The first Saudi International Boat Show will be held from Oct. 14 to 17 at Al-Forousya (Equestrian) Marina & Yacht Club here. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region will patronize the show with Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, in attendance. The first-of its-kind event is hoped to be one of the most exciting annual sports and social events. It offers the ultimate marine experience starring stunning yachts, the latest hi-tech fishing boats, breathtaking speedboats and all that's new in marine equipment, Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammed, Chairman of Al-Ahlam Marine Tourism Group and the head of the Show's organizing committee, told a press conference here Sunday evening. He pointed out that women can take part in the fishing event that will be held on the sidelines of the show. Some local companies, he said, have preferred not to take part in the show. “This may be because it is the first.” But, he hoped, the success of the inaugural show will encourage them to participate in the coming years. Having the longest Arabian coastline, Jeddah already hosts a high number of marinas, with more than 2,000 berths. “Other developments including King Abdullah Economic City will create an additional 11 km of boardwalks and sea lagoons, with 14 km of natural beach and five yacht clubs,” the prince said. According to Mohammed Al-Omary, Executive Director for Tourism Development in Jeddah, some eight percent of tourists come to Saudi Arabia on business tours. “That clearly indicates that the future of the business tourism is promising in Saudi Arabia,” he said. He added that the time of the show is suitable for all those who desire to attend since they will find no difficulties with air flights or hotels. They will also find prices reasonable because it is lean-season event,” he added. Organized by Dubai World Trade Center, the four-day show will partner with venue manager Al-Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, with the endorsement of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, and the support of the Islamic Ports of Jeddah, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, Jeddah Civil Defense, Jeddah Coast Guard, Jeddah Municipality, Jeddah Police, Jeddah Port Customs Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its inaugural presentation. “The choice of Jeddah as the venue for one of the region's most sought after leisure marine and tourism events of the year reflects local and international confidence in the Kingdom's continuing prosperity and is a boost to domestic tourism throughout the Kingdom,” said Prince Abdullah Bin Saud. More than 40 boats will be on show including a selection from super yacht builders. Marine equipment will be on display in the Supplies & Services Pavilion, while exhibitors, key sponsors and partners will host clients in the Corporate Hospitality Chalets. Abdulla Qassem, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Center said that the event will provide a much awaited occasion for companies to explore further the vast potential of the Saudi market. “At the same time, Saudi International Boat Show will bring a new experience to local consumers in discovering the international offerings right here in the Kingdom,” he said.
