Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has completed its preparations for the second edition of Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) 2019, which will run from October 16 to 19 under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

The event’s organising committee made the announcement at a press conference at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi. The briefing was attended by Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer of ADNEC Group, Saeed Al Mansouri, Executive Director of IDEX, Ahmed Mubarak Al Qemzi, Section Head - Procedures, Maritime Policy Division at The Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, Nasser Al Dhaheri, Race Department Manager at Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC), along with several senior officials from different public and private entities.

Headlining the press conference, Khalifa Al Qubaisi, said: “The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show is held in line with ADNEC's efforts to reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination in business tourism through organizing and hosting various local, regional and international exhibitions, conferences and specialized events.”

In organizing ADIBS, ADNEC seeks to diversify its portfolio of specialized exhibitions that support key sectors and industries identified by Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The event also demonstrates the importance accorded by ADNEC for the promotion of the emirate’s marine environment and revival of its rich maritime heritage.

“Within a short span of time since its inception, ADIBS successfully attracted several prominent international names in the leisure marine sector and received overwhelming response from leading local, regional and international companies to participate in its activities. Furthermore, we have dedicated a pavilion for hosting the UAE national companies to showcase their latest products and demonstrate the level of progress the UAE-based companies have achieved in leisure marine industry,” Al Qubaisi added.

For his part, Saeed Al Mansouri, said: “ADIBS 2019 will provide an unprecedented opportunity for local, regional and international exhibitors to showcase the latest offerings and trends in the latest yachts, leisure marine and fishing equipment industries. The upcoming edition will witness a remarkable growth in terms of total exhibition space from 31,000 square metres in 2018 to 40,000 square metres this year, representing a 29% increase. The event will also draw the participation of 284 companies and exhibitors, compared to 270 in 2018, registering a 5% growth.”

Meanwhile, ADIBS 2019 will see a 4 per cent rise in the number of participating countries, which increased from 25 countries in 2018 to 26 countries in 2019. National companies will account for 48 per cent of exhibitors, while the number of boats and yachts confirmed for participation stand at 75.

Al Mansouri added: “ADIBS 2019 will be a crowd-puller by featuring a spectacular array of watersports and marine recreational activities that will give visitors several reasons to come and enjoy the show.”

Al Mansouri also thanked the main partners and sponsors of the show including its strategic partner the Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, Supporting Partner Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority, Gold Sponsor Al Suwaidi Marine, Supporting Partner Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, official sponsor of the UAE pavilion, the Captains Club, Associate Partner Abu Dhabi Ports, and official healthcare provider Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA).

ADIBS 2019 will be a unique blend of state-of-the-art yachts, international leisure marine alongside UAE’s rich maritime history. Apart from the display of sophisticated marine leisure vessels and equipment, visitors will be able to enjoy virtual reality fishing or get active on the water with powerboat training or learn from top fishing experts and influencers.

For manufacturers of luxury boats and yachts, the exhibition will be a unique opportunity to showcase their latest services and products to a global audience of high net-worth buyers, stakeholders, industry professionals and families. ADIBS will take place at the 31,000 sq.m. purpose-built ADNEC Marina that allows yachts of all sizes to be berthed and displayed immediately in front of their respective stands.

Ahmed Mubarak Al Qemzi, Section Head - Procedures, Maritime Policy Division at Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, said: “DoT is delighted to be the strategic partner of the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2019. Our partnership with ADIBS 2019 is aligned with our strategy to collaborate with leading national entities from both private and public sectors to develop the emirate’s transportation sector, including maritime transport and ports.”

For his part, Nasser Al Dhaheri, Race Department Manager, ADIMSC, said: “ADIMSC is proud to be the supporting partner of ADIBS 2019, which offers an ideal opportunity to bring together marine sports enthusiasts to practice and highlight their favorite sports. In participating in the event, we seek to promote awareness about marine sports and the UAE’s rich marine heritage.”

Over its three-day run, the exhibition will welcome visitors, professionals and families from 4pm to 10pm. Taking place at ADNEC Marina and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre halls, the event is set to draw the participation of over 25,000 visitors.

Tickets for ADIBS can be purchased through the show’s website www.adibs.ae or at the exhibition entrance.

Last year, the inaugural edition of ADIBS attracted more than 21,000 visitors and generated huge interest among local, regional and international companies and exhibitors. — SG