ABU DHABI – The second edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS), which ran from October 16 to 19 under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, concluded yesterday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event drew the participation of 26,000 visitors and 284 exhibiting companies from 27 countries.

Commenting on the event’s success, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO, ADNEC, said: “We are proud of the unprecedented turnout of visitors and exhibitors at the second edition of ADIBS 2019. We thank all those who participated and contributed to the high-level organization of the event.”

“ADIBS 2019 provided an ideal platform for exhibitors to conduct business and transact deals smoothly. In addition to enabling specialists and experts to explore the latest innovations in luxury boat manufacturing, as well as in water sports and fishing equipment, the show lent a unique experience for visitors to learn about the rich marine heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and to participate in various edutainment programs presented at the show. All these factors combined to contribute to the success of the second edition of ADIBS. ADIBS 2019 has become a valuable addition to ADNEC’s growing portfolio of premier events that go to confirm the status of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as the business tourism capital of the region,” he added.

Al Dhaheri expressed his appreciation at the efforts put in by Team ADNEC to ensure the availability of the diverse facilities at the ADNEC Marina that significantly contributed not only to the success of ADIBS 2019 but went a long way to fortify Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier marine tourism destination. He also thanked the public and private sector companies which enthusiastically participated and contributed to the various events and activities that were laid out over the four days.

Al Dhaheri said that the increase in the number of visitors and participants in this year’s show provided great encouragement to prepare for a much larger and a more distinctive ADIBS next year, in terms of the technology, exhibition space and creative ideas taken forward to ensure the show’s success.

Saeed Al Mansoori, CEO of IDEX, said: “We are proud of the success achieved during the four days of ADIBS 2019. The immense success of the show has brought new challenges upon the show organisers to augment their efforts to establish Abu Dhabi’s reputation in the luxury marine and water sports industries.”

Al Mansouri praised Team ADNEC for brilliantly catering to the entertainment needs of visitors while at the same time meeting all the varied requirements of the exhibitors with professionalism and accuracy.

Al Mansouri said: "We are delighted with the high demand received from the exhibitors to reserve a place for them at ADIBS 2020.”

Al Mansouri specially thanked the show sponsors, who worked alongside the ADIBS organizing committee to make ADIBS 2019 a great success.

Over the course of the four days of ADIBS 2019, the show visitors had the opportunity to see a range of sophisticated flying yachts, electric skate-boards, house-boats, speed-boats and various other versatile boats as well as the chance to experience exciting water sports activities.

The on-water stunt performances, live music events and food stalls were great attractions that brought in families. Visitors were given the option of enjoying a traditional canoe tour or to take part in sailing lessons or to learn the principles of fishing from maritime experts.

In the second edition of ADIBS, the total exhibition area increased by 29 per cent over the inaugural edition last year, while the number of exhibitors and participating brands, at 284, increased by 5 per cent. The number of participating countries at this year’s show, which touched 27, represented an 8 per cent increase over the last year. — SG