Abu Dhabi, 15th February 2009: Aldar Marinas, a division of Aldar Properties one of the leading developers in Abu Dhabi, is to build around 3,500 berths in 14 marinas across the emirate.  The news comes as the company unveiled plans to roll out a new Superyacht concept at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS), which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) next month and for which Aldar Marinas has signed on as a key sponsor

"By providing a broad range of leisure marine facilities and services to Abu Dhabi's coastline, Aldar aims to create a safe, sustainable and enjoyable recreational boating culture in the emirate. The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show complements our vision and long-term objectives for the emirate," said John Bullough, Chief Executive, Aldar Properties.

The first Aldar marinas to become operational will be at the company's Yas Island and Al Raha Beach destinations.  Each marina will have its own identity and provide state-or-the-art facilities from entry level boating to destination yachting.

Aldar Marinas is also constructing an exclusive Yacht Club at Yas Marina, which is expected to bring boating enthusiasts together and further contribute to developing Abu Dhabi's expanding leisure marine industry. Yas Marina, surrounded by the Formula 1 racetrack, will provide full-service berthing for vessels up to 66m and temporary berthing for vessels up to 150m in length. The Yas Cays Marinas, which are destined to become the entertainment district for boaters cruising Abu Dhabi waterways, will include four marinas and accommodate nearly 1,000 vessels.

Aldar's plans for ADYS, which will run from March 12-14 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), have been hailed by the show's organisers as a major boost to Abu Dhabi's aspiring Super Yacht hub proposition. 

"The substantial number of berths planned by Aldar Marinas will strengthen Abu Dhabi's status as a new superyacht destination - a ranking which is reflected by the arrival of ADYS on the international industry calendar. We anticipate the show will attract up to 5,000 high net worth individuals giving sponsors and exhibitors access to an exclusive clientele -- those with both the means to invest in their products and the desire to enjoy the Gulf's modern marine culture," said Franck Dailles, Group Director of ADYS.

With a packed programme of prestigious events including the Gulf Superyacht Forum, a superyacht fashion show at Emirates Palace, a Charity Gala Dinner and a golf tournament,  ADYS, the only dedicated show for Superyachts in the Middle East, is emerging as a unique networking opportunity.

The inaugural ADYS will held at ADNEC's newly-constructed Marina Zone. The show's Headline Sponsor is Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) with ALDAR Properties and Horus Watches as Associate Sponsors Vistajet is the ADYS Official Private Jet Sponsor and Rolls Royce its Supporting Partner. Financial Times is the show's International Newspaper Partner and Al Arabiya its Regional Broadcast Company.

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About the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show:
The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) is a show with a specific focus on super and mega yachts.  With this unique, first-to-market formula, the ADYS will set a new standard in the world of yachting industry events and provide a world-class super and mega yacht show distinguishing it from other yacht and boat shows across the globe.

It is organised by Informa Yacht Group (IYG), the leading global Yachting Events Business, and a division of Informa plc, the world's largest publicly-owned organizer of exhibitions and conferences. The current IYG portfolio includes high-end events such as the Monaco Yacht Show, the brand new Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, the Superyacht Cup Regattas, the Phuket International Marine Exhibition, and the World Yacht Racing Forum. The ADYS is a unique yachting event created to meet the demands of a high profile and discerning audience.   

For more information and full exhibitor list, please log on to www.abudhabiyachtshow.com

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© Press Release 2009