The event, organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime, managed to attract 353 exhibitors and brands from 28 countries. This increased by 24% compared to the previous edition, which affirms the event’s position as the first boating, fishing, and marine sports event to be held in the UAE during the period of recovery from the current circumstances affecting the world.
Saeed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Capital Events, a subsidiary of ADNEC, said: “We are pleased by the considerable turnout to the ADIBS activities throughout its four days, which shows the great confidence in us on the part of our partners in the public and private sectors, and our ability to ensure the success of events and presenting them in a manner befitting the local and international reputation of the UAE and Abu Dhabi.
“This year’s edition succeeded in providing exhibitors with an ideal platform for showcasing their products and services, as well providing an ideal opportunity for finding partnerships and making deals in the boating and maritime sector.” He added. The current edition of the show was marked by wide-scale international and regional participation, with a 24% growth in the number of participating companies and brands, in addition to local companies making a quantum leap in terms of participation as they made up 43% of exhibitors.
The overall indoor, outdoor, and marine exhibition area in the current edition has expanded to 42,000 square metres at a growth of 5%, while the number of participating yachts and boats present in the canal increased by 8% compared to the previous edition. This year also witnessed a 25% increase of exhibitors releasing new products and innovations never seen before in the region or the world.
Notable participants in this year’s edition included France’s SeaBubbles who showcased scale models of its incredible products, as well as Poland’s Glassdeep who highlighted their latest products in underwater leisure and surveying technology, in addition to the participation of the US’ leading sports fishing boat brand, Invincible Boats. In addition, some of the most prominent returning exhibitors launched new products, including Delma Marine’s launch of Mercury V12 600 engine, Extreme Marine’s Mercury Racing AMS 300R, and Al Masaood’s MTUV/Volvo Penta. The 2021 edition also saw the return of Flying Yacht’s ‘The Foiler’ with an impressive new upgrade, while Al Kous, the pioneers of houseboat manufacturing, showcased the world’s biggest houseboat display, highlighting the latest luxury innovations in this field.
The show featured an incredible range of marine activities, including boat chartering and affordable boating for the first time in the event’s history. The outdoor event also proved to be the perfect central hub to discover the latest accessible and affordable ways to get into boating, watersports and fishing whilst enjoying the entertainment and attractions, including several family-friendly activities with lots of entertainment for children.
The show provided an opportunity for visitors to meet some of the top experts and companies responsible for building the biggest houseboats in Abu Dhabi, as well as introducing them to local and regional fishing equipment companies so that they can purchase their latest products. In addition, those interested in upgrading their boats were able to get in touch with a wide range of exhibitors that can provide them with advice on navigation equipment, high-performance engines, and much more. The third edition of ADIBS boasted a variety of exciting interactive activities, including the Desert Shield Challenge, live shows at the Seafood Market, and enjoying a game of golf and feeding fish at the same time.
The most prominent event during the ADIBS was the UAE Flyboarding Championship organised by Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club on the sideline of the show. Throughout the days of the show and the preparations preceding it, ADNEC made sure to take all the necessary precautions for welcoming the visitors to ADIBS 2021 in a safe and secure environment. The wellbeing and health of the participants, exhibitors, and visitors were the top priority, and took into account a wide range of precautionary and preventative measures developed in cooperation with various relevant sides. The list of partners and sponsors for ADIBS 2021 included: Abu Dhabi Marine the strategic partner, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) the assistant partner, in addition to diamond sponsor Gulf Craft, golden sponsor Yas Marina, and platinum sponsor the Captain's Club for yachting and boating.
