The third Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) opens its doors at Yas Marina on Thursday afternoon, with a great line-up of yachts and boats and an exhibitor profile comprising some of the most powerful players in yachting industry.

The three-day event, which attracts the Middle East’s super-wealthy, including members of Arabian Gulf royalty and ruling families, will see an impressive exhibitor line-up that includes biggest names in the global superyacht business such as Oceanco, Luerssen, Westport, Abu Dhabi MAR, Nobiskrug, CMN Yachts,  Edmiston, San Lorenzo, and Sunseeker.

“Many of the exhibitors at this year’s show have returned for the third year in row, demonstrating their confidence in the first-class business opportunities offered here and their keen commitment to grow a recognised presence in the Middle East,” said Andy Treadwell, managing director of Informa Yacht Group (IYG) organisers of the elite show.

Regional stalwarts and home-grown success stories are ever-present through Gulf Craft, Art Marine, Luxury Sea Boats and Sea Pros, said Treadwell.

This year’s yacht line-up features the 54m Benetti Moonlight; the 46m Jana from Feadship; an impressive new build 30m Gulf 95 Exp and a 30m Majesty 101 from Gulf Craft,  amongst many others.

In addition, there is a guest appearance by the 70-foot Volvo Ocean Race Sprinter, the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team’s yacht used for training for its 2011-2012 Round the World Volvo Ocean Race bid.

The 43-strong yacht and boat flotilla already berthed at Yas Marina is expected to be viewed by an important gathering of regional and international VIPs. Visitor numbers will be boosted by the audience at the FIA’s prestigious GT1 racing event next door, underlining Abu Dhabi’s claims to the title of ‘Monaco of Arabia’.

According to Treadwell, yachting enthusiasts can expect an exciting new wave of concept yachts to be unveiled at the show.
Two new design concepts by Oceanco and a new build from CMN Yachts, Panache, are among those anticipated to elicit a strong interest from visitors from across the region. Also expected to make a splash is the 26m Navetta, part of a new series of eco-chic boats built by Filippetti Yacht and designed by Pietro Mingarelli.

Industry heavyweights Palmer Johnson have also announced that they will unveil a new 52m super sport yacht at ADYS 2011, in addition to showcasing several other yacht concepts expected to be well received in the Middle East.

Speakers at this invitation-only half-day event will tackle issues relating to customisation and brand preferences of Arab buyers, yachting habits of Middle East yacht owners, marina development in the region, and chartering opportunities, as well as yacht permits and regulations affecting cruising in this region.

With the season-opener of the FIA GT1 World Championships 2011 ‘Battle of the Brands’ being staged alongside ADYS 2011 at Yas Marina, the yacht show guarantees a truly exciting luxury weekend for visitors and guests.

Faisal Al Sheikh, events manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the show’s headline sponsor, hosting the event at one of Abu Dhabi’s flagship marinas is a strong statement of intent of the emirate’s commitment to becoming a serious international marine leisure destination.

“Abu Dhabi offers a compelling proposition as a berthing and cruising destination of choice. It’s in the mutual interest of various players with a stake in the industry to commit to its successful development and growth,” said Al Sheikh.-TradeArabia News Service