United Arab Emirates

Dubai International Marine Club

This week sees the highly anticipated return of one of the Middle East’s most celebrated maritime events, The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show 2024">Dubai International Boat Show</a> (DIBS). We take a closer look at some of the most thrilling attractions present at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show 2024">DIBS 2024</a>, where several of our <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> team representatives will be in attendance as media partners of the event.&nbsp;Taking place from 28 February to 3 March on the boating epicentre that is Dubai Harbour, the show’s 30th edition is brimming with competitions, watersports, award-winning superyachts, and an inspiring network of enthusiasts and industry experts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/302874/image/large-b0c419eed68a53030bdfac675c57b0ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/302874">Global first reveals and berths&nbsp;On Wednesday, over 1,000 various brands, and 400 new companies will gather on the seafront district, Dubai Harbour, to display their renowned exhibitions. Some of the leading yacht companies present include <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/361" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Yachts (Company)">Ferretti</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a>, and Cranchi Yachts.&nbsp;Visitors can expect upwards of 200 vessels to be berthed at the five-day event with nine Super Yacht Builders Association Members (SYBAss) in attendance, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show 2024">DIBS</a> continues to demonstrate its unwavering support for superyacht manufacturers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/302871/image/large-66d42e79dafcff338bbdb9ad4ba314ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/302871">As well as presenting over 10 vessels, which range from award-winning superyachts to pleasure crafts, the UAE-based, esteemed shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Craft (Company)">Gulf Craft</a> is promised to make an exciting global first reveal.&nbsp;Exclusive cars, watersports, and diving tech&nbsp;Besides providing eye-catching boats, the 30th edition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show 2024">DIBS</a> will get attendee’s adrenaline pumping through its lineup of captivating activities over the course of five days. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/302875/image/large-973d307423c10dcf2e7d1c5ef68fd8be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/302875">Car fanatics and collectors can enjoy the Hypercar Avenue, which offers a rare look at remarkable, one-of-a-kind automobiles. Combining technological innovation with extravagance, the multi-million-dirham exhibition will feature some of the world’s most exclusive cars, such as a Bugatti Chiron, McLaren Speedtail and Pagani Huayra.Meanwhile, the mesmerising Watersports area at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show 2024">DIBS</a> is packed with professional athletes prepared to demonstrate their skills, including flyboarding and jet skiing.&nbsp;For those with an interest in the latest leading-edge underwater equipment, Dive MENA will provide glimpses into their technology, alongside a discussion about diving tech inventions. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/302873/image/large-b37443fe3349ac0891b2d368e27a95b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/302873">Underwater games, scuba diving experiences, and competitions in the water will also commence, to be enjoyed by both diving professionals and amateurs.Family fun and culinary options&nbsp;Given <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show 2024">DIBS</a> is an inclusive, family friendly event, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3475" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Marine Club (Company)">Dubai’s International Marine Club</a> will host their exhilarating fishing competition finale, while children can socialise and run free in the event’s Kids’ Area, which involves nautical-themed face painting.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/302872/image/large-b89a774b5b4e3568bf14cdfb00233c1a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/302872">If the plethora of engaging activities has left guests hungry, their cravings and thirst can easily be quenched by the endless, mouth-watering food available at the food trucks, including poke bowls, pizza, coffee, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.This year, the Nikki Beach Resort Lounge is making a comeback at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/218" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubai International Boat Show 2024">DIBS</a>, feeding guests with a maritime menu of meals such as fresh salads, sushi rolls, delicate appetisers, and cocktails, all while the beach club DJs create a beachy musical ambiance.&nbsp;

What to expect at Dubai Boat Show 2024

This week sees the return of one of The Dubai International Boat Show. We take a look at some of the event’s most thrilling attractions. 

What to expect at Dubai International Boat Show 2024

The 24th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) will kick off in just two weeks time on the 1st March. Show organisers state that over 30,000 visitors are anticipated to attend the event over the course of five days hailing from a total of 120 different countries around the world, with in excess of 430 boats to be displayed both on land and water.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158517/image/large-6989abf47ee434d128a88fa76f327a31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158517">Changes to this year’s show sees organisers shift their focus on creating an ‘experiential lifestyle event,’ aiming to create a visitor experience that not only showcases superyachts, but encourages the maritime lifestyle as a whole. The show will offer visitors the opportunity to embark upon sailing and fishing trips, try water sport stunts, participate in taster sessions of stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing, as well as providing beach access for the first time in the history of the event, and on-yacht dining experiences.“Great events become truly exceptional when they become experiential in nature. Dubai, as an Emirate, has long spearheaded this trend and has developed an international reputation for being a must-visit global lifestyle destination, and the Dubai International Boat Show aims to embody this reputation as we continue to expand on our world class features,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, DWTC, organiser of Dubai International Boat Show.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158518/image/large-7645d0dd22aaf30a2d69b8abfb4ce966.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158518">“In our almost two and a half decades of history, the show has clearly witnessed a shift in the way visitors want to participate and how exhibitors want to showcase their products. Increasingly, marine enthusiasts who attend our show are looking for an on-water experience which encourages more buyers of boats, marine accessories and water sports equipment – which further boosts the regional industry,” LohMirmand added.Also new to this edition of DIBS are a host of interactive and free activities such as daily daredevil jetpack, flyboard and fly bike stunts in associated with yacht and watersports provider Day &amp; Night Dubai.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158519/image/large-e679c09e4ecf5c312c211d6a603a67b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158519">Show sectors for this year include: Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Luxury and Lifestyle (LSS), Equipment Services and Supplies (ESS), and Diving. Returning again this year is the Superyacht Life area, bringing together the world’s leading superyacht builders under the banner of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), as well as show favourites Supercar Promenade, Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) and the Retail Village, rounding out an even more expanded show lineup – including the arrival of Sahtein, a gourmet food event from Dubai Food Carnival.DIBS will be held at Dubai International Marine Club in Mena Seyahi, Dubai, from 1st to 5th March.By Gemma Fottles

