The third Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) opens its doors at the spectacular Yas Marina this Thursday afternoon, with a great line-up of superyachts.
The three-day event, which opens today, welcomes an impressive exhibitor line-up that includes Oceanco, Luerssen, Westport, Abu Dhabi MAR, Nobiskrug, CMN Yachts, Edmiston, Sanlorenzo, and Sunseeker. Regional stalwarts and home grown success stories are ever present through Gulf Craft, ART Marine, Luxury Sea Boats and Sea Pros.
This year's yacht line-up features the 54m Benetti Moonlight; the 46m 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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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 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".
The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show takes place from March 24-26 at Yas Marina. Show timings run daily from 3pm to 9pm.
The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show
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