GCC key superyacht market

As the first conference of its kind in the Gulf region, the Gulf Superyacht Forum marks Abu Dhabi, and the whole GCC, as a key market for the Superyacht industry.

The Gulf Superyacht Forum is an exclusive and interactive meeting of Superyacht business leaders who need to expand their understanding of the Gulf region, specifically its clients, culture and the developing maritime infrastructure.

Two IGY executives will be speaking at the event. Michael Horrigan, CEO, IGY Middle East, Europe and Asia, will be on the panel 'The large yacht industry and the business potential in the Gulf' and Matthew Bates, IGY Director of Operations Middle East and Asia, will talk on the panel 'The operational and logistical issues large yacht's face in the Gulf'. These two panels will discuss the business opportunities in the Gulf region and the key issues in terms of operations, security, service and support for the fleet of large yachts that will potentially make the Gulf their port of call, or a transit location en-route to the Indian Ocean and Asian cruising grounds.

Michael Horrigan, CEO Middle East, Europe and Asia, IGY said:

"We are very pleased to be part of this valuable and influential conference. At IGY we are focused on encouraging the ever growing yachting market in the Middle East. Matthew and I are both looking forward to speaking at the conference and passing on some of our knowledge to those who want to expand their business into the Gulf region."

"The Middle East is fast becoming a hub of yacht activity, which is confirmed by the demand for our berths at Festival City Marina and Anchor Marina in Dubai, but it is necessary that this industry expansion is supported with education and information on the region. By doing this, the market can remain strong and the region will be propelled to the centre of the yachting industry."

The Gulf Superyacht Forum is part of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 12th-14th March 2009 and will feature some of the world's best power and sailing super yachts ranging from 30 m to 100 m.

The Gulf Superyacht Forum is organized by The Yacht Report Group who for the past 15 years have organised, hosted and delivered these conferences and forums for the Superyacht industry around the world.