The inaugural Bahrain Boat Show International will be held next month with more than 100 local, regional and international exhibitors showcasing a variety of marine segments at the five-day event.

Managed and organised by Knotika Holding, the show will be held from April 21 to 25 at the Amwaj Islands in Bahrain.

Knotika plans to welcome 10,000 visitors to the boat show which runs concurrently with the F1 Grand Prix.

With a combination of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and spectacular leisure resorts, they unite to create a smart city environment and high-tech lifestyle.

'With the race during the day and the show at night, the same demographic is targeted.  The F1 main race takes place on April 26 while the show ends on April 25, providing after-hours entertainment for the large F1 crowd,' said the organisers.

With exhibitors representing over 150 brands, a variety of marine segments will be showcased, including yachts, equipment, accessories, engines, waterskiing, diving, surfing, fishing, marinas and insurance.

The venue, Amwaj Marina, is part of the Amwaj Islands project comprising six luxurious, man-made islands off the coast of Muharraq.

'We've identified Bahrain as the next growth market to tap into and have backed this with opening Art Marine Bahrain last January,' said Timothy Leese, head of regional operation for Art Marine Bahrain.

'Art Marine is also delighted with the initiative shown by Knotika to host a boat show in Bahrain and further focus the leisure marine industries on this market.'

'We'll be exhibiting at least eight boats, representing our key brands Azimut and Atlantis, at this boat show,' he added.

Ideal for leisure boating, Bahrain currently has several waterfront property and marina projects in development, to be completed in the next five years.

The boating lifestyle is extremely popular in this region, with most outdoor activities enjoyed between April and November. Bahrain has available berths and modern full-service marinas.

Its location is a quick one-day cruising distance from UAE or Qatar.  Bahrain also offers close proximity and convenient access to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi market has been especially resilient to the current financial and economical crisis with 75,000 people crossing the King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, for business and pleasure, every weekend.

Knotika Holding is a dynamic group of interconnected business interests focusing on servicing and developing the leisure marine industry.

The company also organizes boat shows in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, as well as owns marina management and consultancy services, publications, a marine mall and seaschool in Dubai.-TradeArabia News Service