UAE Continues To Lead Middle East Luxury Yacht And Boating Industry

Big Boys Toys’ event to host leading luxury boat builders, waterside developers, interior design companies

The United Arab Emirates continues to enjoy its status as a leading regional hub for luxury boats, even as there is an average annual demand for 1,500 high-end marine luxury boats in the country. In addition to this is the massive popularity of waterfront properties among both global and regional investors, which has further reinforced the UAE marine sector’s excellent reputation. With aims to provide prime networking opportunities for luxury boat companies, waterside developers and interior design companies, ‘Big Boys Toys’, the highly awaited lifestyle exhibition, is set to attract leading European and American companies during its 4-day run from February 02 to 05, 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

Further driving the growth of the domestic marine sector are major investments being undertaken by the local government of Abu Dhabi, which has allocated a sizeable budget for the construction of 45 marinas - the latest of which is located within the iconic ‘Yas Island’ development. The massive investments towards marina facilities is part of the capital’s aims to harbour as many as 10,000 recreational marine boats and is part of its 2030 strategic growth plan. With recent estimates indicating boat ownership for one out of every 350 people in the UAE, Artaaj, the organiser of ‘Big Boys Toys’ has expressed its confidence over the success of the show this year.

“Fuelled by the stable tourism industry and the local population’s attraction to luxury boats and yachts, the UAE is looking at marine leisure and real estate as an industry with tremendous potential,” said Biju Jayaraaj, CEO, Artaaj. “This strong interest from global customers, investors and the local governments themselves is a positive indicator for companies involved in building luxury boats and waterfront projects. Our goal during ‘Big Boys Toys’ is to help businesses targeting this highly lucrative market, by giving them tremendous exposure among high-potential clientele in the region.”

‘Big Boys Toys’ is expected to attract hundreds of HNWI and buyers from all over the globe as it makes its way to the UAE for the second time. Taking precedent from the impressive lineup of luxury boats showcased during its previous editions, including Liquid Glass Boat, Al Marakeb Boat Manufacturing, Spire Boat, and Abra Marine, the event is set to host a display of some the world’s most exciting marine related goods in 2011. This year, Al Mahara Diving Centre - a premier 5 Star PADI Instructor Resort Development Centre in Abu Dhabi will promote its services at the event, which include PADI scuba diving courses from beginner to instructor for individuals, groups, kids, corporate and ladies.

“The UAE’s rising reputation in the global yachting circuit as a leading hub for leisure luxury boats and waterfront properties poses great prospects for the domestic economy as well as for global investors involved in this emerging market. ‘Big Boys Toys’ aims to open up doors for new business prospects, which will allow them to penetrate or strengthen their presence in the UAE marine sector,” concluded Jayaraaj.

In addition, ‘Big Boys Toys’ will offer nine other zones within the exhibition area, including Drive, Ride, Off-Road, Aviation, Digital, Lifestyle, Fitness, Fashion and Adventure, which will house more than 100 exhibitors across 46 exclusive categories showcasing their products to an affluent target audience of over 60,000 visitors.
 

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