According to a recent survey conducted by Boat International UK on the world's 100 largest yachts, it was found that approximately one third of these were owned by Arab nationals with the world's top five located in Dubai, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The yachts, ranging in size from 140-160 meters, include such luxury features as helicopter pad, swimming pool, gymnasium with squash court, fully-equipped hospital and mosque. “There are a number of very strong indicators for the recent expansion in the Gulf's yachting sector, including the billions of dollars being invested to provide berthing space on reclamation projects in the region, the increased move toward a five-day week, and the growing export of yachts from the United States and Europe into this market,” said Thair Soukar, editor, Boat International Gulf. At present, GCC countries are the largest markets for yacht ownership, with Kuwait reporting one boat for every 50 residents. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are particular hot spots for yacht ownership due to the high levels of disposable income, compared to countries with offshore marina projects such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. “We are very excited to be expanding into this region and already we have had an overwhelming response from the market. We are confident that this will be one of our strongest publications and will be a great asset for our portfolio,” said Tony Harris, CEO, Boat International. To coincide with this year's Dubai International Boat Show, the world's first-ever Arabic super-yacht publication - Boat International Gulf - will be launched in Dubai with an unrivalled mix of the latest international and regional news stories in the world of luxury yachting. The launch of Boat International Gulf comes at a time when the GCC becomes widely recognized as one of the world's most robust emerging markets for the boating industry. Boat International Gulf is a bi-monthly Arabic language magazine covering a wide range of topics including exotic cruising grounds, major yachting events, authoritative and influential editorial and superb design. Along with a comprehensive features list, Boat International Gulf will also include local and international news, super yacht profiles, special features, regattas and boat events, and a dynamic lifestyle section. “Boat International Gulf will cater specifically to this increasingly popular sector, targeting the most discerning, affluent buyers in the multibillion dollar industry of luxury yachting,” Soukar added. __
