Press Releases

Abu Dhabi International Boat Show kicks off today with the participation of 270 exhibitors from 25 countries

 Abu Dhabi, October 17th 2018, ADNEC

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, inaugurated the first edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) 2018 which kicked off today (Wednesday, 17th of October 2018) in the presence of a number of Sheikhs, Ministers, dignitaries and other officials accompanied by Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC).

 

Organized by ADNEC, the show welcomed exclusive local and international commercial delegations, officials, VIPs and local and international media. The event, which is the largest gathering of its kind in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the luxury boats, yachts, water sports and fishing equipment industry, has attracted 270 exhibitors from 25 countries from the region, and across Europe and America.

 

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “The successful start of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, amid high-level international participation, is a major milestone in furthering our strategy of promoting Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for business tourism, and our commitment to conducting leading international exhibitions and conferences in support of growth and economic diversification, in line with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Plan and its Economic Vision 2030.”

He added: “Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is equipped with world-class facilities, making it the ideal destination for this inaugural boat show. We are confident that this international event, with its unique blend of luxury, heritage and innovation, will be exceptional at all levels, exceed visitor and exhibitor expectations, and reinforce its position as one of the leading shows in the international boat show calendar.”

Saeed Al Mansoori, Director of IDEX: said: “ADIBS provides the ideal opportunity for international and local companies working in the leisure marine sector to showcase their latest yachts, boats, water sports materials and fishing equipment to a global audience. Local companies have leveraged this unique platform to prove their ability to compete with the world’s leading manufacturers of yachts, boats and leisure marine materials. The show proves, by its successful opening, that it will be a key player in the international leisure marine sector in the future, which enhances its role in supporting the government in its goal of making Abu Dhabi a leading destination for hosting and organizing major international events in various vital sectors”

The show opened with a range of different motorised and non-motorised water sports activities followed by an official tour of ADIBS. The VIP attendees were then treated to special tunes played by the Emirates Autism Chamber, as well as exclusive launches of a number of yachts, luxury boats and other marine equipment by leading companies operating in this sector. The Emirates Riviera Company unveiled the yacht (RCAT50) of the ‘Fly Bridge’ model, the Boat (Rcat38) and Riviera enclosed ferry, in addition to its luxurious yacht (Integrity 55). The total value of luxury boats and yachts offered by the Riviera amounts to AED 7.5 million.

Gulf Craft, the UAE’s leading luxury boat and yacht company, also launched its latest yachts and boats amounting to a total of AED 102 million, making it the biggest exhibitor in the show. The company showcased three yachts from the famous Majesty brand- Majesty 100, Majesty 135 and Majesty 62. It also displayed three boats from Orks and Silver Craft, popular with fishing enthusiasts. Delma Marine launched the Boston Wheeler 210 Montauk boat, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Two yachts were announced for the first time in the region, on the opening day of ADIBS-the luxury yacht Monte Carlo (MC6-2019) from the company ‘S. F. for Yacht’ and ‘Princess 55’ British yacht from the company Princess Yachts, in addition to a full range of other marine products and equipment.

The second day of the event will witness the launch of the world’s first luxury boat and yacht portfolio , including the first fully carbon epoxy infused centre-console 48 feet fishing boat built in the UAE by Emirates Boats company; House Boat by Al Kous; The Sea Star Racing boat, the Sea Star RS boat, the Tullio Abbate Kid and the Elite 27 manufactured by Sulco Arabia, as well as the latest models of the Drone operated Hull cleaner by Keel Crab. The latest marine sports equipment, fishing gear, live shows, competitions, water sports and leisure activities, will be also on show, including the ‘Open 60’ yacht sailing experience, the Keel Boats sailing experience; the Mako slingshot experience and a carbon fibre-powered and motorized water skateboard experience.

The agenda for the third day will comprise exclusive releases, where the 9.5 metre ASIS Amphibious Beach Lander Boat and the ASIS Amphibious Boat will be unveiled by Asis Boats. On the third day, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy the F1 Formula at the Marina area, where Thani Al Qemzi, UAE Champion and Abu Dhabi team will participate, in addition to the launch of new boats and yachts. Several exciting marine activities will be held, such as the ‘Open 60’ yacht sailing experience with Pindar, Keel Boats sailing experience with Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy; the Mako slingshot experience, a carbon fibre-powered and motorized water skateboard experience.

At ADIBS, visitors will also enjoy a range of non-motorized water sports and activities by Watercooled, including SUP HITT; SUP core; SUP Fitness; SUP Time Trials; Kayaking; Ecodonuts; Dingy catamaran and Wind- surfing. The activities will also include Seakart experiences; a traditional Abra Experience with Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club and an event under the theme ‘Introduction to Boating’ sea trials with Marine Concepts. The attractions & entertainment area will host a spectacular Flyboard show by Hydro Water Sports with the participation of world champion Suksan Tonghtai, and a performance by the Emirates Autism Chamber and live evening entertainment in an interactive environment that caters to all age groups.

From the second day until the closing day, there will be a series of educational activities conducted within the “Sports Fishing Zone,” including training courses by “Al Bateen Marine Training” under the theme “International Regulation for Preventing Collisions at Sea – Rules of the Road”, “Anchors and Anchoring” in both Arabic and English languages, in addition to two courses on “Safety in Fishing”, “Casting” in the Marina Area and a lecture under the theme “Trolling Masterclass” presented by Extreme Anglers. The agenda also includes two panel discussions on “Marine conservation & Responsible Fishing” and “Heritage and Modern Fishing” in a move that supports efforts to raise awareness about maritime safety as a key to promoting the growth and sustainability of leisure marine tourism.

