Among the exhibits at the event will be the complete range of deck machinery and other vessel equipment, docking equipment, electronics, communication and navigation systems, engine and propulsion systems, fuel and lubricants, ride control systems, sound and vibration control systems, marine interiors, paints and coatings, the latest vessel designs, technology and equipment for fishing, offshore support vessels, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, ferries, and patrol boats as well as ship repair and port operations products plus cargo handling services.

Besides featuring a unique exhibit profile, the 2008 edition of Gulf Maritime will host a series of one hour each product presentation seminars and several focused forums and conferences on the sidelines. Whereas the seminar sessions will be an effective marketing tool for gathering potential clients and presenting them with new products and services, the conferences and seminars will provide a venue to examine crucial issues facing the regional maritime sector.

The regional maritime industry is currently experiencing phenomenal growth,  generating over $1bn worth of business annually and consistently expanding.

Among the major beneficiaries of the growth are the ship repair yards in Dubai and Bahrain. Dubai Drydocks and Bahrain (ASRY) are now virtually controlling all westbound tanker trade out of the Gulf.

Besides UAE and Baharain, another GCC State that is now keenly eyeing to foray in to the regional ship repair industry is Oman. The contract for the construction of the country’s first ship repair yard, the centrepiece of the new Duqm Port and Dry Dock Complex on the Wusta coast, has recently been signed.

Growth in the Middle East maritime sector has attracted the attention of leading maritime companies from across the world, thereby further intensifying competition.

The Gulf Maritime Exhibition attracts key personnel and top decision makers from all across the regional maritime industries. Considering the focused visitor profile, it is not surprising that over the years the Gulf Maritime Exhibition has been attracting some of the leading marine companies from across the globe as exhibitors.