Countdown to the Dubai International Boat Show

The 2015 edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) welcomed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai to the event yesterday. Now in it’s 23rd year, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also accompanied His Highness Sheikh Mohammed on the tour.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/121345507" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>More than 430 vessels at a net worth of AED 1 billion is on display at the show, as well as a wide range activities from water sports, live demonstrations, expert talks, and new zones dedicated to sailing, fishing and water sports. The show will also play host to a total of 45 premiers, including the global launch of Gulf Craft’s Majesty 122, the Riviera 77 Enclosed Flybridge from SF Yachts, and the global debut of the Comet Power Cat Line from Italian boat manufacturer Comar Yachts.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/121237880" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, the event organiser, comments, “As the popularity of maritime leisure activities continues to soar in the region, the boat show strives to meet growing demand by expanding the show’s activities and bringing together key regional and global exhibiting brands and companies, leading boat builders, and maritime trade associations, along with key industry thought leaders at yesterday’s Middle East Yachting Conference. The show continues to promote on-going maritime trade and investment opportunities in the UAE.”DIBS 2015 runs from 3rd to 7th March at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, and is expected to draw over 26,000 visitors from more than 120 countries. The event is be open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm to 9:30pm daily.By Gemma Fottles

Videos of the 2015 Dubai International Boat Show

Yesterday saw the opening day of the 23rd Dubai International Boat Show, hosted at the Dubai International Marine Club Mina Seyahi. Amongst the 430 yachts on show as well as the presence of many of the industry’s most important brands, organisers of the event have created an itinerary of exciting array of events, competitions and marine talks.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152811/image/large-e2ef5dcb052e210cdcc2da4ff47b76db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152811">Among the talks scheduled for the duration of the show include a presentation on kayaking, fly fishing and windsurfing in the UAE, as well as a Sailing and Windsurfing training speech. The talks are focused around maritime sports in the area, promoting the UAE as not only a superyacht hub, but also an area with a wealth of options for activities for visitors to partake in.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152812/image/large-0b3625980f8b23b4181effff451da829.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152812">Exciting prizes on offer throughout the show include a prize of 7 nights’ accommodation in Honduras, 1 Elmo Qbic Action Limited Swarovski Crystal Camera, 1 GoCycle, passes for Lost Chamber and Aqua Adventure @ Atlantis, and Lake Marine Rope Bracelets. Live music and guest performers will also be present in the main F&amp;B show.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152813/image/large-40801412b37429e70150a90f3537f40e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152813">The show is open from 3pm to 9.30pm daily, with public tickets sold at AED60.By Gemma Fottles

Dubai International Boat Show opens

The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) returns from the 3rd to the 7th March, this year celebrating the 23rd edition of the event. The SYT team will be there all week, so find out the latest news, and to visit local companies. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152782/image/large-d6e245e408e27a89ca681b3bc604197c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152306">With over 800 companies and brands from 54 countries exhibiting at this year’s DIBS, an unprecedented number of visitors are expected to attend from more than 120 countries. New country participants in 2015 include Djibouti, Indonesia and Luxembourg, while Italy and the USA return as top participating countries. The event will see 45 global and regional launches over the five days of the show. IMG Boats, Halul Boats, HullSquared, Princess Yachts and Rio Yachts are amongst the companies who are set to launch or debut their latest vessels at DIBS.An UAE-based shipyard, Al Shaali Marine, is one of the companies to unveil a brand new model, the $5.45 million AS100 model superyacht, which it describes as the first of its kind designed and manufactured in the Middle East. Sultan Al Shaali, CEO of the Al Shaali Group, comments, “The UAE’s embrace of innovation and best-in-class technology, which has seen it develop in so many other areas, will help it to become the global market leader in the yachting industry. The Dubai International Boat Show will allow us to showcase our offerings to a wider market and help to continue to develop Dubai’s maritime industry.”There will be a total of 430 boats at the show, with the collective value of yachts on display reported to total AED 1 billion. Dr. Khalid Al Zahed, Vice Chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club Board comments on the show, saying, “This year’s Dubai International Boat Show will reaffirm Dubai’s status as a leisure marine hub. As the water-based lifestyle becomes increasingly popular in Dubai, we will see this sector continue to expand and grow in the future. Dubai’s commitment to excellence in everything it does will drive the marine industry to achieve new heights and bring more visitors to the city.”Among the returning exhibitors is ART Marine, the Middle East’s largest 360 degree yachting enterprise, and one of the shows largest annual exhibitors. Gregor Stinner, CEO of ART Marine, comments on their continued presence at the event, saying, “We are focused on continuing to forge strategic partnerships and cementing our presence in the countries of the region we believe in, not only for the superyacht market but also for people who want to enter this lifestyle with a smaller, affordable boat. The Dubai International Boat Show is the best platform for us, to announce new projects, new partnerships and the ongoing collaborations with our partners in this ever challenging but promising market.”The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from 3-7 March 2015.By Gemma Fottles

