Abu Dhabi is committed to demonstrating its capability as an emerging global SuperYacht hub, said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

His comments came as he toured the first Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) which ran for three days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and its new Marina Zone, where more than 20 of the world’s most spectacular SuperYachts were on display.

“This show demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to be recognised as a global superyacht player at the same level as leading centres in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“We are convinced that by staging the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, the emirate is embarking on what will prove to be a highly successful international marketing drive aimed at building awareness of the UAE capital’s potential as a super yacht hub.”

The inaugural ADYS saw 90 companies exhibit in one of Adnec’s expansive halls with the marina berthing the elitist flotilla which features over $500 million-worth of super and mega yachts.

Sheikh Mohammed’s visit followed on the heels of an earlier show tour undertaken by a member of Qatar’s ruling family who made a private visit to the exhibition.

ADYS, also sponsored by Aldar Marinas, a subsidiary of Aldar Properties, was organised by Informa Yacht Group (IYG), the leading global yachting events company that organises the Monaco Yacht Show, the Superyacht Cup Regattas and the Phuket International Marine Exhibition.

Franck Dailles, the show’s group director, said the fact that ADYS is the region’s first dedicated exclusively to superyachts lent it an instant air of exclusivity.-TradeArabia News Service