Abu Dhabi International Boat Show to Host New Innovation Zone

The move is in partnership with Yachting Ventures.

This year’s Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) is to host a new Innovation Zone in partnership with Yachting Ventures which will be dedicated to supporting CleanTech and sustainable startups within the leisure marine and yachting industries.

Scheduled to take place from November 9-12 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), ADIBS is now in its fifth year and is quickly earning a reputation as a leading platform for the marine industry in the Middle East, attracting top-tier exhibitors, industry professionals, and yachting enthusiasts.

The Innovation Zone will be a flagship initiative, showcasing the commitment of Abu Dhabi and the ADIBS in promoting environmental sustainability and supporting the development of ground-breaking solutions for a cleaner and greener future.

The Year of Sustainability in the UAE

At the beginning of the year, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared that 2023 will be the ‘Year of Sustainability’ in the UAE. Recognising this, ADIBS will go beyond the traditional boat show experience by introducing the Yachting Ventures Innovation Zone, which will provide a dedicated space for startups and entrepreneurs focused on CleanTech and sustainable solutions to showcase their innovations.

The Year of Sustainability aims to showcase the UAE’s commitment towards fostering a global collaboration in seeking innovative solutions to challenges, such as energy, climate change and other pressing issues related to sustainability. The Year of Sustainability has particular significance as the UAE prepares to host the 28th United Nations climate change summit, Conference of Parties (COP28) starting November 30, 2023. The UAE has also launched the ’Energy Strategy 2050’, which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the country’s total energy mix.

The Innovation Zone

The Innovation Zone will serve as a dynamic centre for collaboration, education, and networking, bringing together investors, industry experts, and innovators passionate about shaping a more sustainable maritime sector. The initiative will create an immersive environment that fosters innovation and catalyses the growth of CleanTech startups. There will be space for just 10 startups and Yachting Ventures will selectively source and invite those chosen to participate.

Yachting Ventures is a global startup hub for the leisure marine and yachting industries, providing the network, education, and opportunities that founders need to scale and raise investment.

Commenting on the partnership, Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures said, “We are delighted to launch the Innovation Zone at Abu Dhabi International Boat Show this year. As the maritime industry continues to evolve and develop in the Middle East, it is imperative that we prioritise sustainability and nurture the development of innovative solutions. The Innovation Zone will be a pivotal platform, connecting startups and entrepreneurs with customers, investors and industry experts – enabling them to showcase their ideas and drive positive change within the sector.”