The Yas Marinas was an important part of the Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Formula One Grand Prix, giving guests some of the closest views of the race.    Millions of dirhams worth of yachts lined the marina, including vessels belonging to the Royal family, some from the Mediterranean, and at least one that traveled all the way from Australia.  The owner of AA Properties in Dubai, 28 year old Jeroen van der Geer, chartered a Dh9 million, 88 foot luxury yacht with an outdoor hot tub.  

Mr. van der Geer took a prime position overlooking the track with the Yas Hotel glowing in the background.  He paid 250,000 to charter the Yacht, the most he ever spent on a client entertainment.   He is not concerned about the slowdown in the property market and said “There is still money with people like me for marketing, but only for special occasions.  This is such an incentive it’s a lifetime memory for some people.”