Despite the current economic uncertainty and the signs of difficulties in the small boat sector of the marine industry, the organisers of The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show have seen a big surge in confirmations from exhibitors since the successful Monaco Yacht Show which was held at the end of last month. With just under six months to go, Abu Dhabi Yacht Show has sold 80% of their 7,000 square meters of exhibition space. Over 15 super and mega yachts are expected to be showcased along with luxury lifestyle brands presenting their latest products.
The Monaco Yacht Show has been going for 18 years and is widely regarded as the most important superyacht show in the calendar, it provides everyone with a 'window' to the future of the market and it is good to see that this year has given such positive market feedback. In contrast, the inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (March 12-14 th 2009), will provide a showcase for the newly emerging superyacht market within the Gulf's modern maritime community; "We are delighted to have so many companies sign-up to exhibit, it shows the confidence in this exciting new market, and although we have many years to go to earn the reputation of our sister show in Monaco, we are well on the way to having the most spectacular show for superyachts in the Middle East. We have the means to invite a highly targeted audience of visitors and provide the first ever opportunity for hundreds of extremely high net worth inhabitants of the Gulf region to be introduced to the world of owning or chartering a superyacht, and the companies who recognise this potential will be the ones to benefit the most." Explained Event Director Franck Dailles.
The Monaco Yacht Show's patron, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, toured the Monaco show making a point of visiting the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's stand to meet with Abu Dhabi Yacht Show Event Director, Franck Dailles and Ati Al Dhaheri of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. "I admire the way Abu Dhabi is going about promoting itself within the superyacht community and believe it has great potential," said Prince Albert, "I would like to visit the emirate next year to see first-hand the progress being made and to visit the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show which is a welcome addition to the superyacht industry." Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority recognise the huge importance of the luxury, large yacht market on a region's economy and image and are providing Abu Dhabi Yacht Show with great support to launch this new event.