Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the apex body which manages the tourism business of Abu Dhabi, the largest of seven emirates which form the United Arab Emirates, has partnered Informa Yacht Group (IYG), the global yachting events business, in a move designed to promote the destination’s expansive leisure maritime prowess.
As part of the agreement, Abu Dhabi will use IYG’s yachting events portfolio as a global marketing platform. ADTA will be present at all major Informa Yacht Group events this year including The Superyacht Cup regattas in Palma and Antigua, the Monaco Yacht Show, World Yacht Racing Forum, and the inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show next March 2009.
“Abu Dhabi has a strong maritime heritage and unrivalled opportunities for marine leisure with over 200 islands off its mainland shores,” said His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA. “These cultural and geographic strengths are now being enhanced by an increasing number of world-class marinas being planned by developers throughout the emirate. This is the right initiative and the right time and will help position Abu Dhabi as an international yachting destination.”
Marine leisure is the latest in a string of world-class sporting initiatives under taken by Abu Dhabi, which is already heavily involved in the World Rally Championship with its BP-Ford Team Abu Dhabi, with plans to stage a Formula One Race in 2009, the annual staging of the Red Bull Air Race, the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge endurance race and its recent successful bid to host the 2009/2010 FIFA Club World Cup.
“Our global portfolio of events provides an ideal platform for Abu Dhabi to promote its maritime and leisure resources, and also the inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show which is attracting superyachts to the region,” said Andy Treadwell, Joint Managing Director of IYG.
The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show will be launched in March 2009 as a sister-event to the Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s biggest and most famous Superyacht exhibition and business platform. “This spectacular new event will bring the very top end of the yachting industry to the Gulf region. An important focal point will also be a special Motoryacht edition of The Superyacht Cup to take place at the event,” added Treadwell.