From left: Dr. Hisham Madani, acting executive director of Tourism Department, Makkah Region; Grant Burgham, director, Exhibitions and Events Management, Dubai World Trade Center; Prince Abdullah Bin Saud, chairman of Tourism Committee, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and president, Saudi Tour Operators Consultancy Committee; Mazen Batterjee, vice chairman of the board of directors, JCCI; and Abdullah Qassim, vice president of Dubai Commercial International Center during the conference at JCCI headquarters Monday.JEDDAH: The four-day Saudi International Boat Show 2010, the only exhibition of its kind in one of the world's most lucrative marine markets, opens Wednesday (Dec. 8), promising even more regional and global business opportunities than last year's spectacular inaugural event. More than 30,000 high caliber commercial and consumer buyers are expected to attend the unique show to be held at the Al Furusya Marina & Yacht Club in Jeddah. Organized by Dubai World Trade Center, managed by Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, and endorsed by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, the Saudi International Boat Show 2010 will feature 135 exhibitors and brands, compared to 80 last year, representing 19 countries. A strong contingency from North America, Europe and Australasia has also helped to significantly increase total number of exhibitors and brands taking part. With plans for more than $35 billion worth of maritime projects in the GCC by 2013, three of which are in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is increasingly becoming the focus of the global luxury marine and leisure industry. The 2010 Saudi International Boat Show offers an unrivalled platform to expand into what is a highly profitable but still relatively untapped market. Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, chairman of Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, said at a press conference Monday that "the Saudi International Boat Show has gathered the support of leading industry players along with key governmental institutions. This is a very clear indication of the important role and the solid contributions of the show in harnessing the economic potential of the boating sector, and in providing industry leaders with a genuinely conducive networking venue." The Saudi International Boat Show has been chosen by two high profile exhibitors, Sea Pros Yachts and ART Marine, to launch local and regional premieres of the Pershing 72, Benetti Delfino and Azimut 53. Fourteen new Saudi exhibitors and brands, including Badr Fiber, JA Yachts, Juffali Automotive Co., KB Marine, Mega Marine and Zamil Shipyard will line up alongside 74 first time international companies and brands including Al Shaali Marine, Japan Marine, Princess Yachts, Rineh Emirates Trading LLC, Romeo Marine, Trinity Yachts and Westport, reflecting the success of last year, the health of the current marine climate and the potential for future growth. Abdulla Qassem, senior vice president, Dubai World Trade Center, added: "The marine sector continues to gain momentum in the Middle East, particularly here in Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi International Boat Show is not only an opportunity for business, but a driver for the industry as well. This year's event caters to the full range of the industry's buying and supplying spectrum and has some exceptional local, regional and international companies who will help to increase the interest and the investment in this rapidly developing marine economy." Creating an unprecedented showcase of the latest yachts and boats, boating technology and marine equipment and services in the country, the Saudi International Boat Show 2010 welcomes leading marine companies, distributors and key sponsors in Saudi Arabia and internationally, including Al Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, Al Khorayef Commercial, Arabian Auto Agency, ART Marine, Blue Limits Est., Dream Divers, EXALTO, ICCES, Luxury Sea Boats, Marriot Jeddah, Officine Panerai, Royal Craft, Saudi Yacht Co. Ltd., Sawari Energy, Sea Pros Yachts and many more. The event is also endorsed by Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and supported by key government entities such as the Jeddah Islamic Port, Jeddah Police, Jeddah Coast Guards, Jeddah Port Customs Authority, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jeddah Municipality and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Saudi International Boat Show 2010 will feature a dedicated Supplies & Services Pavilion that will group together regional dealers and distributors displaying an extensive range of navigation equipment, engines and fixtures and fittings. The Marina Display Area will showcase top-of-the
