Dubai showcase

At the event’s press conference, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show, said: “As the Dubai International Boat Show embarks on a new chapter in its illustrious history for its 30th edition this year, the event continues to be a comprehensive platform for premiering innovations and welcoming new maritime companies and brands into the local industry.”

“Having been part of the show since its inception, it has been incredible to witness the show’s growth and enduring power to unite the global maritime industry in Dubai, which is now a magnet for global yachting tourism.”

International superyacht builders anchor in Dubai

Amplifying its global attraction and reach, the 30th Dubai International Boat Show will welcome exhibitors from more than 55 countries, including four debut nations – Austria, Finland, Sweden and the Republic of Korea.

Leading superyacht manufacturers feature heavily among the 200-plus crafts at the show, including nine members of the Superyacht Builders Association Members (SYBAss), highlighting the event’s commitment to fostering representation from the world’s leading shipyards.

The Middle East is currently home to 12.6 per cent of the world’s superyacht fleet while the luxury yacht market is projected to grow in value from US$306 million in 2022 to US$481 million by 2028.

With Dubai’s high-net-worth individual (HNWI) population projected to increase by 39 per cent by 2026, the Dubai International Boat Show will play a transformative role in accelerating sales across the regional and international yachting industry.

A total of 400 new companies and brands will join legacy exhibitors at the prestigious annual gathering, including MTM Marine, which will display the Sea-Doo Jet Ski; Cigarette Racing Team, which will launch a new racing yacht from the USA; and Baglietto, a newly-established SYBAss member.

Longstanding partners to showcase iconic luxury yachts

For 30 editions, Dubai International Boat Show has traditionally served as a regional and international launchpad for the world’s most luxurious yachts.

Accompanying His Excellency Saeed Hareb at the press conference were Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour; Nouman Al Hakim, Chief Operating Officer at Al Ameeri Group Holding; Abeer Al Shaali, Deputy Managing Director of Gulf Craft; Brett Noble, Co-Founder, Sunseeker Gulf and Bush & Noble; Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President, DWTC; and Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, DWTC.

Shamal Holding’s Bin Habtoor said: “We are honoured to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Dubai International Boat Show and take pride in being part of its story. Our premier and multi-faceted district is the ideal home for the Dubai International Boat Show, the industry’s most established leisure maritime event.

“Anchored by the region’s largest marina, with the only dedicated Super Yacht Marina, Dubai Harbour provides the perfect environment and superior facilities for yachting enthusiasts and investors from around the world.”

UAE-based Gulf Craft is one of the world’s leading shipyards and manufacturers of luxury yachts, superyachts, leisure and utility boats.  Deputy Managing Director Al Shaali said: “We are looking forward to the 30th edition of the Dubai International Yacht Show, which holds significance as our home show for Gulf Craft. This year, we are preparing to showcase a variety of vessels, including new launches and brand developments.

“The extended location at Dubai Harbour is an interesting change, and we anticipate it will attract a good number of spectators. We also acknowledge the growing interest in yacht tourism and buyers in the Middle East, which we hope will be reflected at the event. It’s a significant moment for Gulf Craft and the yachting industry in the region.”

Kuwaiti-headquartered Al Ameeri Group Holding will meanwhile dock with three major luxury and superyacht manufacturers in attendance. “As exhibitors at Dubai International Boat Show since the very beginning, we recognise the impact the event has had on furthering the regional maritime sector,” commented Al Ameeri Group’s Al Hakim.

“This year we will showcase five of our best-loved yachts, including the Azimut 53 Fly for the first time, along with the Middle East premiere of Azimut S7.”

As the official distributor of Sunseeker yachts across the GCC, which has four regional premiers to reveal, Sunseeker Gulf and Bush & Noble’s co-founder Brett Noble added: “The Dubai International Boat Show has demonstrated immense maturity and growth since its inception.

“As a premier British boatbuilder with performance in our DNA, we are utilising the event as a springboard to revitalise our brand in the market, maximising the city’s expectation to grow and attract more HNWIs and UHNWI. We will display four very different models as a Middle East premiere – 88 Yacht, Manhattan 68, 65 Sports Yacht and Manhattan 55 – that are all made in the region, for the region, with Gulf specifications to meet customer demand and improve onboard comfort.”

