Simply Abu Dhabi II

Exclusive invitation-only event The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show is the region’s only luxury yacht show created to bring together industry heavyweights and yachting aficionados to explore a previously uncharted market for superyachts in the Gulf bringing them in contact with some of the world’s most striking ocean vessels. Over just three days, an incredible flotilla of boats and yachts visited the beautiful Yas Marina, brought by leading players in the global yachting industry. They came from France, Germany, the UK, America and Monaco – among others- to be part of this exclusive event. This year’s unbelievable yacht line-up included the 54m Benetti Moonlight; the 46m Jana from Feadship; a remarkable new build 30m Gulf 95 Exp and a 30mMajesty 101 from Gulf Craft, amongst many others. There was also an exhilarating 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. With over 8000 participants from around the world and 80 exhibitors from all over the world, this invitation-only event incorporates a high- class exhibition and conference and many other luxury lifestyle events providing a focal point for the yachting industry. Consultants, engineers, yacht construction project managers, crew, captains, naval architects and interior designers all gather together at the event making the exclusive yacht show a valuable networking opportunity. A chance to meet top industry professionals is a major draw for many attending the yacht show, including regional and international VIPs. The exclusive group of the world’s highest-net worth visitors who attend the show encompasses private and professional individuals looking to invest in the latest innovative industry products and discover vast un-tapped potential in this new marketplace. Not only does the event provide the chance to discover more about the finest products and latest trends in the industry, it also offers a brilliant platform for extravagant yachts and superyachts from around the world and soak up the Gulf ’s modern marine culture. In an environment of stylish glamour, the event has been deliberately tailored to reflect the design, power and elegance of the incredible yachts it showcases. Along with the other yacht enthusiasts, we took the time to marvel at an impressive 43 yachts and superyachts ranging from 15 to 50 metres and above. It is testament to the scale and success of the event that a number of multi- million dollar deals are agreed. We felt highly privileged to be part of such an esteemed event – not only is it a great thrill for yacht lovers like ourselves to get up close to such awesome vessels, but we were also rubbing shoulders with influential key players in the industry and you could almost smell the money as deals were sealed. International visitors and exhibitors Following on from the success of the first two Yacht Shows in Abu Dhabi which received a hugely positive response from the global yachting community, many of the exhibitors from the previous two years returned to the this year’s Yacht Show, along with new companies hoping to capitalise on the business opportunities available. Since the launch of the Yacht Show in Abu Dhabi in 2009, there has been huge international interest in the large yacht business in the Middle East helping Abu Dhabi move in the right direction towards its ambition of becoming one of the worlds’ leading marine leisure and yachting centres. Amongst this year’s prestigious exhibitors were the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority – sponsors of the event, Luerssen, Oceanco, CMN yachts, Norseman yachts, Sesser Marine, Luxury Sea boats and Axa Yachting solutions – to name but a few. Yas Hotel was the official hospitality partner for the event and Blancpain and HSBC Private Bank were the show’s Platinum sponsors. A significant international press corps was also present focussing attention on Abu Dhabi’s impressive marine leisure credentials including superb berthing and yacht- THE Yacht SHOW a prestig ious event 73 SIMPLY ABU DHABI support facilities. There was also great interest in the complete marine lifestyle offering in development, at destinations such as Yas Island and the 45 other marinas of various sizes being developed as part of Abu Dhabi’s Strategic 2030 Plan. A thrilling luxury weekend for visitors, guests and yacht lovers like ourselves, the additional attractions offered by the Yas Marina provided a perfect platform for high-profile international visitors, a body of yachting enthusiasts and decision-makers to conduct business and create new partnerships in a luxurious atmosphere. During the event Sheikh Al Nahyan toured the moored vessels and visited several exhibitor booths in the tented exhibition area. Once again the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show was a huge success shining a spotlight on the UAE’s growing yacht-building and export capabilities for larger sized yachts and the Middle East region’s ever-buoyant buyer market. A&J would like to extend our warmest gratitude to the Informa Yacht Group and all the event staff for an absolutely fantastic day out in a breathtaking setting amongst the finest company and even finer vessels. With deals secured and the yachts setting sail hopes are high for next year! His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan visits Abu Dhabi Mar stand