The 31st edition of DIBS, the global luxury yacht and lifestyle event, held at the easy-on-the-eye Dubai Harbour location once again this year, concluded its five-day duration on Sunday, attracting a projected 35,000 attendees (the exact figure to be confirmed in coming weeks).

Sunday night’s closing followed a reportedly impressive five days of maritime and lifestyle sales, informed discussions, knowledge sharing and partnership developments that will make a significant impact on the yachting industry.

Visitors and exhibitors in attendance hailed from more than 60 countries, said its organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), demonstrating why Dubai is one of the most desirable destinations for nautical leisure tourism and business.

Notable sales transactions were conducted by Poland-founded shipyard Sunreef, it reported. It also presented an international premiere of the Ultima 55 – its first hull manufactured in its new UAE shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah, a more compact model that squarely takes a bite into the more modestly-scaled powercat segment.

Sunreef founder-CEO Francis Lapp (centre), launched the shipyards’s first UAE production model – the Ultima 55 – last Friday at DIBS

At DIBS 2025, Sunreef also showed its 80 Sunreef Power and a solar-electric 80 Sunreef Power Eco, and unveiled interior image renderings of the 36.25m ultramodern catamaran, the Ultima 111. The shipyard sold five of its DIBS fleet, including the Ultima 55 and Sunreef 60.

Sanlorenzo, the Italian shipbuilder with more than 60 years’ experience in the industry – showing  Gulf premieres of SX112, SL90A, and the SD96 models – acknowledged the importance of attending DIBS to forge lasting relationships with people from across the sector including new and existing customers.

The Ferretti Group presented the Riva Diva 82’, the Ferretti Yachts 860, and debuted its Wally wallytender48 to the Middle East. Azimut Yachts showed the Fly 53, Fly 58 and Fly 68 and the new Seadeck S7. Mangusta presented its Gransport 33 Yacht. Vision GCC displayed an Absolute Navetta 52 and an Absolute 64 Fly. And SF Yachts presented a Prestige X70. 

Gulf Craft global premieres included the Oryx 32FX, pictured in front of the also-debuting Majesty 100 Terrace

UAE-based yacht manufacturer Gulf Craft, participating in DIBS in all of its editions, unveiled a series of eight global premieres among its display at the event. The brand showcased a collection that featured five explorer-style Nomad Yachts; six Majesty Yachts, including the debuting Majesty 112 Terrace, 100 Terrace and 65 models; first showings of the Oryx 47 LX, 37 FX and 32 FX; and SilverCat debuts of the 35CC and 35CX models.

On DIBS 2025 participation and sales Mohammed Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft noted, “Gulf Craft has been a defining presence at the Dubai International Boat Show for over 30 years, driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. This year, we showcased 18 vessels, reaffirming our role in shaping the future of yacht design. A highlight was the sale of the inaugural Majesty 145, reflecting strong market demand for our forward-thinking superyacht concepts.

“We also unveiled our Superyacht Service Centre in Ajman, a cutting-edge facility capable of servicing yachts up to 600 tonnes, strengthening Dubai’s position as a superyacht hub. Our commitment to the maritime industry continues with new initiatives designed to nurture the next generation of yacht innovators.”

The global luxury yacht and lifestyle show closed on Sunday night, following an impressive five days of sales

With 1,000-plus brands attending, the 2025 show was full of attractions from the yachting and superyacht segment, as well as from watersports – a growing luxury and lifestyle sector – seafaring gadgets and equipment sectors.

As a first for the 2025 edition of DIBS, a dedicated brokerage area on the harbour housed a number of leading luxury yacht brokerages including Bush & Noble, BehneMar and Burgess. There was also an increased focus on luxury real estate reflecting demand for bespoke marina living, and support for start-ups with the launch of an Innovation Hub which provided a platform for eight of the industry’s newest SMEs.

Anastazja Kociokowska, Business Development and ESG Manager at Burgess discussed the firm’s participation this year. “We’ve had a presence at the show for several years and this edition has been brilliant – each year it gets bigger and better,” she said. “As a market-leading full-service superyacht provider, ranging from sale and purchase, charter and management, as well as new build, procurement and crew services, we’ve enjoyed great conversations at the show which we’re sure will develop into some great business.

“We’re already making our plans for next year and the brokerage section has been a great addition – we’ve enjoyed being positioned in the marina within the show.”

The 32^nd edition of Dubai International Boat Show will take place at Dubai Harbour from April 8-12, 2026; further details will be announced in due course.

boatshowdubai.com