Abu Dhabi, UAE – 1 October 2026: The Leisure Marine Association MENA (LMA MENA) brought together more than 80 members, industry leaders, sponsors, partners, media representatives and guests in Abu Dhabi for the second edition of Future of Yachting and the LMA Annual General Meeting 2026.
The event was hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with LMA MENA at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
The annual gathering brought together stakeholders from across the leisure marine sector to discuss developments, challenges and opportunities shaping yachting across the UAE and wider MENA region.
Participants represented marinas, yacht building, charter services, yacht services, marine equipment, tourism, maritime development and the wider marine supply chain.
Abu Dhabi Highlights Yachting Growth Opportunities
The programme opened with an Abu Dhabi Spotlight, led by Melroy Vaz, Unit Head – Cruise Tourism Products Development at DCT Abu Dhabi, who highlighted the emirate’s evolving yachting proposition, charter development, waterfront destinations and opportunities to experience Abu Dhabi from the water.
A key regional initiative highlighted during the session was the UAE Yachting Alliance, bringing together Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to strengthen the UAE’s position as an integrated international yachting destination.
DCT Abu Dhabi also highlighted work focused on cruising experiences, charter opportunities and the development of a wider yachting calendar.
Carol Stoneman of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show shared preparations for the upcoming ADIBS 2026, scheduled from 19–22 November 2026, with approximately 152 boats planned across marina and land displays.
Marina and destination developments were also highlighted during the event.
Ivaylo Kishkov announced the official opening of the 75-berth Marsa Al Jubail, while Andrew McKenzie of Emirates Palace Marina outlined upgrades to its superyacht facilities and preparations to host the SailGP championship final.
Samer El Adem of Yas Marina highlighted strong berthing demand, the Dock and Earn rewards programme, further crew and electric charging infrastructure, and plans for the return of Yas Rendezvous for its second edition.
Closing the Abu Dhabi Spotlight, Dr. Haya Aldaghlas, Strategic Interface Director at Abu Dhabi Maritime, presented the updated Maritime Sector Strategy, which includes more than 98 initiatives and programmes and over 19 strategic objectives covering tourism and leisure, infrastructure, sustainability, technology, mobility, regulation, safety and international cooperation.
Progress towards more seamless yacht movement between the emirates was also highlighted, building on cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and expanding connectivity with Ras Al Khaimah.
LMA MENA Highlights Regional Industry Growth
The programme continued with the LMA MENA Annual General Meeting, led by Wyndham Tops, Senior Director at Red Sea Global and Chairman of LMA MENA.
Members received an overview of the Association’s activities, membership, financial position, strategic partnerships and industry engagement during the year.
LMA MENA currently represents members across 16 countries and markets in the MENA region, connecting businesses and professionals from across the leisure marine industry.
The Association also highlighted four dedicated industry subcommittees covering:
- Marinas
- Charter
- Boat Finance
- Boat Repair & Refit
The AGM also marked the opening of the 2026–2027 LMA MENA Board Election.
Industry Leaders Discuss Future of Yachting
The Future of Yachting 2026 panel discussion was moderated by Oliver Rees of Green Flag Marine Yacht Services.
Panellists included Erwin Bamps of Gulf Craft Group, Michael Fetton of JLS Yachts, John W.R. Paul of Exalto Emirates, Wael Joujou of V-Marine and Zaid Shouly of The Captain’s Club.
The discussion explored market opportunities, challenges facing the sector, regional growth and priorities for the next stage of leisure marine development across MENA.
An interactive audience Q&A gave participants an opportunity to raise their own questions and industry priorities.
LMA MENA Announces 2026–2027 Board
Following the conclusion and review of the member vote, LMA MENA confirmed its 2026–2027 Board, comprising 10 Board Members and one Chairperson:
Abdulla • Carol Stoneman • Farrokh Golchin • Ivaylo Kishkov • Joachim de Jenlis • Linda Negerman • Melroy Vaz • Oliver Rees • Capt. Patricia Caswell • Wyndham Tops • Zaid Shouly
The Association also thanked outgoing Board members Ahmed Abdelhalim, Jakob Tarnok Larsen, Michael Fetton and Saeed Almarri for their contribution.
Strong Industry Support
LMA MENA acknowledged the support of its sponsors, including Abu Dhabi Maritime, Exalto Emirates, Xclusive Yachts, P&O Marinas, Gulf Craft Group, The Captain’s Club and the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show.
According to the Association, these partnerships support its year-round work across industry representation, networking, knowledge sharing, professional development and sector engagement.
Reflecting on the event, Wyndham Tops, Chairman of LMA MENA, said Future of Yachting is designed to bring the regional industry together and connect businesses, destinations, authorities and industry professionals.
He added that the Association’s role is to continue providing a platform for collaboration while supporting the development of a stronger leisure marine industry across MENA.
Haitham Ali Khamis, Acting Director of Tourism Products Development at DCT Abu Dhabi, said Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a leading marine tourism destination, supported by more than 200 natural islands, world-class marinas, extensive coastlines and year-round experiences.
He added that marine tourism forms part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 and is expected to contribute to diversification of the emirate’s tourism offering, attract high-value visitors and create new opportunities across the tourism ecosystem.
The second edition of Future of Yachting 2026 highlighted the growing pace of development across Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA leisure marine sector, while reinforcing LMA MENA’s role in supporting dialogue, partnerships and industry growth across the region.
