Abu Dhabi, March 21, 2018 /ADNEC/ The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) signed a strategic sponsorship agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports to launch the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2018, which will be held from 17 to 20 October 2018 in association with British Marine, the membership organisation for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry. The agreement aims to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a prominent leisure marine luxury yachts tourism destination.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamsi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Company, lauded the distinguished efforts made by the government and public-sector organisations to further enhance the business tourism segment and improve Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination across this vital sector. “Abu Dhabi has been witnessing a growing number of passengers at its cruise terminal area over the last few years. The pioneering edition of the Abu International Boat Show, which is set to attract exhibitors and visitors from around the world, will contribute in the ongoing efforts to introduce the unique features offered by Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s marine tourism sector,” he added.

For his part, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to sign this strategic sponsorship agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports Company, a master developer and regulator of local and international ports. The agreement is a valuable addition to the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show and will contribute to enhancing our expertise in this field as part of our commitment to ensure a quality experience to all exhibitors at local and international levels.”

Al Dhaheri said that these partnerships represent an important step towards ensuring the success of the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, which is expected to be a breakthrough event in the leisure marine and luxury yachts industry. The event offers long-term partnerships to make Abu Dhabi a global destination for leisure marine tourism taking into consideration that the emirate boasts over 200 islands, stunning coastlines and beaches.

Al Dhahiri explained that ADNEC is looking forward to meeting the needs of Abu Dhabi’s leisure marine and luxury yachts tourism, an important component of the marine tourism sector. The company has proven expertise in successfully hosting premium global events over the last ten years. This completes its efforts to support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and promote the tourism sector in line with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, which aims at making the capital a leading cultural and tourist destination regionally and internationally, while enhancing its position on the global tourism map.

Among the sponsors and partners of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) are the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Al Suwaidi Marine, Mercedes - Emirates Motor Company, Integro, The Captain’s Club, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Jalboot, Delma Marine, Marine Concept, Hydro Water Sports, Greenline Yacht Interiors and Emirates Palace Hotel.

ADIBS is expected to attract 150 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors and will feature 75 boats berthed at the ADNEC marina recently extended to increase capacity, to meet the growing demand. With its rich marine life, the emirate boasts 400 kilometers of coastline and over 200 islands to be explored

ADNEC is the leading events destination for international exhibitions and conferences. Its mission is to increase business tourism and raise Abu Dhabi’s profile as a leading destination for MICE industry in the MENA region in line with the objectives of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and in support of its economic diversification strategy.