The Dubai International Boat Show: a unique showcase to admire the world’s most coveted yachts

From 28 February to 3 March the 30th edition of the great annual boating trade fair

Dubai Italia Experiences magazine official partner of the Dubai International Boat Show!

The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) annually encapsulates the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s enviable position as one of the richest yachting landscapes globally, boasting the second-highest fleet-to-billionaire ratio. Currently home to 12.6% of the world’s superyacht fleet, forecasts predict substantial expansion, with the luxury yacht market projected to grow from US$306 million in 2022 to an estimated US$481 million by 2028.

In a report by renowned consultancy firm Knight Frank, Dubai predicts an incredible 39% surge in its ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) by 2026. As a testament to the city’s popularity in this sector, the DIBS (Dubai International Boat Show), the region’s largest marine lifestyle exhibition, has established itself as a major destination for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and global tourists.

It is an unmissable event for the yachting world and for foreign yards in a part of the world with high purchasing power.

The show celebrates its 30th edition this year and is going from strength to strength in the Emirates and around the world!

An impressive line-up of yachts and superyachts featuring the best of the world’s shipbuilding industry, and one of the largest and most frequented leisure, marine and lifestyle events in the Emirates and Asia, not to mention its strategic role in promoting yachting. An international showcase where new frontiers in marine technology are previewed, new launches announced and future business prospects discussed with global leaders and pioneers from across the Middle East and North Africa.

Indeed, across the maritime industry and beyond, global investors and entrepreneurs alike are increasingly choosing Dubai to be a home for their growing businesses and projects. The Emirate’s attractive ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs, long-term residency scheme, impeccable infrastructure, and dynamic calendar of events are all elements contributing to its worldwide appeal.

From 28 February to 3 March, the futuristic Dubai Harbour, the city’s most important marina dedicated to superyachts and able to accommodate yachts of up to 160 metres in length, will become the unmissable destination for investors, experts and naval enthusiasts to discover the latest innovations and projects of 1000 of the best brands and admire a fleet of 200 yachts expected on land and water from the most important shipyards, including Azimut, Cranchi, Gulf Craft, Ferretti, Princess, Sanlorenzo, Sunseeker and Sunreef Yachts, which also brings with it the all-electric 80 Sunreef Power Eco and Sunreef 80 Ecocatamarans.

The sustainability of marine life and the emergence of disruptive innovation technology are the two themes that the 2024 edition focuses on. It is a commitment to a greener future in the maritime industry as exemplified by the recent inauguration of the 400,000 cubic metre Dubai Reefproject, launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, during the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) held in Dubai last December. This is one of the largest marine reef development projects in the world, which will help ensure the sustainability of the emirate’s fisheries sector, as well as highlight the importance of the emirate’s rich maritime heritage and support the city’s credentials as a responsible tourism destination.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President for Events Management at DWTC (Dubai World Trade Centre), said: “Dubai increasingly attracts international investors and yachting enthusiasts as the city continues its collective efforts in evolving the marine industry with its growing yachting amenities, offerings, and facilities fostering a comprehensive nautical ecosystem. Moreover, UAE’s emphasis on sustainability including marine sustainability has drawn further interest globally aligning with the country’s vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 evidenced in the successful hosting of COP28.”

The 30th edition of DIBS once again welcomes Dive MENA, an exclusive show for the UAE and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) diving community, along with a networking evening for captains and a celebration of local talent through the Proudly UAEinitiative, which honours the country’s rich maritime heritage.

But Dubai International Boat Show is also synonymous with luxury and beauty on land with the Supercar Avenue, which presents a rare and exclusive range of the world’s most coveted cars.

To admire the world’s most coveted yachts, engage with industry experts and explore the future of yacht design, all that remains is to secure tickets for the 2025 Dubai International Boat Show.