DCT – AUH Cooperates with Department of Transport to Showcase the Emirate’s World Class Offerings at Monaco Yacht Show

Abu Dhabi, Sunday, 29 September 2019: In collaboration with the Department of Transport (DoT) – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company, the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) – Abu Dhabi participated in the Monaco Yacht Show for the first time this weekend. The event, considered to be Europe’s largest in-water display of yachts, took place between 25-28 September.

DCT Abu Dhabi sponsored the Captains and Crew Lounge at the exhibition, as well as showcasing Abu Dhabi as a leading superyacht destination by presenting its latest products and services to key players in the industry through an interactive exhibit. The exhibit highlighted the latest improvements to yachting legislations in the capital, including cruise permit extensions from 21 days to six months, charter permits, and immigration and customs permits at marinas.  

Commenting at the participation, Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Department of Culture and Tourism- Abu Dhabi said: “We are proud to have participated at the Monaco Yacht Show, which brought together yacht industry leaders from all around the world. Abu Dhabi is a leading tourism destination with world-class facilities for superyachts, mega events, natural islands to visit, and exceptional routes connecting the east and west. We look forward to welcoming more yacht owners and mariners to the Capital.”

Capt. Saif Al Mehairi, Acting Executive Director, Department of Transport – Maritime Sector said: “The Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with over 200 islands, a wide range of terrestrial and marine habitats such as mangroves, greater flamingos, dugongs and beautiful beaches, is a very attractive destination for maritime tourism and interacting with natural resources. The Department of Transport - Maritime Sector (DoT Maritime Sector), in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), have identified itineraries for the yachting community including stops in marine protected areas to enhance tourist attractions and ecotourism activities.”

“The projects include development of recommended maritime routes for direct and safe connectivity of these sites. The necessary infrastructure will include mooring buoys in key locations for securing visiting luxury super yachts and improved aids to navigation. Proposed Environmentally compatible activities on sites will include diving, snorkeling, dolphins, turtles watching, beautiful marine views, recreational fishing (with special permit), coral reefs view and more. We also propose to further develop some of the islands to showcase the culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi together with our rich environmental habitat and resources.” He added

Matar Khalfan Al Shamsi, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company, said: “We are proud of our participation in the Monaco Yacht Show, together with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. In today’s Superyacht industry scenario, the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company offers high level services and building capabilities to yacht owners and charter companies who are planning to explore our unique destinations.”

Participating alongside Department of Transport and Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company were the Yas Marina, Emirates Palace and Al Seer Marine.

Set in the iconic Port Hercules in the principality of Monaco, the Monaco Yacht Show represents the pinnacle of luxury. This year, 580 exhibitors participated in the event, which saw an estimate of 30,400 visitors participate in its activities.  Monaco provides the ultimate showcase for industry influencers from the most reputable superyacht builders, award winning yacht designers, luxury suppliers, influential brokerage houses to the most sought-after water toys, prestige cars, helicopter and private jet manufacturers.

Held since 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show has gratefully benefitted from the recognition and the support of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

About Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of the Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage.  A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.