Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi is determined to grow its marine and yachting industries as a key component to a wider tourism strategy, said Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), ahead of the second Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) set to take place next month.
ADTA has thrown its full support behind ADYS as the headline sponsor of the show focusing on luxury the superyacht and megayacht sector.
Abu Dhabi's 2030 strategic plan includes a massive marina component, including approximately 45 marinas of various sizes, and it is believed that in the future there could be as many as 10,000 recreational craft in the emirate. Currently there are about 1,600 berths available in six marinas in the capital.
"Marine leisure is expected to play an increasingly important role in advancing Abu Dhabi's tourism growth. This is a very natural lifestyle for us as Abu Dhabi is blessed with over 400km of coastline, over 200 islands and a rich marine life," said Shaikh Sultan.
"Progression into the marine leisure segment will, however, be measured, in line with our preferred style. We will leverage these assets while at the same time conserving them for the benefit of this generation and for those to come," he said.
Marina expert Captain Stephen Hunt, who serves as an adviser for water transport in Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport, says the emirate is well placed to adopt a leading role in the regional yachting industry. "It is made up of about 200 islands interspersed with numerous waterways. The country has something of a maritime history, having a heritage of pearling and fishing," said Hunt.
Some of the biggest projects in Abu Dhabi have marina components. A huge development in the pipeline aims to turn Mina Zayed into a super-yacht marina to be known as Marina Zayed, which will be home to a large number of mega-yachts.
