Riyadh: The Saudi International Boat Show 2010, the second edition of the only international leisure marine and tourism festival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced that the 2010 edition will showcase a broader range of marine products and services to cater to the growing number of maritime developments in the GCC.
New business opportunities have emerged for international suppliers with the recent announcement of 12 major maritime projects to be implemented within the next three years across the GCC with a collective value of over $35 billion (Dh128 billion), including three in Saudi Arabia in King Abdullah Economic City, Jizan Economic City and the Kingdom City.
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), endorsed by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and venue managed by Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, the Saudi International Boat Show 2010 will be held from December 8 to 11 at the Al Furusya Marina and Yacht Club.
The GCC's high disposable income likewise serves as a key catalyst for growth; a study on the salaries of senior management executives, who are key customers for yachts and luxury boats, has revealed that disposable income of managers in the GCC is the highest in the world with all Gulf countries dominating the top six rankings.
"Saudi Arabia remains strongly positioned to contribute in establishing the GCC as a premier boating hub because of the government's proactive development initiatives. With its proximity to the Red Sea and the growing reclamation projects being undertaken, Jeddah in particular will be crucial in the government's vision to harness the full economic potential of the maritime sector," said Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Chairman of Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, venue management of Saudi International Boat Show 2010.
Many local and international leading brands have already confirmed their participation, including Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, Al Khorayef Commercial Co Ltd, ART Marine LLC, Blue Limits, Chehab Marine, Garmin, KB Marine, Mega Marine, Princess Yachts, Westport and many more.
Saudi International Boat Show 2010 attracted more than 37,000 buyers from all over the region.
