BY ArabianBusiness.com,

The continuing boom in diving as a sport and leisure activity in the Middle East has been demonstrated by the 100% growth in next month's Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX).

Held alongside the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) and in association with Emirates Diving Association (EDA), DMEX 2008 will bring together top names in dive equipment and services, as well as international tourism boards from Malaysia and The Seychelles.

It has already reported that the number of exhibitors has doubled from last year, with confirmed participants including Al Boom Diving, Scuba Dubai, Beuchat, JVC, Pavilion Dive Center and Dive Arabia.

"The significant expansion of DMEX for 2008 reflects the ongoing boom in diving as a sport and marine leisure activity in the Middle East. Activities like diving are a major attraction for international visitors, so the growth of this sector has positive benefits for the wider travel and tourism industry," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general of show organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Working together with DWTC, the EDA aims to use the event as a platform to promote new diving destinations - such as those expected to be stimulated by The World development - and to highlight regional and environmental considerations.

Advisor to EDA Ibrahim Al Zu'bi said "We support the local diving industry through the preservation and conservation of the UAE marine environment. As we continue to promote responsible and safe diving, we are confident the UAE is becoming a diving tourist destination and that DMEX will become a key event in the international diving calendar."

----------------------------------------------------------------------