The Dubai International Boat Show pre-event press conference

The landmark 30^th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show could feature more than 200 boats, according to show organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This year’s exhibitor list includes over 1,000 brands representing 55 countries including four for the first time – Austria, Finland, Sweden and Korea.

The show will be held from February 28-March 3 at Dubai Harbour, which is hosting the event for a third year. Inaugurated in 1992, the annual event is established as the Middle East’s biggest boat show and a key fixture on the global boat show calendar.

Saeed 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.

Dubai Harbour will host the show for a third year

“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.”

Gulf Craft, the UAE’s leading yacht builder, will display models from its Majesty, Nomad, Oryx, Silvercraft and SilverCat ranges at Dubai Harbour, which is hosting the Middle East’s biggest boat show for a third successive year.

Gulf Craft plans to debut a new Majesty model alongside the Majesty 111, Majesty 100 and Majesty 62, as well as the Nomad 101, 75, 70 and 65 models. Smaller boats include the Oryx 379, Silvercraft 32 WA and five SilverCat power catamarans: 34 HT, 34 CC, 40 CC, 46 WA and 46 Lux.

Nouman Al Hakim (Al Ameeri), left, Brett Noble (Bush & Noble) and Abeer Alshaali (Gulf Craft)

Abeer Alshaali, Deputy Managing Director of Gulf Craft, said: “We’re looking forward to the 30th edition of the Dubai International Boat 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.”

The Middle East premiere of Azimut’s S7 sportbridge model and an Azimut 53 Fly will be among five yachts displayed by companies within Al Ameeri Group Holding, which has participated in the show since its inception over three decades ago and last year started collaborating with superyacht brokerage IYC, opening its Dubai office.

Azimut will be among global brands on show

“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,” said Nouman Al Hakim, COO at Al Ameeri Group Holding. “This year we will showcase five of our best-loved yachts.”

Among previous announcements, Princess will show six yachts (V40, F45, F55, Y72, X80, X95), fellow British builder Sunseeker will exhibit four models (Manhattan 55, 65 Sport Yacht, Manhattan 68, 88 Yacht), while Poland’s Sunreef Yachts will display three large catamarans: an 80 Sunreef Power Eco, Sunreef 80 Eco and a 60 Sunreef Power.

A Sanlorenzo SL86 and a 50m wooden yacht – built using traditional Emirati techniques and displayed by Bush & Noble – are among close to 40 superyachts, while there will also be a strong line-up of booths by members of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) including new member Baglietto.

The show could include over 40 local, regional and global debuts

Organisers say this year’s line-up includes 46 debuts including world premieres from local builders. UAE builder IMG Boats is set to stage three debuts at the show, while fellow local shipyards Riviera Boats and Al Fajer are each preparing to premiere two boats.

Ferretti Group and Williams Jet Tenders expect to stage regional debuts, as does dealer SF Yachts, which represents Groupe Beneteau brands Prestige, Beneteau, Four Winns, Wellcraft and Scarab, as well as Australian shipyard Riviera and the Vripack design studio’s SF line of superyachts.

New exhibitors at the show include MTM Marine representing Sea-Doo jet-skis and the US-based Cigarette Racing Team, with visitors looking forward to an impressive in-water line-up at the region’s largest marina.

Saeed Hareb (Dubai Sports Council), left, and Abdulla Bin Habtoor (Dubai Harbour)

Abdulla Bin Habtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, owner of Dubai Harbour, said: “We’re 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 superyacht marina, Dubai Harbour provides the perfect environment and superior facilities for yachting enthusiasts and investors from around the world.”

The show will also spotlight wider domestic and regional sustainability efforts including the pioneering Dubai Reef project, announced at COP28 under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The show attracts a large number of visitors

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.

On February 27, the show will again be preceded by the Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference, which features more than 100 industry leaders from across the globe diving into topics including innovation, regulation, sustainability and the future of the sector.

Trixie LohMirmand, DWTC’s Executive Vice President, 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.

Trixie LohMirmand, far right, beside DWTC colleague Asma Al Sharif

“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 changemakers and providing a critical platform for innovation.”

www.boatshowdubai.com