Dubai International Boat Show

The maritime sector has seen the UAE lead in a number of worldwide competitiveness indicators. The maritime market in the United Arab Emirates is ranked ninth globally, and is currently expected to be worth more than Dh90 billion yearly.

With over 27,000 maritime businesses, the nation has emerged as a significant maritime centre with great drive and solid ambitions, placing its ports among the top 10 in the world.

It comes as no surprise that the most fitting setting for the annual Dubai International Boat Show is the brand new Dubai Harbour, which boasts 1,100 berths and can accommodate superyachts up to 160 metres (525 feet) in length. This is where the show was staged for the first time in 2022 and where the event is taking place again for this year’s star-studded exhibition.

An unmatched potential for investment opportunities will be revealed at the show, as a result of the expansion of mega projects in the UAE and technical advancements in yachting.

Facts

Back with another stunning display of yachts and luxury lifestyle items, the most prestigious boat show in UAE will spread across five days this month, from the 1st to the 5th of March. The annual event is now an established fixture on Dubai’s social and maritime calendar, bringing together a wealth of premium attractions and nautical-based gadgets, as well as industry innovations and premium retail outlets.

More than 27,000 visitors from 122 nations attended last year’s event. Around 45 percent of visitors came to the show to purchase marine-related goods, and the event featured more than 800 brands and businesses from 54 different nations. For 84 percent of those exhibitors, the event serves as a portal to the markets of the GCC. More than 2,100 industry experts from dealers, distributors, marina operators, yacht builders, and naval architects attended the show in 2022, and more than 70% of them made product purchases or opened new distribution channels as a result of the event.

The Dubai International Boat Show is home to a variety of upscale shops that display everything from supercars to special works of art by well-known worldwide artists, as well as luxury timepieces that are expected to generate high interest with elite consumers.

For anybody interested in learning about luxury yachts, trying out water toys, or viewing supercars, Dubai Harbour is the place to be. Around 150 boats, including the 68-metre Soaring and 60-metre Caipirinha, are anticipated to be a highlight in this year’s show.

Soaring is a beautiful 68-metre superyacht with extraordinary design and dynamic lines created by Abeking & Rasmussen. As a modern, opulent, and elegant superyacht with first-rate amenities, it provides up to 12 guests with luxurious accommodations in 6 opulent bedrooms, an outstanding interior and volume, a private owner's deck, and an abundance of entertainment areas. With a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 16 knots, Soaring comes with a soaring price of 80,000,000 Euros.

This year, to facilitate the easy flow of networking, event organisers are utilising specialised technology to pair businesses with attendees. This program is intended to help visitors make the most of their time and guide them around areas of the exhibition, like Superyacht Boulevard, where over 800 companies are going to exhibit. You can expect to see over 50 superyachts on display, from leading brands such as Cranchi, Sanlorenzo, Feadship, Princess, Gulf Craft, and others.

Another event at the show will be the Dive MENA programme where visitors and diving lovers can immerse themselves in an action-packed presentation of latest diving equipment and technology, as well as water sports and gadgets. The programme will host a live demonstration in a real-life pool and there will also be a fishing competition, inviting all fishing professionals and amateurs to test the latest in fly fishing technology.

This year’s show will also feature the Supercar Promenade where you get to see the world’s rarest supercars, as is often believed that luxurious yachts and luxurious cars somehow go hand in hand.

The prestige parade of stunning supercars will delight collectors who enjoy luxury cars as much as they do yachts. Dubai International Boat Show is a by-product of luxury itself, so expect to see everything from sea-inspired art to premium retail venues showcasing luxury watches and premium crafts.

The Middle East Yachting Conference and the International Yachting Forum are also taking place concurrently with DIBS and have jam-packed schedules of motivational industry speakers just in case you haven’t had enough chances to network and learn during the event.

There are several leisure activities to enjoy if the excitement of the show becomes too much and you need a more laid-back cocktail soiree, to unwind. Both the VIP Lounge and Nikki Beach will provide food, beverages, DJs, and entertainment throughout the event to ease you into the night.

Dubai’s investment in the yacht charter market and waterfront properties has positioned the city as a global capital for premium properties and an ideal yachting destination, with luxury marinas and booming real estate.

The mixture of live events and family entertainment provides a full visitor experience, and with the world’s yachting stars descending upon Dubai this week, why would you be networking and socialising anywhere else?