Spotlight on sustainable maritime missions

Dubai International Boat Show 2024 is also set to spotlight wider domestic and regional sustainability efforts, including the pioneering Dubai Reef project, announced at COP28 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

As one of the world’s largest marine reef developments, the initiative will contribute to Dubai’s sustainability goals as well as the ongoing acceleration of the emirate’s maritime sector and related sub-sectors.

The annual Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference, taking place on February 27, will act as the official curtain raiser for the Dubai International Boat Show, bringing more than 100 key industry leaders from across the globe to deep dive into topics including innovation, regulation, sustainability, and the future of the sector.

Meanwhile, the Dubai International Boat Show will set sail from 28 February to 3 March 2024 at the Dubai Harbour.

The landmark 30th edition of the event offers an unparalleled platform for industry professionals and boating, marine and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts to explore the latest trends and innovations in the maritime world.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said: “Our most transformative edition yet, this year’s Dubai International Boat Show will see a gathering of maritime investors, experts and enthusiasts looking to foster collaboration and further the regional maritime industry.

“Honouring a milestone 30th edition, the show aligns with Dubai’s continued evolution as a worldwide leading yachting destination and evidences the emirate’s commitment to driving sustainable practices in the industry by spotlighting change-makers and providing a critical platform for innovation.”

Dive in

Diving experts from around the world come together at the Dive MENA Expo to show off their knowledge and research about what’s in the deep blue sea.

The Dubai International Boat Show Dive Pool introduces visitors to the latest in diving technology and expertise, with daily demonstrations to amaze and educate. This part of the show, like the Proudly UAE initiative, emphasises the nation’s commitment to advancing marine exploration and education.

Learn about marine conservation and tourism, and celebrate 20 years of sea turtle rehabilitation with the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project founder Barbara Lang-Lenton, who will talk about the history and achievements of the project, which is the first of its kind in the region and running since 2004.

Other speakers include Fahim Sultan Al Qasimi, an advocate for ocean conservation who will lead a discussion about sustainable seafood sourcing, and Nico de Corato, Ultra Marathon Runner and Heli Rescue Diver.

Head for the hypercars

DIBS 2024 also features an exclusive display of the world’s most sought-after hypercars. Hypercar Avenue is an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the world’s rarest and most coveted vehicles in that category.

This exhibition offers enthusiasts and collectors an exclusive glimpse into the pinnacle of automotive excellence. The exhibition complements the maritime focus of DIBS 2024 with a touch of high-octane glamour.

Presented by the prestigious UAE car club Group 63, this exhibit offers a rare look at automotive excellence, combining luxury with cutting-edge design. It’s a celebration of engineering and style, sure to intrigue enthusiasts and casual observers alike as some of the rarest cars in the world gather in one luxurious setting – including a Pagani Huayra, Bugatti Chiron, and McLaren Speedtail.

VIP Lounge

The VIP Lounge is a sanctuary of luxury, providing VIP guests with access to a range of bespoke amenities and activities. Access to the VIP Lounge is restricted to VIP guests who wish to participate in the 2024 Dubai International Boat Show, providing a serene retreat from the bustling show floor that’s a true haven of luxury.

If you’re not a VIP guest, but you still want to immerse yourself in the best Dubai has to offer, there are attractions at the show that cater to a wide variety of interests and tastes, including Captains’ Night (for captains and crew only) and a stunning array of luxury exhibits on display, like Supercar Avenue and the high-end Marine Art Gallery. The DIBS 2024 Exhibitor List is packed with an impressive lineup of companies demonstrating cutting-edge maritime advancements.

Relax at Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach will match its opening hours to DIBS 2024, offering a mix of live DJ entertainment, innovative mixed drinks, and a menu that celebrates both local produce and international flavours, from salads and sushi to appetisers. This venue provides a serene spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

With its fifth year of collaboration with the event, Nikki Beach remains a highlight for those seeking to enjoy Dubai Harbour’s evening ambience.

Hanna Azzi, Vice President, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, said: “With locations in some of the most beautiful oceanfront destinations in the world, water has been a continuous source of inspiration for our brand.

“The Dubai Boat Show is therefore the perfect partnership, and we are delighted to be celebrating our fifth year together. For five days throughout the show, guests can live the high life at our perfect hangout spot.”

boatshowdubai.com