Hamdan bin Zayed Showcases Pioneering Tech at Abu Dhabi Boat Show

H.H. Sheik Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, attended the 6th Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, which became a defining moment for the maritime industry. This year’s show stood out as the largest ever, with advanced marine technology and luxury vessels displayed throughout its expanded space.

Sheik Hamdan bin Zayed’s presence highlighted the show’s crucial role in establishing Abu Dhabi as a global maritime destination. The event showed impressive growth and featured more than 400 brands and companies from 40 countries. This expansion reflects Abu Dhabi’s steadfast dedication to enhance its maritime sector through state-of-the-art solutions and global partnerships.

Record-Breaking Show Statistics

The 6th Abu Dhabi International Boat Show set new measures in the maritime industry. The show attracted 711 exhibiting companies and brands, which represents a 30% increase from its previous edition. Exhibition space grew to 65,000 square meters, showing a 55% increase in total area.

Participation expanded by a lot with 50 countries joining the show, up from 41 in the previous session. The event welcomed several first-time participants:

• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Norway
• Belgium
• Lithuania
• Indonesia
• Cyprus
• Maldives

National companies dominated the show with 70% of participants and represented more than 91% of the international brands at the exhibition. The UAE’s marine industry contributed AED 89.97 billion to the nation’s GDP, which highlights the show’s growing influence in the global maritime sector.

Abu Dhabi’s strategic position in the maritime sector continues to strengthen. Industry experts predict the regional yachting industry will reach AED 4.41 billion by 2025. This growth showcases the emirate’s steadfast dedication to encourage state-of-the-art solutions and economic development in the maritime sector.

Innovation Showcase Highlights

The exhibition featured a new Innovation Zone that highlighted cutting-edge maritime technology. This dedicated space emerged from a partnership with startup hub Yachting Ventures. Sixteen CleanTech startups showcased their solutions, which reflected Abu Dhabi’s dedication to eco-friendly maritime development.

Borrow A Boat, known as the “Airbnb of boats,” sponsored this innovative space where several companies presented their groundbreaking technologies:

• The Silent Power brought ‘The Icon,’ a BMW collaboration with electric foiling technology
• Regent launched their zero-emission Seagliders that operate in three modes
• Elvene displayed their solar electric boats with self-sustaining capabilities
• RAD Propulsion presented their smart electric propulsion systems
• Floating Padel brought eco-friendly sports facilities for water-based activities

The event featured major product launches from industry leaders. Al Suwaidi Marine revealed its ASM 29 boat while Delma Marine launched the Boston Whaler Montauk 21. ASIS Boats brought their new amphibious vessels, and Sulaco Arabia introduced Tullio Abbate speed boats to the Middle East.

AD Ports Group and Premier Marine announced their collaborative venture, SAFEEN Drydocks at Khalifa Port. This new 45,000-square-meter facility will offer complete services from drydocking to repairs and shipbuilding. The facility strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position in the maritime industry.

Strategic Maritime Vision

The newly launched Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi marks an ambitious change in Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector. This trailblazing platform helps the public and private sectors work together effectively. The hub’s strategy comes from measuring success against leading maritime cities like Singapore and France, and stands on three main pillars:

• Connect: Showcasing Abu Dhabi’s maritime industry worldwide
• Create: Building talent and driving innovation
• Collaborate: Building strong public-private partnerships

Abu Dhabi shows its steadfast dedication to become a top international maritime destination through this Maritime Hub. The Department of Municipalities and Transport partners with the initiative to help the emirate join the world’s leading maritime centers.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office and BioSoul have formed a mutually beneficial alliance that brings BioSoul’s global headquarters to the emirate. This partnership supports UAE’s Green Agenda – 2030 and focuses on green marine solutions and practices.

The hub goes beyond traditional maritime activities to create a detailed ecosystem. It has offshore operations, maritime suppliers, shipbuilding, and academic institutions. Representatives from maritime sectors of all types form a dedicated committee that runs working groups. These groups generate innovative ideas and tackle industry challenges.

Abu Dhabi leads sustainable maritime practices through focused campaigns about decarbonization and development of eco-friendly solutions. This integrated approach helps accelerate economic growth through continuous connection worldwide and knowledge sharing.

Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in the global maritime sector shines through the 6th Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. The event attracted a record-breaking 711 exhibiting companies. Advanced technological displays and initiatives like Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi demonstrated the region’s maritime excellence.

Sheik Hamdan bin Zayed’s attendance highlighted Abu Dhabi’s steadfast dedication to maritime breakthroughs. The dedicated Innovation Zone showcased green solutions from 16 trailblazing CleanTech startups. SAFEEN Drydocks’ establishment and mutually beneficial alliances with international entities have positioned Abu Dhabi as a crucial force in maritime industries’ future.

The UAE’s marine industry has contributed AED 89.97 billion to national GDP, underlining the show’s broader economic success. Abu Dhabi’s vision emphasizes continuous connection, breakthroughs, and collaboration to establish itself as a world-class maritime destination. This evolution guarantees sustained growth and leadership in green maritime practices that cement Abu Dhabi’s role as a crucial hub in the global maritime world.