwarts, according to Almarri.