Abu Dhabi to host own boat show next year

Abu Dhabi is getting its own boat show.

The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show will take place in October next year in association with British Marine Boat Shows, which organises the London and Southampton boat shows, it was announced yesterday.

The show will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

“The event will be a valuable addition to Adnec’s growing portfolio of local and international events,” said Humaid Al Dhaheri.

“It will also support Abu Dhabi’s leisure marine industry through bringing local and international companies under one roof. Our partnership with British Marine will allow us to develop a well-attended marine event co-located alongside the most successful outdoor sports exhibition in the region.”

The announcement came on day two of the Dubai International Boat Show in Dubai Marina.

“Abu Dhabi warrants a boat show,” said Douglas Culverwell, the regional business manager for Sunseeker, a British luxury motor yacht manufacturer.

“Qatar has a boat show, Kuwait has a boat show and the UAE is arguably a bigger marine environment.”

Mr Culverwell said the launch of a boat show does not immediately mean more business for yacht and boat manufacturers, but it will allow people to see and understand the pleasure and lifestyle that surrounds the industry.

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