Dubai International Boat Show 2015

The Dubai International Boat Show returns in 2015 from the 3rd to 7th of March, hosted at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi. This years event will be held alongside the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) as well as the Supercar Promenade.<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 15.994318008422852px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152784/image/large-2af1c1a404ba6540636121c94a4bd0d3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/147552">Over 800 exhibitors have confirmed their presence at DIBS from approximately 54 countries in total, including Al Shaali Marine, Gulf Craft, Princess Yachts and Sunseeker. Collectively, exhibitors will display an impressive 430 boats. Organisers of the show have reported a 10% increase in new companies and brands in comparison to previous years. Around 26,000 visitors are expected to attend.Amongst the many highlights of DIBS will be the new DIBS Watersports, Sailing and Fishing show zones, the Superyacht Life Area, the UAW inspired Pavillion and the Match Racing, in which guests will be offered a unique opportunity participate as crew on a Match Race.SuperYacht Times are pleased to announce that both the editorial and sales team will once again be returning to the show, reporting live over the course of the four event days. Please feel free to contact the team directly in order to schedule an appointment during the show.By Gemma Fottles

SuperYacht Times at the Dubai International Boat Show 

The 23rd edition of the Dubai International Boat Show will run from the 3rd to 7th March 2015. The level of superyacht ownership in the region has reportedly seen an increase in recent years, and is reportedly continuing to rise. Furthermore, according to the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), more than half of ultra high-net worth individuals in the Middle East and Africa region are likely to own or buy a superyacht.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152306/image/large-268d60fd53bd1b7e5a257abb4d638aa7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152306">Operational Director of SYBAss, Robert van Tol, comments on this regional increase in superyacht ownership. He says, “According to our latest SYBAss Economic Report, the propensity to buy a superyacht among UHNWIs in the Middle East and Africa has increased to 51%, from 48% last year. This means that more than half the UHNWIs in the region are likely to own or buy a superyacht – the highest proportion in the world.”Aiming to promote the ultimate superyacht experience, SYBAss will represent the world’s leading superyacht builders at the Dubai International Boat Show, bringing them together in one dedicated platform at the Superyacht Life Area of the show’s Marina Display.“After some rough economic waters, there is a quiet feeling of optimism, interest and vitality in the market,” said Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of Oceanco, a SYBAss member and custom yacht builder of yachts in the 80+ metre range. “This region will become even more important as marinas and yachting facilities are developed in the Middle East and the Gulf.”Oceanco, which is a long-time exhibitor at Dubai International Boat Show, currently has seven projects under construction in the 85 metres to 110 metres category, according to Onkenhout, and is on track to open a state-of-the-art facility at the beginning of this year to accommodate the construction of superyachts up to 140 meters in length.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152307/image/large-cdb322635759a0178d9ae45c5faa08c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152307">In addition to the continual increase of superyacht ownership in the region, Dubai’s importance to the superyacht industry has been underlined by the recent announcement that the UAE’s Gulf Craft is to invest $100 million in a new shipyard located in Dubai Maritime City to build a global luxury yacht manufacturing facility. Gulf Craft, a global top 10 superyacht manufacturer in 2014, is expected to deliver 13 new project builds in 2015, totalling more than 1,500 feet.Another UAE-based luxury yacht manufacturer, Al Shaali Marine, will unveil its new $5.45 million AS100 model superyacht at the Dubai International Boat Show, which it describes as the first of its kind designed and manufactured in the Middle East.Beyond the Superyacht Life Area, Dubai International Boat Show visitors will also be able to attend this year’s show sectors: Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Marine Luxury and Lifestyle, Equipment Supplies and Services, Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), and the Supercar Promenade. The show’s newest features for 2015 include; DIBS Sailing, DIBS Fishing and DIBS Watersports. Key returning partners include Italian luxury watch brand Officine Panerai together with Bombardier, the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains, as a Supporting Partner.Senior Vice President of DWTC, Trixie LohMirmand, comments, “We want to make the Dubai International Boat Show a better experience every year and we are always looking at innovative ways we can achieve this. With Dubai firmly established on the global marketplace for superyachts, the Dubai International Boat Show is an essential part of the industry calendar, attracting exhibitors and companies from around the world.”The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai International Marine Club - Mina Seyahi is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from 3-7 March 2015.By Gemma Fottles