Making business waves

The Bahrain Boat Show International 2011 will take place at Amwaj Islands from April 27-30 next year with ambitious plans to expand and generate more marine business.

The four-day event aims to attract 100 exhibitors, twice as many as this year's show which generated $10 million of transactions, and draw in a record 15,000 visitors, an increase of 50 per cent.

Plans for the third annual Bahrain Boat Show were announced at a press conference at the Capital Club last week, hosted and organised by Knotika Holding in partnership with Bahrain's Economic Development Board (EDB).

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the EDB, explained: "Events like the Bahrain Boat Show help to raise Bahrain's profile on the international stage.

"They provide the opportunity to tell our wider story. And our unique geographic location that is capturing the imagination of the marine leisure market is also a key factor in driving sustainable growth not only in high-end leisure and business tourism but in manufacturing, logistics, ICT, and business, professional and financial services. Bahrain is the gateway to the trillion-dollar Gulf market."

Similar high-profile events that the EDB hopes will act as a catalyst for attracting foreign economic investment include the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix - the first F1 event in the Middle East - Bahrain International Air Show and the forthcoming new European Tour 'Volvo Golf Champions' in January.

The growth ambitions for the Bahrain Boat Show support those of the EDB, which is leading the process of Bahrain's Vision 2030 under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and chairman of the EDB.

Wael Juju, CEO of Knotika Holding, owner-organiser of the boat show, said: "Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands with a larger proportion of water than land and 160km of easy access to the coastline making it the ideal location to stage an international boat show. The last event was a great success and we were pleased with the outcome."

Mr Juju also highlighted that the show will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy and discover the pleasures of boating, water sports and explore a healthy lifestyle. "The third annual Bahrain Boat Show is really the only place one can go to see so many different types of marine crafts and activities all at once and enjoy the spectacular sight."

Mohammad Nouri, managing director, Ossis (Amwaj Islands), added: "We are delighted to assist and support such major nationwide events and are proud to host the 2011 Bahrain International Boat Show. I would like to thank both the EDB and Knotika for their unwavering dedication in making possible this major event. And it is through these strategic partnerships that Bahrain is then able to advance its tourism and recreational sector."

Full details and tickets for the Bahrain Boat Show International 2011 will be available from January at www.bahrainboatshow.com