Abu Dhabi Yacht Show anticipates record event

by Jeni Bone on 6 Oct 2009 Following hectic promotion at the Monaco Yacht Show, the 2nd annual Abu Dhabi Yacht Show has has spurred a flurry of international enquiries from major industry names looking to sign up for the event, to run from 25-27 February next year.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), headline sponsor of ADYS, was also an official sponsor at last week’s 19th Monaco Yacht Show and had a major presence there alongside a stand-alone participation by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) of Abu Dhabi.

TDIC, which was promoting marina facilities on its flagship Saadiyat Island development, was visited by His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is High Patron of the Monaco Yacht Show. Prince Albert commented on similarities between Saadiyat’s marina facilities and those in his own principality.

Meanwhile, ADTA has reported strong interest in the show from Monaco visitors and exhibitors. “The word is out that Abu Dhabi is the upcoming Superyacht hub of the future and many industry players are now looking for a foothold in the market,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Manager, ADTA’s Major Events Division. “Prince Albert himself expressed keen interest in visiting the show in Abu Dhabi next year.”

ADYS has already attracted a powerful exhibitor line-up with industry heavyweights from the USA, Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East contracted.

Those now confirmed for the event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – the largest facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf - include US shipyard Westport, Dutch powerhouse Feadship and other Superyacht Builders Association (SYBASS) members including Amels BV of The Netherlands, and Fincantieri Yachts from Italy, as well as the USA’s Burger Boat Company and Trinity Yachts. Abu Dhabi marina developer Aldar Properties and yacht builders Abu Dhabi Mar Group, which owns CMN Yachts and has recently acquired Nobiskrug, lead the support from the local Superyacht industry.

“It takes considerable clout to be able to attract this level of participation,' says Franck Dailles, Group Director, Informa Yacht Group (IYG) which organizes the show.

"Early confirmation of some of the biggest names in the business indicates that the industry is sitting up and taking notice of Abu Dhabi and its ambition to emerge as the regional Superyacht hub. The emirate is investing considerably, not only in the development of waterfront districts, island destinations and marina and berthing facilities, but the entire gamut of support infrastructure like dry stock storage, fueling points and repair facilities. In the future, this will encourage pleasure cruisers to look to this region as they do the Mediterranean – as a complete leisure and lifestyle offering.

“With good sailing conditions in terms of calm seas and steady winds, and an attractive natural coastline, the broader region also offers superb cruising opportunities in countries like Oman and at unique waterfront developments in the neighboring emirates. This all adds up to an emerging proposition which will soon be a world-leader.'

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nayhan – Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces - ADYS is the Middle East’s premier show focusing exclusively on the luxury superyacht and megayacht sector, comprising sailing and motor yachts over 25 metres in length.

“The market is four-dimensional,” explained Dailles. “It provides an audience looking for suppliers to meet existing owners’ overseas needs, a well-heeled cadre of vessel and accessories buyers, an expansive marina developer base looking for partnerships and an embryonic manufacturing base needing the latest in technology and equipment.”

More at www.abudhabiyachtshow.com