The inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS), organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in association with British Marine, has already received an overwhelming response and continues to do so from exhibitors and industry professionals at the London Boat Show which opened on Wednesday 10^th January at ExCeL London in the UK capital.

British Marine, the membership organisation for the UK boating industry, will provide their vast experience towards the launch of ADIBS with both the successful London and Southampton Boat Shows in their established portfolio. Howard Pridding, Chief Executive Officer, British Marine said: “In working alongside ADNEC, British Marine aims to leverage its expertise for ADNEC to deliver a highly successful marine event in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is one of the fastest growing markets for leisure crafts and yachts in the world”.

Commenting on the event launch and what it means for ADNEC, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, ADNEC Group Chief Executive Officer commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with British Marine to host a world-class boat show in Abu Dhabi. The event will be a valuable addition to ADNEC growing portfolio of local and international events. It will also support Abu Dhabi’s leisure marine industry through bringing leading international and local companies under one roof”.

Set to take place from 17 to 20 October 2018 at ADNEC, ADIBS is expected to draw the participation of 150 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors over four days. Catering to marine industry professionals, boating enthusiasts and families that enjoy a great day out on the water, the event will feature 75 boats berthed at the on-site show marina, with the marina already extended to meet demand.

Attracting some of the top industry players from around the world, some of the companies already signed up for the launch event include: Alsuwaidi Marine, ART Marine, Azimut, Bayliner, Belize, Beneteau, Benetti, Bertram, Boston Whaler, Cantieri di Pisa, CRN, CustomLine, Delma Marine, Ferretti Yachts, Greenline Yachts Interiors, Hanse Yachts, Hatteras, IMG Boats, Integrity Boats, Itama, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Mercury, Mochi Craft, Monte Carlo Yachts, Monterey, Pershing, Prestige, Riva, Riviera Yachts, Savage Lighting, Sea Ray, Sunseeker, Willliams Jet Tenders, World of Yachts and Boats.

Plus the sponsors joining those committed to ADIBS 2018: Abu Dhabi Culture & Tourism, Al Suwaidi Marine, Mercedes EMC, SEHA Abu Dhabi Health Services, Delma Marine, Marine Concept, Emirates Palace, and Greenline Yacht Interiors.

Whilst generating considerable overseas interest in ADIBS and its offering, ADNEC seeks to promote Abu Dhabi as a global leisure marine industry hub in line with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 that includes a large-scale expansion of the city’s marinas from 32 to 45. With a rich and diverse marine life, the emirate boasts 400 kilometres of coastline and comprises over 200 islands.

ADNEC Group is made up of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Ain Convention Centre, ExCeL London, Capital Centre, Capital Gate, Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel, Aloft Abu Dhabi and Aloft London ExCeL. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre offers 133,000 square metres of interconnected floor space to meet the requirements of a wide variety of events and exhibitions. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and built to international standards, the venue attracted 1.5 million people across 480 events in 2016.