Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), a government authority charged with regulating, co-ordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai's maritime sector, said it has completed all of its preparations for the issuance of official permits for visiting yachts participating in this year’s edition of the Dubai International Boat Show.

A leading marine luxury, leisure and lifestyle industry event in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, DIBS will run from March 1 to 5 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.

This year's edition of the boat show is expected to see the participation of more than 800 exhibitor companies and leading brands from 51 countries, said the organisers.

DMCA said the move to issue licences for visiting yachts falls in line with its continuing efforts to offer a comprehensive portfolio of maritime licensing services at the five-day show.

Adel Kalanter, the director for Registration and Licensing, DMCA, said: "This represents a continuation of the positive results that have been achieved in terms of facilitating maritime licensing services during the previous editions."

DMCA, he stated, remains fully committed in promoting and coordinating with the strategic partners of the concerned authorities in Dubai in order to ensure that the owners of visiting marine crafts get their permits quickly, easily and efficiently.

“This year’s edition of the show is expected to witness wide regional and international participation, which makes it imperative to intensify efforts in providing services that can meet the demands and needs of the leisure marine pioneers and water sports enthusiasts who will be participating at the show,” added Kalanter.

Hamed Hassan, the senior manager for Registration and Licensing, DMCA, said the decision of issuing official permits for foreign yachts comes in line with its efforts aimed at facilitating maritime licensing procedures, which is a fundamental pillar to ensure that maritime operations management is in accordance with the highest professional safety standards, best environmental practices and local and international resolutions.

"This helps in achieving the goals of improving the performance, safety, efficiency and competitiveness of the maritime sector in Dubai. We provide all facilities and services that enhance the leadership of DIBS, which in turn will help consolidate Dubai’s position as a key player and influential power on the global marine map," he added.-TradeArabia News Service