AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI, WAM (ABU DHABI)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the sixth edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) got underway at the Marina Hall in ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Running until 24 November, the event is organised by ADNEC Group and serves as a premier annual gathering for marine enthusiasts, boat owners and families.
This year's edition features a rich programme of maritime activities and sports, highlighting the latest innovations in the marine industry. Open daily from 11am to 9pm, the show offers a host of family-friendly activities and unique experiences over four days.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: "The sixth edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show marks significant growth in terms of space and participation from leading local and international companies in the marine industry. This reflects the Group's success in enhancing the competitiveness of the event regionally and globally."
Al Dhaheri expressed gratitude to the UAE's leadership for their support in ensuring the success of this milestone edition. He emphasised that the show aligns with ADNEC Group's strategy to solidify Abu Dhabi's position as the capital of specialised events in the region.
This year, the exhibition space has expanded by 15% compared to last year, covering 75,000 square metres. The number of exhibitors and brands has grown by 14% to 813, compared to 711 at the previous edition.
The number of boats on display has surged by 66%, with 175 boats showcased compared to 105 in 2023. Additionally, the number of marina boats has increased by 127% to 125, with a 50% rise in boats exceeding 15 metres in length.
A total of 56 countries are participating in the show, with six making their debut: Luxembourg, Greece, Sweden, Egypt, Bahrain, and Russia-a 19% increase from the 47 countries last year.
The event also offers a diverse line-up of entertainment and unique initiatives, including daily Wave Parades, cultural and artistic performances such as the traditional Al Ayala dance, Emirati bands, drum shows, and over 1,000 family-oriented activities.
Visitors can also enjoy children's entertainment, firework displays, aerial acrobatics, and free boat tours.
Aletihad spoke to Amy Sun, export manager at Allgo Group, at the boat show. "This exhibition is an important platform for Allgo Group, It enables us to establish direct connections with distributors, market leaders and prospective clients across the Middle East," she said.
"Additionally, it's a great chance to expand our audience and reinforce enduring partnerships by showcasing our cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly production methods.
"Abu Dhabi is a global centre for creativity, luxury and maritime culture," she added. "It is a top location for international events like this because of its first-rate facilities, state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, and exceptional logistics infrastructure."
Investors and industry experts are kept up to date on the latest advancements in the boat business by attending the show, which showcasing exciting trends in the sector.