• Home
• /
• Business

Abu Dhabi Yacht Show Raises
Hope for Leisure Boat Industry

The show is being largely attended by boats enthusiasts from the country as well as other gulf nations.

The opening was a low key affair in respect for the sad demise of Shaikh Mubarak Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, country’s first interior minister, who passed away on Wednesday.

The yacht makers, brokers, repair and maintenance firms, and service providers participating in the show were of the view that the UAE’s luxury boat business has remained unaffected by the turbulent 2009 that saw markets crash elsewhere.

Some 24 of the world’s most impressive super yachts are on display highlighting the importance of Abu Dhabi Show that has become part of global yacht show circuit.

The show is being held at the state of the art Yas Marina built by Aldar Properties in the middle of Yas Marina Circuit, where Abu Dhabi Formula 1 race took place in November last year.

The inaugural show in March 2009 had seen sales of vessels in excess of $100 million, despite financial crisis and this year too Yacht manufacturers are expecting brisk business.

Two dozen of luxury super yachts have been put on display to impress the super rich. The stunning lineup includes: Silver Zwei, the world’s longest all-aluminum yacht at 73 metres, the slick 48 metre Walter Franchini-designed Ellix Too and many others.

There are some smaller yacht on display including the beach house-inspired 58 metre M/Y Outback, sporty 39 metre Red Sapphire, striking brand new 48 metre Australis, rugged 43 metre Le Yana.

“The show which is being attended by yacht builders, brokers, as well as other yachting- and marine-related businesses in the emirate, is strengthening the city’s claim as a global super yacht player on a par with leading centres in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean,” said an organiser.

Ron Cleveringa, Vice President of major US player Burger Boat Company agreed. “It’s a new show in a key market that we felt we could not afford to miss.

haseeb@khaleejtimes.com