Abu Dhabi to attract leisure boaters with international show

ABU DHABI // The emirate is set to prove itself a top destination for leisure-boaters this November when it hosts the first Emirates Boat Show International, event organisers said yesterday. While Dubai's 15-year-old International Boat Show was well established, Abu Dhabi was "an obvious choice for a boat show", said Saeed Hareb, chairman of Knotika Holding, which is helping to organise the show. "It is the richest of the oil-laden United Arab Emirates, has a large expatriate population and is aiming to transform itself into a global tourist destination," Mr Hareb told WAM, the government news agency.

"Diverse sports and leisure pursuits are part of the active lifestyle residents enjoy in Abu Dhabi." The Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, facing the Abu Dhabi breakwater, will host the event, which is expected to attract more than 150 exhibitors, from Nov 25 to 27. The show will be open to the public and will feature motor-yachts valued at millions of dirhams, jet-skis, wakeboarding boats and sailing dinghies, along with diving gear and marine electronics and accessories.

Some of the best-known marine brands, including Bayliner, Beneteau Yachts, Gulf Craft, Mastercraft, SeaRay, Larson, Maxum and Princess Yachts, will be represented. Luxury boats are gaining popularity in the UAE, according to the brokers Art Marine. The company said it had sold 50 large yachts in 2007 and was expecting to sell even more this year. Aldar, the developer of Yas Island, which will be home to the Formula One Grand Prix circuit, is incorporating a marina in its plans that will accommodate more than 150 yachts, including six 200-feet mega-yachts and 20 that are more than 100ft. Yachts will be able to berth alongside the circuit.

In March, the Dubai International Boat Show saw more than 27,000 visitors, an 11 per cent increase over the previous year. Of those who attended the boat show, 39 per cent of people said they were most interested in yachts, sailing boats and rigid inflatable boats, according to event organisers. Between 30,000 and 40,000 boats are expected to berth at Dubai in the next five years and the emirate is setting up a "one-stop shop" to streamline its registration services as it prepares for the seaborne invasion.

mchung@thenational.ae