Leading authorities on the Middle East’s superyacht sector will confront issues affecting the lucrative industry’s future at an exclusive invitation-only ‘Superyacht Briefing’, which is part of this month’s expansive Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) programme.
Taking place Thursday March 24 at Yas Marina, the morning briefing will be the curtain raiser to ADYS, the region’s only show dedicated to the superyacht industry, which will run from March 24-26 at Yas Marina.
Featuring presentations from leading personalities in the superyacht sector, the briefing will focus primarily on the challenges and opportunities for regional industry stakeholders. Organisers believe the open forum discussions will help address a serious dearth of information on the regional yachting industry and related businesses, such as marina development, regulation and security.
“We are inviting leading experts to shed light on important issues affecting the business in the Middle East, and highlight opportunities that will have a far-reaching impact on its future growth,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of Informa Yacht Group (IYG), organisers of the briefing and the annual ADYS. “Our particular focus on the Middle East highlights the growing prominence of this region, and the need to expand the global industry’s knowledge and understanding of it – especially considering that 30 percent of the world’s largest superyachts are owned by Arab nationals.”
The speaker line-up includes: Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer of UAE-based yacht builders Gulf Craft, a home-grown brand which has successfully penetrated foreign markets in Europe, Asia and South America in addition to its thriving business in the Middle East. Bamps will provide a local perspective on the growth prospects of the regional superyacht business, as well as an understanding of how to respond to changing client preferences and requirements.
Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer of UAE-based yacht builders Gulf Craft
Art Marine’s Iain Lawrie will deliver key insights on understanding Middle Eastern clients, such as the superyachts they prefer, the role of brands in their purchasing decisions, as well as how they use their luxury vessels, which affects decisions relating to yacht customisation and chartering.
Alan Linnitt of the Henderson Group, a company with a long tradition and well-established reputation in the marine industry, will discuss regulations and cruising permits, helping to enlighten invited guests on essential industry requirements and compliance standards.
Alan Linnitt of the Henderson Group
Superyacht management and security expert Richard Skinner of Orchid Office consultancy, will examine during his session the issues surrounding the management and maintenance of superyachts, and ensuring their safety and security.
Superyacht management and security expert Richard Skinner
Finally, Mourjan Marinas’ Matthew Bate will discuss the future of megayacht marinas in the Middle East, focusing on the critical infrastructure required to support the growing industry in the region. Bate will address new standards for the design, development and operation of megayacht facilities and examine opportunities for the ancillary support services.
Mourjan Marinas’ Matthew Bate
“Nurturing the information flow and building significant intelligence on this important sector is a value-add to the region’s superyacht sector and reinforces the credentials of this event as a B2B platform,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), a show sponsor.
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 ADTA, with Yas Hotel as the official hospitality partner.
