About 1,500 to 2,000 new marina berths will be completed in Dubai within the next five years, according to industry sources.

With an expanding network of marinas and watersports clubs under construction, the growth prospects of the marine industry in the Middle East region are excellent, said a report.

Dubai is hosting a major expo for the marine industry in March 2003.

The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), which will be organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 19 to 22, is the largest such exhibition in the Middle East, the report said.

Barry Groves, international trade manager of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce in the UK, said a growing infrastructure in Dubai allows opportunities for many new contracts. And with more Arab families taking to the water and buying waterfront properties, there has never been a better time to exhibit the Dubai International Boat Show, he added.