Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, said that the city of Jeddah was qualified to become an international cultural, sports and tourist center to add to its commercial importance. The Emir made his comment at the inauguration of the Saudi International Boat Show, which concluded at Al-Forousya Marina & Yacht Club Saturday night. Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, who was also present at the opening ceremony last Wednesday, said that Jeddah needed a better infrastructure to organize exhibitions and business tourist events. More than 80 companies from 13 countries across the globe from as far afield as Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Kuwait, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK and USA took part in the boat show, which was organized by Dubai World Trade Center. “I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Prince Sultan Bin Salman for gracing the opening of the Saudi International Boat Show,” said Helal Saeed Al-Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Center. Nasser Quttub, marine geologist from the Saudi Geological Survey and an exhibitor at the boat show, commended the event saying it marks a beginning in setting the stage for further growth and development of marine tourism. Top boats and yachts on display included Azimut 62S from ART Marine, Majesty 61 from Gulf Craft, Cigarette Top Fish and Top Gun from Al-Ghanim Marine, Pershing 90 from Sea Pros and Jet Ski Waverunner from Yamaha.
