The leading manufacturers of leisure boats, sports fishing boats, superyachts, diving, and other marine equipment across the globe, have confirmed their participation at the inaugural Saudi International Boat Show.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), endorsed by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, and venue managed by Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, the inaugural event will be held at the Al Furusya Marina and Yacht Club in Jeddah from October 14 to 17.

Many of the biggest names in the marine industry will be showcasing their latest products and services, including AlKhorayef Group, Art Marine, Emirates Boats, Icon Yachts, IMG Boats, and Saudi Yachts, and Sunseeker.

The exhibitors, and members of the local, regional, and international media, visited the venue on the banks of the Red Sea, and lauded the exceptional quality of facilities, and looked forward to the business opportunities which will be available in one of the most affluent countries in the world, said a DWTC official.

The guests attended a two-day briefing at the Westin Jeddah which included presentations by the organiser and exhibitors, followed by visits to Al Ahlam Marina, Blue Limits Marine, and Saudi Yachts Center.

Helal Saeed Almarri, chief executive of DWTC, said: “We have received a tremendous response from exhibitors for this new exhibition, as they recognise the enthusiasm for the marine industry here. The Kingdom is set to become one of the most vibrant marine locations in the world, and this show will help raise the international profile of this destination."

“The Kingdom is one of the most important markets for the marine industry, and the Saudi International Boat Show will be the first major opportunity for boat lovers to experience products from all over the world,” he added.

With a large amount of reclaimed land and waterside developments fueling demand for marina style real estate, Saudi Arabia is becoming the region’s most sought after leisure marine lifestyle destination.

The delegation also travelled to see the new King Abdullah Economic City, which will create more than 11km of boardwalks and sea lagoons, 14kms of natural beach, and at least five yacht clubs, while further developments in Jeddah and other coastal locations are providing a significant boost to the quantity and quality of the Kingdom’s marine leisure attractions.

The exhibition is being organised in conjunction with Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, which was established in 1996 by prince Abdullah bin Saud Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

As the official venue partner to the boat show, Al Ahlam Group, incorporating Dream Divers and Saudi Yachts, is one of the few full service marina operators, as well as being the largest and most diversified dive operator in the Middle East.

“With a long standing presence in the Saudi market, Gulf Craft was pleased to see how the announcement of the upcoming Saudi Boat Show has already generated additional interest in the Saudi boating community” said Erwin Bamps, executive manager, Gulf Craft.

“The visit organised by DWTC has gathered a number of industry professionals, and has put the local boating market potential in a wider perspective, highlighting the ongoing infrastructure developments like the Red Sea waterfront-based King Abdulla Economic City, and how they may be influencing the developments in the Saudi leisure craft market,” he added.

With one third of the world’s superyachts owned by Arabs, and buyers of leisure boats emerging from all sectors of society including Saudi nationals and expatriates, the robust market is expected to continue showing strong growth.

“It is a well-known fact that Saudi Arabians have a passion for luxury yachts and the sea, as is visibly demonstrated at many a superyacht harbour around the shores of the Mediterranean. The local market in Saudi Arabia also has huge