Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

Abu Dhabi Yacht Show anticipates record event

by Jeni Bone on 6 Oct 2009
ADNEC, the brand new venue for the Abu Dhabi Boat Show International. Jeni Bone
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

Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Related Articles

America's Cup entries open on Sunday
A Cup in turmoil - has Grant Dalton dodged a bullet with the new Cup organisation? Updated story: America's Cup got underway in Rome on Monday, with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton appears to have dodged a bullet with the formation of of new AC organising body.
Posted today at 4:19 am
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta day 1
Ideal conditions for starting the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy The 2025 edition of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised by the YCCS with the support of title sponsor Giorgio Armani, got under way right on time today, 28 May 2025 at 11.30 a.m. on the waters off Porto Cervo.
Posted on 28 May
America's Cup Power Plays
And Growing Sailing Through Learning There's always so much speculation and intrigue in-between each edition of the America's Cup. Everyone wants to know what is happening behind closed doors, inside the teams, and when the Challengers meet with the Defender.
Posted on 28 May
2025 is going to be a huge season for IMOCA
Antoine Mermod talks about the season ahead Over the next four years the most exciting monohull class in world offshore ocean racing will take on no less than 17 races, covering tens of thousands of miles of the world's oceans.
Posted on 28 May
America's Cup enthusiastically received in Naples
The Castel dell'Ovo, was the venue for the arrival of the America's Cup in Napes The Castel dell'Ovo, set on the tuft peninsula of Megaride was the outstanding setting for the Official Host Venue Presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
Posted on 28 May
Increased Crowds and Unrivalled Showcase
At 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show The 36th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) has once again cemented its status as the Southern Hemisphere's premier marine event, drawing an impressive 45,865 visitors over four spectacular days from 22-25 May 2025.
Posted on 28 May
CYCA team to take best shot at the Admiral's Cup
The Australian flag will fly proud on Zen and Back 2 Black The Australian flag will fly proud on Zen and Back 2 Black during the Admiral's Cup to be held in Cowes from the Isle of Wight from 17 July - 1 August.
Posted on 28 May
Doyle Sails: Ragtime blends retro and modern
Launched in 1966, Infidel now Ragtime Sailing, has celebrated her 60th year with a refit Tina Roberts has beautifully restored Ragtime Sailing in honour of her late partner's wishes, choosing Doyle Sails not only for the world-class sails but for the depth of experience, personal commitment, and collaborative support that define the team.
Posted on 28 May
The Ocean's Logbook amplifies global voices
A digital survey that looks beyond cold statistics to capture real stories A powerful new campaign designed to capture the world's emotional connection to the ocean is being launched today ahead of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France in June.
Posted on 27 May
SP80 kiteboat reaches a top speed of over 58 knots
100 km/h barrier is smashed in Leucate The SP80 kiteboat has reached a top speed of over 58 knots, or 108 km/h. This new personal best makes SP80 the second fastest sailboat ever recorded, behind Vestas Sailrocket II and its 68.01-knot top speed.
Posted on 27 May