Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010
A roundup of the highs and lows from the glamorous boat show in United Arab Emirates
The 2nd annual Abu Dhabi Yacht Show has been hailed a success despite facing a number of logistical problems.
Over 6,000 people visited the show, a drop of around 9% on 2009, to explore 140 stands and exhibitons.
The drop in numbers has been attributed to the sudden death of Shaikh Mubarak Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, a member of the UAE royal family who died on Wednesday (24 February) in Abu Dhabi. The Presidential Affairs Ministry then declared three days for official mourning across the country.
Despite the slow start the show organisers, Informa Yacht Group (IYG), said the event underlined the tremendous potential of the yachting business in the Middle East.
Franck Dailles, IYG’s Group Director, said: “The show is playing a significant role in further strengthening [Abu Dhabi]’s claim to be a global superyacht destination for this region.”
Docked at the £23 billion development on Yas Island were 30 superyachts, and brokers have reported that negotiations have started a number of multi-million pound deals.
Our roving reporter Mike Edwardson was in attendance and sampled some of the delights of the Yas Marina Hotel, including a bedroom view of the Grand Prix Circuit.
Check out the Superyacht World blog and see his amazing photographs in the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show gallery.