The UAE is home to more than 150,000 certified divers1 who explore coral reefs, ship wrecks, and if they’re lucky even have a close encounter with a whale shark, with more and more people discovering a world of underwater adventure each year.
Taking place at its new location at the mouth of the Dubai Canal close to Dubai Ladies Club in Jumeriah from February 27th to March 3rd, DMEX has been bringing the latest in kit to divers for 11 years, and this year celebrates its 10th year co-located with Dubai International Boat Show. The show aims to provide new and seasoned divers with everything they need to experience life underwater. Diving equipment is one of the top 3 products purchased each year at Dubai International Boat Show, and more than 35% of visitors say they wait for DMEX to make an equipment purchase.
The UAE’s diving community is flourishing, with a total of 26 official dive spots to be explored from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. Each visit to these sitesis unique and offers both new and seasoned divers a host of different and exciting challenges.
DMEX will feature established UAE companies such as Al Boom Diving, PADI EMEA, Divers Down and Scubatec alongside leading international names including Amit, a major distributor of diving gear including Gull, SEAC, and the amazing Yamaha Underwater Scooter that can go to depths of 130ft.
The Dubai International Boat Show 2018 will also welcome all-new exhibitors showcasing a wide range of equipment and services, and includes Dolphin Excursions Djibouti, Desert Knight Fishing & Trip Equipment Trade, Alcan International, Sovereign Djibouti and Dive IN.
According to the EDA there are 154,000 divers certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) in the UAE who dive beneath the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
“DMEX is the ideal platform for us to educate both seasoned divers and the general public how on we can continue to explore and enjoy the UAE’s waters, while protecting and maintaining the marine life for future generations to enjoy,” said the Chairman of EDA, Essa Abdulla Al Gurair.
MichelaColella, Operations Manager at Divers Down, which has been operating in the UAE since 2001, said the diving community is thriving, with events such as the Dubai International Boat Show and DMEX helping to attract new enthusiasts.
“The UAE benefits from a wonderful marine environment, especially on the east coast. Events like DMEX help to catch people’s interest in diving and show them it is a hobby everyone can enjoy after the proper training.
“People often get their first taste of diving at DMEX or by visiting a hotel dive centre and speaking to instructors,” said Colella. “They see just how much fun diving is. This helps to inspire them to take it up. In this way the community is always expanding.”
Each year DMEX attracts a mix of leisure, marine and lifestyle enthusiast, trade buyers, yacht and boat owners and representatives for Naval Coast Guards from across the region.
Being able to see the latest equipment up close and speak directly to divers and tour operators is a big draw for visitors to DMEX. The Emirates Diving Association found that more than a third of visitors to DMEX put off buying new equipment until getting advice from experts and fellow divers at the event.
Visitors can also view and take part in interactive demonstrations of the latest diving gear and technology by qualified instructors in the specially built DMEX pool.
Mohammed K Abdulrahman, managing partner at Dubai-based diving equipment and training company Scubatec, agreed that DMEX and the Dubai International Boat Show both play an important part in introducing people to diving.
“Dubai International Boat Show and DMEX helps to get people involved in diving. People will visit the event and be encouraged to take up the sport,” said Abdulrahman.
“Scubatechas been operating in Dubai for 24 years and in that time, we have seen the diving community grow with interest from expatriates and Emiratis equally.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Events Management of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said: “DMEX is an important and popular part of the Dubai International Boat Show.
“There is much more to the Dubai International Boat Show than high-end yachts and leisure boats. The event caters to every section of the maritime industry, be that above or below the water.
“Diving is hugely popular with boat owners and water sports enthusiasts as it offers another world of adventure and fun,” said LohMirmand.
“Being able to dive goes hand in hand with enjoying the sense of freedom and all the thrills a maritime lifestyle can provide. DMEX opens up a new world of discovery and adventure under the water that can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old.”
