The 31st edition of DIBS, the largest marine and luxury lifestyle event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is set to include a number of debut yachts from a cast of international brands from February 19-23.
Words: Andrew Dembina Photos: DIBS/DWTC and shipyards

DIBS will, once again, be enjoying a prominent location at Dubai Harbour for the 2025 edition

From next Wednesday, Dubai Harbour is bound to captivate visitors, just as DIBS has done in its 30 previous incarnations of this show, with more than 30,000 visitors expected, organisers said a week before it starts.

With a rise of 12.28 per cent in yachts visiting the UAE in the 2023/2024 season, DIBS underscores Dubai’s commitment to accelerating yacht tourism and furthering the city’s position as a top global destination for maritime activities.

An impressive in-water display of luxury yachts that includes quite a number of superyachts, from producers in the Gulf and from other corners of the globe is lined up, with full details yet to be released at the time of this article.

The yacht presentations and water sports demonstrations will be joined by onshore exhibits of cutting-edge marine technology, yachting toys and lifestyle displays that will include – as ever – some outstanding supercars, alongside purveyors of luxury goods and travel.

Visitors inspecting last year’s Azimut Yachts’ display – the Italian yachts are present again in 2025

Show visitors have the chance to connect directly with industry experts shaping the future of maritime innovation, with over 1,000 exhibitors taking part. Exhibition stands will include the presence of media partner Yacht Style (stand 105), alongside marina, charter and related services representatives.

“This year, we are introducing new avenues to expand opportunities for our audience – from a dedicated brokerage section, where buyers can explore a premium selection of pre-owned yachts through expert intermediaries, to an Innovation Zone designed to empower SMEs driving the future of marine technology,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre. “As the region’s leading platform for the yachting and maritime sector, DIBS remains at the forefront of innovation, investment, and industry collaboration.”

On February 18, the day before DIBS commences, the Annual Leisure Yachting Conference sets the stage for new standards and evolving expectations in the industry. Across design, technology, and destination influence, this year’s sessions reflect the unwritten codes shaping the next phase of yachting. Themes will include sustainability mandates, digital resilience and experiential ownership, every topic is linked by a drive to rewrite the rules of luxury at sea.

Mohammed Alshaali, Chairman of Emirati yacht manufacturer Gulf Craft said: “The Dubai International Boat Show has always been more than an exhibition for Gulf Craft – it is a celebration of the incredible journey Dubai has taken to become a global marine and superyacht hub.”

Presenting yachts as a key participant at DIBS since the show’s inception, Gulf Craft will show an unprecedented number of new launches: 11 new boats among its 18 vessels on display. Highlights include the anticipated Majesty 100 Terrace. While it was revealed at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, DIBS marks the vessel’s international premiere. This delivery from Majesty is one of three new launches for the Gulf Craft line. Gulf Craft’s Nomad Yachts line will feature the 30m tri-deck Nomad 101, while the SilverCat series will introduce new models focused on space and versatility. The shipyard will also present a refreshed leisure line – a monohull collection that emphasises enhanced functionality and design.

Part of Gulf Craft’s DIBS 2024 fleet; this year the UAE yacht builder is to display 18 models. Photo: Gulf Craft

Sunreef, the Poland-founded catamaran builder, is showing its 80 Sunreef Power and solar-electric 80 Sunreef Power Eco.

Sanlorenzo brings four models: the SL90A – asymmetry applied to a yacht under 30m; the SD96, the semi-displacement line that blends classic and innovative solutions; the SX88 and SX112, from the crossover line that fuses classic flybridge and new explorer design. 

Italy’s Ferretti Group showcases three of its brands. There is a Middle-East premiere of the wallytender48 from Wally; a Riva 82’ Diva; and a Ferretti Yachts 860. 

Also from Italy, Azimut Yachts show four models. From the Flybridge line, the Fly 53, Fly 58 and Fly 68 will be shown; as will the second model from the Seadeck line, the new S7. 

Yacht Vision GCC, representing Absolute Yachts, will display an Absolute Navetta 52. 

Overmarine Group will be exhibitor of the 109ft Mangusta GranSport 33 on display in the water. And a blue-hulled Italian 35ft 5in Apreamare Gozzo 35 is to be displayed by local dealer Yachts Expert.

UK shipyard Princess Yachts will exhibit a show debut of the Y80 in its display, which made its world premiere at Cannes Yachting Festival in 2023, alongside X80, Y72, F55 and Princess V40.

Another UK builder, Sunseeker, presents its market debut of the Superhawk 55 luxury dayboat; the 74 Sport Yacht; and the 88 Yacht.

Some shipyards will represent their yachts at stands. Italian superyacht builder Benetti will show scale models of Benetti yachts, including B.Loft, with its loft-style interiors; and Project Life, an in-build 85m megayacht designed for versatile use, with plenty of social entertainment areas and adaptable gathering spaces on each deck.

Pearl Yachts, the UK builder, is participating through the new Pearl Gulf, with virtual reality viewings offered of the flagship Pearl 95; the Pearl 82; the Pearl 72; and this year’s new Pearl 63.

Five supercar Middle East show debuts are expected this year, from Koenigsegg, Pagani, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Mclaren 

Besides the motoring and travel concierge aspects of lifestyle exhibits, expect property and fashion also to be displayed.

And for on-the-spot lifestyle attractions, culinary experiences will be on offer and VIP food and drink areas will also be available, notably at Nikki Beach.

Book tickets here.

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