A study by Mike Derrett Marine says that the total number of marina berths in Saudi Arabia is expected to increase by 50 per cent by 2012. The study says an average of 10 units per week will be added over the next two years to accommodate “rapid growth” in the recreational marine industry.

“The increase in additional berths will help to moor an extra 1,000 boats by 2012, an increase of 10 per cent, driven by planned seaports and marinas,” reads a statement. “Saudi Arabia currently has 10,000 boats measuring 5m or more in length, and is second only to Kuwait in terms of boat population in the GCC.”

Alkhorayef Commercial Marine Division, one of the top Saudi companies participating in last week’s Saudi International Boat Show, estimated that the boating market is worth SAR 500 million.

The number of exhibitors was up to 124 compared to last year’s inaugural show. Last year’s show had 37,000 visitors, exceeding the organisers’ expectations.

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