First Abu Dhabi Boat Show Coming in October

The first Abu Dhabi International Boat Show will take place Oct. 17-20 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. The inaugural show will target a region with more established events, such as the Dubai International Boat Show, but the Abu Dhabi show organizers plan to gain a foothold in what they estimate is a $60 billion market. Below is a video from the 2018 Dubai show.

The Abu Dhabi show will be organized and hosted by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Co., with assistance from British Marine Boat Shows.

Organizers expect exhibitors to range from paddleboard companies to custom yards that manufacture superyachts. Several dozen boatbuilders have reportedly signed on to exhibit including such U.S. brands as Bayliner, Sea Ray, Westport and Boston Whaler, as well as many European brands and brands from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

A recent report estimated that there are 46,000 recreational boats in the region with a value of $4 billion to $5 billion. The United Arab Emirates has approximately 100 boatbuilders that produce 600 to 800 boats a year. The region also plans to develop megayacht marinas and deep-water harbors. Abu Dhabi has about 200 islands in its territorial waters and has sponsored offshore racing and Formula 1 tunnel boats in multiple classes.