The second Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, an event with a specific focus on superyachts and megayachts, opened on Thursday at the stunning Yas Marina on Yas Island.

The show is a “statement of intent” of the emirate’s commitment to becoming a serious international marine leisure destination, said Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

In a message to show exhibitors and visitors, Sheikh Sultan said the flagship Yas Marina is “setting the standard for the numerous others now planned or under construction in the emirate. We know the demand exists and we intend to meet it with the most professional facilities and support services.”

Sheikh Sultan said ADYS, which runs daily from 2pm-10pm until February 27, is “a fertile ground for new business opportunities in what is clearly an emerging sector within Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism and leisure proposition.”

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, ADYS is the premier Middle East exhibition dedicated to the superyacht and megayacht segment – comprising vessels between 30-100 metres in length.

The ADTA chairman spelt out Abu Dhabi’s “compelling proposition for superyacht owners as a berthing destination of choice” and urged industry to partner Abu Dhabi “in honing and delivering proposition for our mutual benefit. We have much to gain,” he said.

The show’s exhibitor profile – which boasts 140 exhibitors representing international marine industry powerhouses and a flotilla of 30 of the world’s most impressive superyachts – is indicative of how Abu Dhabi’s ambitions are being perceived locally, regionally and internationally, he noted.

Sheikh Sultan said Yas Marina and the infrastructure on Yas Island were testaments to Abu Dhabi’s ability to deliver best-in-class infrastructure and facilities management.

'The world has begun to sit up and take notice of us and we will meet its expectations with carefully considered developments which live up to exacting standards.'

“We intend to turn this now proven expertise to the advantage of all, as we leverage our natural assets of premier geographic location and stunning coastline and islands, and we will complement them with luxurious, efficient and competitive onshore support facilities.”

Sheikh Sultan said industry players choosing to partner Abu Dhabi would “join us at an exciting time in our superyacht hub development – just as the industry is setting out on what will be an invigorating and rewarding journey.”

The powerful ADYS 2010 exhibitor line-up reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the international leisure maritime industry. It includes shipbuilders, charterers, brokerage houses, marine support services, yacht registries and interior designers from the US, UK, Monaco, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the Baltic states.

“The participants at this year’s yacht show are tracking major trends in the superyacht industry, including a movement towards greener futures,” said Frank Dailles, group director of Informa Yacht Group (IYG), organisers of the elitist show which attracts the Middle East’s super-wealthy including members of Arabian Gulf royalty and ruling families.

“Keeping in line with the direction in which the industry is attempting to move ahead, and with the UAE’s Ecological Footprint Programme, which aims to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and move it towards a more sustainable future, we are firmly committed to reducing the carbon footprint of this year’s show,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service