Dubai International Boat Show, 30th edition kicks off

The Dubai International Boat Show, the largest and most established boat show in the Arab region, is preparing for a grand return. Celebrating its 30th edition, the Dibs, scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 3, 2024, promises an unparalleled showcase of nautical excellence, cutting-edge technology and innovative exhibits to increasingly attract the interest of international investors and enthusiasts eager to take part in the highly anticipated showcase.

Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Dubai International Boat Show will bring together about a thousand nautical brands (including Azimut, Cranchi, Gulf Craft, Ferretti, Princess, Sanlorenzo, Sunreef and Sunseeker Yachts) and more than two hundred boats both on the water and on land. Because of its numbers and the strategic importance of the territory in which it is held, Dibs is a comprehensive platform for presenting innovations, announcing new launches, and promoting new business prospects with global leaders and pioneers from the Middle East and North Africa.

Notable participants

Among the exhibitors at the Dubai International Boat Show 2024, Gulf Craft stands out. Says President Mohamed Alshaali: “I am pleased to announce our participation in the 30th Dubai International Boat Show. This major industry event has been a constant in our journey, representing our commitment to the art of luxury yacht craftsmanship. We look forward to presenting our latest vessels, which embody innovation and maritime excellence. The show reflects the development of Gulf Craft and reflects our continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of marine luxury“.

Also established is the presence of Sunreef Yachts, which will bring a line of boats to the show this year that includes the all-electric 80 Sunreef Power Eco and Sunreef 80 Eco catamarans. States Francis Lapp, founder and president of Sunreef Yacht: “It is extremely important for us to advance the electric transition. We want to promote a cleaner boating experience, and the Dubai International Boat Show is a wonderful opportunity to do that. We want all visitors to witness how luxury and sustainability can be combined“.

Dubai International Boat Show numbers

The Dubai International Boat Show is held in one of the richest maritime regions in the world, with the second highest fleet-to-billion-dollar ratio globally. Recognizing its local and international market potential, the show aligns its growth with the rapidly expanding number of “High Net Worth Individuals” (HNWI) investors in the United Arab Emirates, which is expected to reach more than 228,000 by 2026, a 39 percent increase according to a recent report by consulting firm Knight Frank. The UAE is currently home to 12.6 percent of the world’s superyacht fleet, and recent forecasts predict substantial expansion, with the luxury yacht market expected to grow from $306 million in 2022 to a projected $481 million by 2028.

Across the maritime industry and beyond, global investors and entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing Dubai as the location for their growing businesses and projects. The UAE’s attractive ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs, long-term residency regime, impeccable infrastructure, and dynamic calendar of events all contribute to its global appeal.

Says Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president for event management at DWTC: “Dubai is increasingly attracting international investors and boating enthusiasts. Our city continues its efforts to evolve the industry with its recreational boating services, offerings and facilities, promoting a complete ecosystem. In addition, the UAE’s emphasis on sustainability has attracted additional global interest, in line with the country’s vision of achieving zero emissions by 2050. The Dubai International Boat Show underscores the region’s passion for the maritime industry and Dubai’s ability to host events that unite the world. The growth of the show, from humble beginnings in 1992 to the internationally renowned experience it will be again in 2024, shows how DIBS has developed along with the unstoppable evolution of Dubai“.

The program of events

The Dubai International Boat Show 2024 program will once again include DIVE MENA, the only show dedicated to the UAE’s diving community, a networking evening for shipowners, and a celebration of local talent through the Proudly UAE initiative, which honors the country’s rich maritime heritage. In addition, there will be the Supercar Avenue side exhibition, an exclusive selection of the world’s rarest and most coveted cars, and the Marine Art Gallery, which will feature a distinctive collection of sea-inspired pieces created by internationally renowned artists, adding an artistic touch to the show.

The annual Middle East Yachting Conference will be held Feb. 27, bringing recreational boating professionals and enthusiasts to learn more about the most important topics in the maritime industry.