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, 17^th 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 20^th 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.