The 2nd Kuwait International Boat Show attracts over 100 international marine companies

This year's boat show, organized by marine experts Knotika Holding and hosted by Madinat Al Fahaheel (which is managed by Tamdeen Shopping Centre Development Company (TSCD)), is being held at a time during which the marine industry in Kuwait is booming. Kuwait's marine industry is already the largest in the region in terms of ownership of boats and marine equipment - reflecting the marine heritage and history of the country.

Last year the event attracted over 10,000 visitors and generated $35m in sales and this year the organizers are anticipating an even bigger response to the Boat Show that will bring in boat manufacturers and marine suppliers from across the region as well as internationally.

Knotika Holding's CEO Wael Juju said: "We are already anticipating a bigger and more successful show this year - in terms of numbers of visitors and the amount of sales made by the exhibitors here in Kuwait. Our inaugural boat show in 2007 was a tremendous success and exceeded our expectations, and we are confident that the number of exhibitors and the superb location at Al Kout Marina will mean an even more successful show this year."

Speaking at a press conference that was held today at the 5-star Al-Manshar Rotana hotel, which is also a part of Tamdeen's Madinat Al Fahaheel project, Juju added: "Kuwait has established itself as one of the key regional centers for leisure marine sports and activities. This year's event is very important as it coincides with recent developments and growth in the marine industry both in the GCC in general and Kuwait in particular. The marine market has become an important factor in helping drive the economic growth of countries with extensive coastlines."

The Al Kout Marina is part of the wider Madinat Al Fahaheel development managed by Tamdeen Shopping Center Development Company. It is the ideal destination for the boat show, equipped with 146 berths; the 5 star marina provides excellent services and facilities to customers. Its unique location and one of a kind infrastructure makes the Al Kout Marina one of the most prominent locations in Kuwait.

Tamdeen Shopping Center Development Co.'s Vice Chairman & CEO Mr. Ahmad Al-Sarawi said: "We are very proud to be hosting the second Kuwait International Boat Show this year. Our marina provides a wonderful setting for marine enthusiasts and families to visit with the opportunity to also enjoy the other facilities within the Madinat Al Fahaheel including the shopping, dining and children's entertainment within the Al Manshar and Al Kout malls."

"We are very keen to ensure the delivery of such a successful event. As a company we are fully committed to helping support the growth of Kuwait's growing and increasingly important marine sector - for both individual boat users and the suppliers of marine services. We would like to thank the Kuwait Customs Department, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Ministry of Interior Affairs , Ministry of Finance and the Kuwait Municipality for their invaluable and generous support to this event," Al-Sarawi added.

The success of the first boat show resulted from the excellent partnership between Tamdeen Shopping Center Development Co. and Knotika - offering one of Kuwait's most exciting waterfront developments combined with the international maritime experience and knowledge of one of the region's premier marine companies.

"Our boat show will offer a world-class range of boats and equipment from across the globe. It is really an event that will show thousands of people that their love of the sea can be an affordable dream for them and their families Exhibitors will display boats that are priced for families through to luxury boats and cruisers that will sell for over one million dollars each," explained Knotika CEO Wael Juju.

The event this year which will be held over 5 days from 29th April to 3rd May (from 4pm - 10pm) is attracting participants from many countries across the region.

"For our second boat show in Kuwait we have gathered many of the most famous names in the world of boats, yachts and marine equipment to give our visitors a day out to remember for boating enthusiasts and everyone who loves the sea. The sophistication of Kuwait boat owners and the size of the market makes this event increasingly a must-attend show for leading boat manufacturers and local marine suppliers," Mr. Juju added.