Leading Experts to Identify Opportunities in Emerging Middle East Superyacht Business

Leading authorities on the Middle East’s superyacht sector will address issues affecting the lucrative industry’s future at an exclusive, invitation-only Superyacht Briefing, part of this month’s Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) program.

Taking place Thursday, March 24, at Yas Marina, the morning briefing will be the curtain-raiser to ADYS, the region’s only show dedicated to the superyacht industry, which will run March 24–26 at Yas Marina.

Featuring presentations from leading personalities in the superyacht sector, the briefing will focus primarily on the challenges and opportunities facing regional industry stakeholders. Organizers believe the open-forum discussions will help address a shortage of information on the regional yachting industry and related businesses, including marina development, regulation, and security.

“We are inviting leading experts to shed light on important issues affecting the business in the Middle East, and highlight opportunities that will have a far-reaching impact on its future growth,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of Informa Yacht Group (IYG), organizers of the briefing and the annual ADYS.

“Our particular focus on the Middle East highlights the growing prominence of this region, and the need to expand the global industry’s knowledge and understanding of it—especially considering that 30 percent of the world’s largest superyachts are owned by Arab nationals.”

Industry Leaders Examine Middle East Superyacht Market

The speaker lineup includes Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer of UAE-based yacht builder Gulf Craft, a home-grown brand that has successfully penetrated markets in Europe, Asia, and South America in addition to its business in the Middle East.

Bamps will provide a local perspective on the growth prospects of the regional superyacht business, as well as insight into responding to changing client preferences and requirements.

Iain Lawrie of Art Marine will provide insights into Middle Eastern clients, including the types of superyachts they prefer, the role brands play in purchasing decisions, and how owners use their luxury vessels. These factors can influence decisions relating to yacht customization and chartering.

Alan Linnitt of the Henderson Group, a company with a long tradition and established reputation in the marine industry, will discuss regulations and cruising permits, providing invited guests with information on industry requirements and compliance standards.

Superyacht management and security expert Richard Skinner of Orchid Office consultancy will examine issues surrounding the management and maintenance of superyachts, as well as vessel safety and security.

Finally, Matthew Bate of Mourjan Marinas will discuss the future of megayacht marinas in the Middle East, focusing on the critical infrastructure required to support the region’s growing industry.

Bate will address new standards for the design, development, and operation of megayacht facilities and examine opportunities for ancillary support services.

Building the Region’s Superyacht Industry

“Nurturing the information flow and building significant intelligence on this important sector is a value-add to the region’s superyacht sector and reinforces the credentials of this event as a B2B platform,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), a show sponsor.

ADYS is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and is sponsored by ADTA, with Yas Hotel as the official hospitality partner.

For more information on Yas Island, visit www.yasisland.ae.