High-tech ties up with lap of luxury at capital boat show
A selection of stunning marine craft was on display as the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show opened its doors for a second year.
In Adnec’s 40,000 square metre harbour, state-of-the-art yachts and vast, luxury powerboats competed for the attention of ocean-going fans.
Amid the assembled flotilla on Wednesday, exhibitors were keen to show visitors not just how sumptuous the vessels were, but also how much high-tech kit was on board.
One of the event’s most eye-catching creations was the 10-metre Foiler, built by Enata Marine. The publicity material for the hydrofoil craft claimed its ability to lift itself almost entirely out of the water when travelling at more than 40 knots was guaranteed to add “a little drama” to your life. Sounds about right.
But if you fancy something a little more sedate – perhaps more along the lines of a traditional luxury cruiser – there’s still plenty to choose from.
The Cranchi E52 F Evoluzione, for example, is 16 metres long and can comfortably fit 12 passengers on board. At top whack it’ll get you to 32 knots and its interior can only be described as palatial.
The highlight of this year’s show, however, has to be Al Kous Marine’s 40-metre houseboat. It’s a party vessel if ever there was one, with ample space for a dance.
Yet if all that seems a little over the top, you could do worse than opt for the UAE-built Rhino Rider, a cheeky little 3-metre runaround that’ll do 32 knots. It’s almost impossible to capsize, the manufacturers claim, and looks like plenty of fun.
And if that’s not exciting enough, organisers teamed up with the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club to pull in water-based recreation enthusiasts, who perform jet-ski stunts for the crowds.
Virtual reality fishing is also on offer, with angling experts on hand with new techniques to improve your catch in the real world.
About 284 exhibitors from 26 countries have shipped their wares to the event, which is spread over an area a third larger than the show’s debut last year.
The expansion shows an enthusiasm from organisers to generate some of the attention enjoyed by the event’s sibling exhibition in Dubai.
Tickets for the show, which runs daily from 4pm to 10pm until Saturday, can be purchased at adibs.ae for Dh20.