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Dubai International Boat Show 2020 postponed

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS 2020), which was scheduled to be held from March 10-14, has been postponed to a new date later in the year, due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus.
In a statement posted on the Dubai International Boat Show website, the organiser revealed that the highly anticipated maritime event would take place on November 24-28, 2020 at its new home at the Dubai Harbour.
"In light of the evolving global developments around the COVID-19 virus, Dubai World Trade Centre has been closely monitoring the situation, particularly as it pertains to our key stakeholders and participating delegations from around the world across all our upcoming shows. Whilst the UAE remains completely safe for travel, and has deployed the strictest medical and hygiene protocols, we fully recognise that for some specific shows, we have a high majority of key participants significant to the event's programme that are unable to travel due to restrictions in their home country," the statement on the website said.
The DWTC also noted that it is working closely to assure that clients' needs are most effectively addressed, and the delivery of strong international participation considered.
"Our decision comes after much deliberation in consultation with the event's main participants and industry stakeholders, who have strongly endorsed our prioritisation of the collective interests of both the global exhibitors and the key buyers from the region. With the event now rescheduled in November 2020, Dubai International Boat Show shall operate at full capacity and will also coincide with this year's most highly anticipated global event - Expo Dubai 2020, enabling even greater and more inclusive access for all," the statement read.
Several exhibitors also lauded the decision to postpone the event to a more suitable date.
"Dubai Boat Show has rightly prioritised the interests of the yachting community by settling on a November time for the event. The confluence of Dubai Boat Show at a fully operational Dubai Harbour in parallel with the great Expo Dubai 2020 show is a world-class act," said Tim Trenker, CEO of BehneMar Yachting.
"What a great decision from the organisers; they have taken into account what the market wants and reacted proactively to the given global situation," said Ahmad Al Ameeri, CEO of Seas & Deserts. Azimut Yachts - Gulf region.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com