Three major maritime projects being taken up in Saudi Arabia have stirred interest among international businessmen in the boatbuilding, port & marina and associated industry.

The Saudi projects are coming up in King Abdulla Economic City, Jizan Economic City and Kingdom City.

These are among 12 large maritime projects to be implemened within the next three years across the GCC region with a collective value of over $35 billion.

Manufacturing and trading parties interested in capturing a share of those projects and anticipating greater future investment will have the opportunity to present their offerings and expertise at the Saudi International Boat Show which will be held from December 8 to 11 at the Al-Furusya Marina & Yacht Club in Jeddah.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event is endorsed by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and venue managed by Al-Ahlam Marine Tourism Group.

They noted that the GCC’s high disposable income served as a key catalyst for growth.

“Saudi Arabia remains strongly positioned to contribute in establishing the GCC region as a premier boating hub because of the government’s proactive development initiatives,” said Prince Abdullah bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, chairman of Al-Ahlam Marine Tourism Group.

“With its proximity to the Red Sea and the growing reclamation projects being undertaken, Jeddah in particular will be crucial in the government’s vision to harness the full economic potential of the maritime sector,” the prince commented.

Many leading local and international brands have confirmed their participation, including Al-Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, Al-Khorayef Commercial Co. Ltd., ART Marine LLC, Blue Limits, Chehab Marine, Garmin, KB Marine, Mega Marine, Princess Yachts and Westport.