The exhibition is supported by several official sponsors and strategic partners from local and international organisations, including Abu Dhabi Ports, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, CICPA, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Al Suwaidi Marine, Mercedes – Emirates Motor Company, Integro, The Captain’s Club, Emirates Palace, Delma Marine, in addition to; Emirates Autism Chamber; Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club. The sponsors list also includes Burgess, Rebellion; Greenline, Yacht Interiors and many others.

On the sidelines of ADIBS, Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club launched its new Marine Academy, where the Academy’s stand at the boat show displayed its services such as training courses, all kinds of marine sports, as well as recreational and community sports covering all aspects of the sea. The academy will be based on the Wave Breaker in Abu Dhabi and aims at promoting marine sports by hosting a range of trained experts in water sports and marine entertainments activities.

The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show will run until 20th October from 3 pm until 11 pm, at the ADNEC Marina, providing visitors and families with a unique experience and the opportunity to enjoy recreational performances and water sports. It will also provide a chance to shop at various outlets and savour different cuisines at restaurants and cafes. The event will also feature a dedicated fishing area, highlighting the latest trends, techniques and international best practices in fishing.

Testimonials

  • Abu Dhabi has been witnessing a growing number of passengers at its cruise terminal area over the last few years. The pioneering edition of the Abu International Boat Show, which is set to attract exhibitors and visitors from around the world, will contribute in the ongoing efforts to introduce the unique features offered by Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s marine tourism sector.

    Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi
    CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Company

  • We are very pleased to be supporting ADIBS as the Official Healthcare Provider, we place great focus on best health care practices and quality services. Our partnership with ADNEC aims to endure the safety of all visitors and participants at the boat show through providing the required medical services on site or transfer cases that require further attention to one of our facilities in the city by well-equipped and staffed ambulances.

    Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi
    Group Readiness and Business Continuity Director of SEHA

  • We are proud to join hands with ADNEC for the first edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. The show is providing us with a valuable platform to share our tailored solutions and industry expertise with marine industry professionals and luxury yacht owners in Abu Dhabi. Our global market reach and specialist insurance expertise enables us to provide competitively-priced, customised programs to those with insurance requirements in the UAE.

    Carol Roberts
    Super Yacht Practice Leader at Integro

  • “As an award-winning Emirates-based shipyard, Gulf Craft is delighted to support the initiative of the Abu Dhabi government by exhibiting at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS). Gulf Craft is excited to showcase a selection of yachts and boats from its world acclaimed brands Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts, Oryx and Silvercraft. Abu Dhabi is home to some of the largest superyacht owners in the world and is also a destination for all boaters in the region.”

    An Official Spokesperson
    from Gulf Craft

  • "We are really looking forward to the first ever ADIBS 2018 and believe it will be a real showcase event to exhibit the latest technology to the Middle East market.  We are proud to be part of this new venture right at the very start and look forward to creating new relationships through our cutting edge technology."

    James Tupper
    BGB spokesperson

  • "Bush & Noble Yacht Brokerage are very excited to participate in this highly anticipated show. I believe this event will provide the ideal platform for the entire marine industry and yachting enthusiasts to connect and discover everything this flourishing region has to offer. This year, Bush & Noble has been appointed as the official dealer for Gulf Crafts pre-owned yachts and boats, the leading luxury yacht and leisure boat builder in the Middle East. The ADIBS will offer an invaluable opportunity for yachting enthusiasts to view and experience the unique quality and luxury that Gulf Graft offers."

    John Bush
    Co-Founder

  • "Elboat is very excited and proud to be taking part in the very first Abu Dhabi Boat show. Elboat will be show casing two new boat designs to Abu Dhabi; the Elboat 29 and Elboat Skiff."

    Elboat

  • "Elcome International is very pleased to participate in the first Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. Abu Dhabi is an important emerging centre of boating activity, with a growing number of dealers, marinas and boat owners. The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show will provide an opportunity to form closer relationships with the growing number of boat owners in the UAE and to showcase Elcome’s range of products and services. The first edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is an important event, marking the ‘coming of age’ of the region’s boating industry."

    Jimmy Grewal
    Executive Director of Elcome International

  • "The Abu Dhabi international boat show opens doors to a new world of yachting within the UAE. We already have a steady stream of yachts and loyal clientele in Abu Dhabi, and being a part of the show would assist in furthering the hallmark features of our brand and its products. the last couple of years has seen a large number of product launches at Sunseeker and as we bring in a new range of more beautiful designs, beamier and spacious hulls with latest features including beach clubs on most of our yachts, our presence at the show is bound to be a busy one. We wish the Abu Dhabi international Boat Show team best of success in this new chapter in Middle East yachting."

    Mohammed Al Jasmi
    General Manager

  • "Lumishore is delighted to attend and support the 1st Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. The UAE is critically important to the global Boating Industry and we all hope that this show is a great success for the boating public and Abu Dhabi. Lumishore has not exhibited at a UAE show with its own exhibition stand for many years and we are sure that the boating world will be excited by our latest innovative World-leading lighting products."

    Eifrion Evans
    CEO, Lumishore

2019 Sponsors & Partners included: