The third Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) opened its doors at the spectacular Yas Marina on the 24th of March 2011, with a great line-up of yachts and boats and an exhibitor profile comprising some of the most powerful players in the international yachting industry.
Third Abu Dhabi Yacht Show Sails into Yas Marina
The three-day event, which opened on Thursday, welcomes an impressive exhibitor line-up that includes some of the biggest names in the global superyacht business, including Oceanco, Lurssen, Westport, Abu Dhabi MAR, Nobiskrug, CMN Yachts, Edmiston, San Lorenzo, and Sunseeker. Regional stalwarts and home grown success stories are ever present through Gulf Craft, ART Marine, Luxury Sea Boats and Sea Pros.
Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) Yas Marina
This year’s yacht line-up features the 54m Benetti Moonlight; the 46m motor yacht Jana from Feadship; an impressive new build 30m Gulf 95 Exp and a 30m Majesty 101 from Gulf Craft, amongst many others. In addition, there is a guest appearance by the 70-foot Volvo Ocean Race Sprinter, the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team’s yacht used for training for its 2011-2012 Round the World Volvo Ocean Race bid. The 43-strong yacht and boat flotilla, already berthed at Yas Marina is expected to be viewed by an important gathering of regional and international VIPs. Visitor numbers will be boosted by the audience at the FIA’s prestigious GT1 racing event next door, underlining Abu Dhabi’s claims to the title of ‘Monaco of Arabia’.
Yachting enthusiasts can expect an exciting new wave of concept yachts to be unveiled at the show. Two new design concepts by Oceanco and a new build from CMN Yachts, superyacht Panache, are among those anticipated to elicit a strong interest from visitors from across the region. Also expected to make a splash is the 26m Navetta, part of a new series of eco-chic boats built by Filippetti Yacht and designed by Pietro Mingarelli. Industry heavyweights Palmer Johnson have also announced that they will unveil a new 52m super sport yacht at ADYS 2011, in addition to showcasing several other yacht concepts expected to be well received in the Middle East.
“Many of the exhibitors at this year’s show have returned for the third year in a row, demonstrating their confidence in the first-class business opportunities offered here and their keen commitment to grow a recognised presence in the Middle East,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of Informa Yacht Group (IYG) organisers of the elite show which attracts the Middle East’s super-wealthy, including members of Arabian Gulf royalty and ruling families.
“ADYS is viewed as an opportunity to tap into the highly active Gulf yacht market as well as a gateway to yacht enthusiasts from the Indian Subcontinent and Russia. Many of the exhibitors at this year’s show have already delivered vessels to buyers from the region and are familiar with the sort of product that appeals to this market,” added Treadwell.
Superyachts from World's Top Shipyards at Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2011
Industry visitors can expect to leave with in-depth insights into the Middle East market, as leading experts will present their assessment of the region’s superyacht industry at the ‘Middle East Superyacht Briefing,’ which launches the show schedule on Thursday morning. Speakers at this invitation-only half-day event will tackle issues relating to customisation and brand preferences of Arab buyers, yachting habits of Middle East yacht owners, marina development in the region, and chartering opportunities, as well as yacht permits and regulations affecting cruising in this region.
With the season-opener of the FIA GT1 World Championships 2011 ‘Battle of the Brands’ being staged alongside ADYS 2011 at Yas Marina, the yacht show guarantees a truly exciting luxury weekend for visitors and guests.
According to Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the show’s headline sponsor, hosting ADYS at one of Abu Dhabi’s flagship marinas is a strong statement of intent of the emirate’s commitment to becoming a serious international marine leisure destination.
“Abu Dhabi offers a compelling proposition as a berthing and cruising destination of choice. It’s in the mutual interest of various players with a stake in the industry to commit to its successful development and growth,” said Al Sheikh. “Being able to attract such a high calibre of both local and international exhibitors proves the industry’s belief in the strength and quality of the UAE capital’s current offering and is an expression of the industry’s interest in playing a part in Abu Dhabi’s bright future,” he said.
ADYS is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), with Yas Hotel as the official hospitality partner and Blancpain and HSBC Private Banking as the show’s Platinum sponsors.
The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2011 takes place from March 24-26 at Yas Marina. Show timings run daily from 3pm to 9pm.
Abu Dhabi Yacht Show
The launch of the superyacht-centric Abu Dhabi Yacht Show in 2009, driven by Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become one of the world’s leading marine leisure and yachting centres, has without doubt provided an international focus on the large yacht business in the Middle East.
- Over 7,000 participants from around the world.
- 140 exhibitors from over 30 countries.
- 31 Superyachts from 25m to 100m.
- A number of multi-million dollar deals agreed
- Incorporates a high class exhibition and conference, as well as several other luxury lifestyle events.
- Invitation-only event for the world’s highest net worth individuals.
- The show is a focal point for the yachting industry, where top professionals gather together to discover this new marketplace with vast un-tapped potential.
