Anything but plain sailing at boat show

The Emirates Boat Show opens, featuring a range of yachts, sailing dinghies, high-speed boats and catamarans.

ABU DHABI // A Dh47 million luxury yacht and a 12.5-metre powerboat decorated with electric-blue flames were among more than 200 yachts and boats on display at the Emirates Boat Show yesterday. The five-day show, which opened at the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, features a range of million-dollar yachts, sailing dinghies, high-speed boats and catamarans from more than 150 international exhibitors. It was organised by the club and Knotika Holding.

Wael Juju, chief executive of Knotika Holding, said: "This event has positioned Abu Dhabi on the world's map as the master town for the marine business." Also on display is new recreational equipment, including power skis and fishing and diving equipment. Most exhibitors dismissed claims that the global economic crisis will have a big effect on the leisure marine industry. "We concentrate on the high-end market and nobody is selling their luxury car," said Dr Rainer Behne, managing partner of Rodriguez Group Middle East, one of the world's leading luxury yacht makers. "The same goes for boats."

The exhibition is open from 4-10pm until Saturday. [e-mail]