LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- As many of the world 's industries struggle in the face of global economic hardship , the inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show went ahead earlier this month . On show : The recent Abu Dhabi Yacht Show attracted some of the world 's biggest super-yachts . Showcasing some of the top super-yachts in existence , the show symbolizes a luxury industry which is still thriving in the area . At the show , Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi , said the United Arab Emirates is becoming one of the world 's greatest super-yacht hubs . `` This show demonstrates Abu Dhabi 's commitment to be recognized as a global super-yacht player at the same level as leading centers in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean , '' he said . Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority chairman , Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan , hailed the event as proof that the region was still growing and performing well economically . `` It is a clear indication of continuing international confidence in this emirate 's robust and resilient economy . '' Evidence of positive developments in the region 's luxury yacht industry is written all over the emirate . In addition to the yachting infrastructure already complete in Abu Dhabi , a marina is planned on Saadiyat Island , in the historic marine district of Al Bateen . Another marina is planned on Yas Island , where there will be a dedicated mega-yacht marina . In total , 16 new marinas are planned in Abu Dhabi in the next decade . The inaugural Abu Dhabi show also attracted 20 of the world 's top super-yachts with a combined value of more than $ 500 million . Most of the globe 's top brokers were also in attendance . Senior yacht broker at Burgess Yachts , Rupert Nelson , told CNN that Abu Dhabi is committing to the industry -- a move which should help the emirate stay one step ahead of other destinations . `` Across the globe this year there has been a huge slow down , but in the Gulf they do n't seem to be too worried about it . '' Burgess Yachts recently sold a Dubai-built super-yacht called Al Hanem for just under $ 20 million , he added . Although the industry faces a number of challenges in the Gulf region , Nelson said the growth of marinas , yacht-builders , brokers and other related business should help to create jobs . `` The size of boats there is growing , the number of yachts there is growing ... and it seems they want to continue , '' he told CNN . The question on many lips is whether this growing industry could help the United Arab Emirates , and the wider Gulf region , survive the worst of the wider economic downturn . Probably not , is the answer from regional business experts . But it may ease some of the pain . Middle East business expert and author of `` Dubai & Co : Global Strategies for Doing Business in the Gulf States , '' Aamir A. Rehman , told CNN there are reasons for both optimism and pessimism in the Gulf luxury sector . Earlier this year Rolls Royce reported Abu Dhabi and Dubai had become the biggest and second-biggest markets for their cars after a 48 percent jump in sales during 2008 compared with 2007 . Rehman said Rolls Royce 's results of were promising for the wider luxury industry -- and could also indicate potential growth for the super-yacht industry . `` Transportation and the entire infrastructure around transport are important to the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) . There 's significant investment being made in transportation , suggesting potential for growth in related industries . '' However , despite the high-profile nature of the luxury yacht industry , Rehman feels there are still limitations . `` The Gulf is a relatively small market overall and the number of high-end buyers , while substantial , may be limited compared to regions with larger population bases . '' Liz Martins , head of Middle East and North Africa in the Country Risk department at Business Monitor International , told CNN the current economic climate would have a lasting impact on the luxury sector . `` I think it 's an area where people will cut back . There 's still a lot of wealth out there but some of these people have lost a lot of money . '' Martins said the boom period of the last decade had reached unsustainable levels of growth and , although the Gulf region does n't have a `` saving culture '' she predicted some changes . `` We 're not forecasting recession for many Gulf states ... but the last few years have been debt-fueled boom and I just do n't see things getting back to what they have been . '' Subscribe to SuperYachtWorld . COPYRIGHT © 2009 IPC MEDIA LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED .
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show was held this month . Super-yachts are growing in popularity in the Gulf region . Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: Experts say it is unlikely luxury yacht industry will have big impact on the economy .