Superyachts and Supercars set to Light Up Yas Marina in March 2011

Visitors to the third Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) next spring can look forward to a double-header super-luxury event at the 2011 edition of the region’s only yacht show exclusively dedicated to the superyacht industry. Next year’s show, from March 24th – 26th at the Yas Marina, will be co-located and jointly promoted with the season opener of the FIA GT1 World Championship 2011 – one of the most glamorous events on the motor racing calendar, organised by Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM).

Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of Informa Yacht Group (IYG), organisers of ADYS, said the simultaneous timing of the two events, especially in the context of the recent opening of several other world-class attractions at Yas Island, will deliver an exceptionally compelling proposition for the Middle East’s high net worth population.

“With a similar visitor profile, the concurrent staging of the two events will offer all the participants at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show and the GT1 race a number of combined social and networking opportunities. Last year, according to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, some 12,000 people, including many highly influential regional VIP guests, came to the GT1 event, and they will be thrilled to also be able to visit the Yacht Show next door. We are getting some very excited feedback about the concept,” said Treadwell.

Visitors to the show can also take advantage of the opportunity to try out all the other brand new attractions next door - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park; Yas Links golf course, hailed by Golf Course Architecture as “The Middle East’s Best Golf Course”; the brand new Yas Yacht Club; and the iconic Yas Hotel with its roof terrace, which is ideal for hosting the large-scale parties that the two organisers have in mind.

According to the World Wealth report 2010, released by Capgemini and Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, there has been a significant improvement in the large yacht market in 2010, with an increase in both sales and valuation of yachts. “There is immense potential for growth in this region as demand recovers,” explained Treadwell. “There have already been a number of major deals made during the first two editions of ADYS - even with some difficult circumstances this year!”

The 2009 launch show saw the sale of the 73.2m megayacht MY Rabdan (formerly Silver) for €64.5 million (AED 294 million). The 85m Alysia, ranked among the world’s 100 largest yachts and listed for sale at €85 million (AED 387 million), was sold as a result of a lead established at ADYS 2010, and the same edition also saw a new Westport build valued at US$11 million sold to a Middle East client. These sales have sent a strong message to the global yachting industry that the region is a real goldmine for new potential yacht owners. The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show will provide exclusive access to many more serious buyers as it develops and expands in the years to come.

ADYS 2011 is again being supported by its main sponsor, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). “This is a signature event that underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building and providing best-in-class leisure and entertainment infrastructure and facilities management,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA. “Abu Dhabi’s commitment clearly defined in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 is to develop world-leading marine infrastructure that will establish the emirate as a major international yachting hub and a world-class maritime and leisure destination. The development of Yas Island and the staging of world-class events such as the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show and the FIA GT1 season opener are important steps in this long-term process.”

Visitors to ADYS 2011 will also see significant enhancements in the approach route to the venue. The recent opening of the 1.1-kilometre long, 43-metre wide Yas Tunnel connecting Al Raha Beach to Yas Island will dramatically reduce transit time to Yas Island.

For more information visit www.abudhabiyachtshow.com