The 4th Bahrain Boat Show International (BBSI 2013) opens its doors on Thursday at the Amwaj Marina. Under the patronage of Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khailfa, Minister of Culture, the three-day event concludes on 30th March.
Bahrain Boat Show International is one of Bahrain’s largest and most prestigious events, attracting luxury brands from all over the world that compete for the opportunity to exhibit at BBSI. Over the three days, visitors are expected in the tens of thousands from all over the region. Organised by Knotika Boat Shows, with the support of Tamkeen and Amwaj Islands, the Boat Show exhibits the world’s premium marine vessels, products and services as well as hosts activities and entertainment for the whole family. Doors will open at 3 pm and visitors are welcome until 10 pm each day.
“This year’s show is going to be incredible. We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting such a wide range of premium exhibitors which, I’m certain, will attract thousands to Amwaj Marina. The team has really worked hard to ensure that this year’s show will be our best one yet. We hope to attract not only our corporate, marine enthusiasts and boat owners but also families and sporting fans in general. The previous Bahrain Boat Show International witnessed 15,000 visitors and we expect this number to be exceeded this year. We are anticipating approximately 18,000 visitors for this year’s event, of whom 30% are expected to be from neighboring GCC countries,” Wael Juju, CEO and Organiser of Knotika Boat Shows said.
In addition to the breathtaking display of boats and yachts, the Bahrain Boat Show will also feature various outdoor recreational lifestyle products. In addition, there will be enough live entertainment, games, activities, and boat trips to keep the whole family entertained and happy for the day. There will be an exciting helicopter show by the Coast Guard and the Bahrain Defense Force will be showcasing astounding water and land rescue demonstrations. Show visitors will also get a chance to try their hand at bungee and Kangoo jumping as well as be treated to live entertainment throughout the day.
Bahrain Boat Show International has had the honour of working with Tamkeen again this year as part of their TARWEEJ Enterprise Development Support programme. In 2011, Tamkeen supported 30 exhibitors through the scheme, which enables enterprises to participate in local and international exhibitions and trade fairs. Following the outpour of interest in the previous event held in 2011, this year’s support is expected to double to reach up 60 exhibitors in all.
As the development of water-front properties continue to rise, so do the awareness, interest and need for further development of marine leisure options and tourism in Bahrain. As a result, an increasing number of Bahrain residents would like to hire or buy boats, jet skis and other marine equipment but are unable to afford the expense. Once again, Al Baraka Islamic Bank has joined hands with BBSI as the official finance partner for the show. They will be offering affordable financing options and on-the-spot financing approvals over the three-day event. This means that visitors could potentially walk away with a jet ski for as little as BD 50 per month.