Dubai Boat Show seals the UAE’s position as a leading superyacht destination.

The 30^th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) wrapped up at the start of March 2024, providing boating enthusiasts with an action-packed roster of events spanning five days.

Reports state that the show boasted over 1,000 brands and more than 200 yachts on display, including luxury yachts for sale alongside the finest Dubai yacht rentals and charter vessels from around the world.

The Dubai Boat Show continues to grow each year, putting Dubai and the wider Middle East on the radar of some of the world’s most discerning boating enthusiasts.

The more than 20,000 attendees browsed some of the world’s most spectacular yachts for sale, new superyacht launches and global debuts, luxurious Dubai yacht rentals, innovative technologies, water toys, premium retail outlets, and some of the world’s rarest supercars, all set around the glitz and glamour of Dubai Harbour.

Here are some of the Dubai Boat Show 2024 highlights:

Dubai Boat Show 2024: New yacht launches and debuts

As a premier yachting event, there were several global launches and debuts at the Dubai Boat Show, including:

-       The launch of the world’s largest wooden superyacht, the 50-metre custom motor yacht AFRA, which boasts a classic wooden exterior with a firm nod to a traditional Arab dhow boat

-       The MENA premier of the Riva Diva 82 by Ferretti Yachts

-       The launch of the 70-metre Milano superyacht by Tankoa Yachts in collaboration with Nauta Design

Middle East Expansions

The luxury yacht builder Sunreef Yachts, used DIBS as an opportunity to announce its expansion into the Middle East, signalling the significance of the region as a growing superyacht hotspot. The move is being made in partnership with RAK Maritime City, with the inauguration of a new facility in Ras Al Khaimah.

Gulf Craft also announced its new organisational structure at the Dubai Boat Show 2024. The Gulf Craft Group aims to enhance operations and consolidate the brand by bringing Gulf Craft Inc. and Gulf Craft Maldives under a single umbrella group.

DIBS 2024: Luxury yacht sales and charter

There were several notable sales at the 2024 Dubai Boat Show, with both Sanlorenzo and Gulf Craft celebrating the sale of multiple vessels across their fleet. Luxury yacht builder Tecnomar, part of the Italian Sea Group, also reported the sale of their 19^th Lamborghini 63 yacht to a UAE resident.

Abeer AlShaali, Gulf Craft’s managing director, said, “Gulf Craft Group has sold multiple of its iconic vessels during the show, from its award-winning Majesty Yachts, renowned Nomad series, and sleek Silvercraft and SilverCAT brands with many more deals in the pipeline.”

Head turning vessels

As the UAE continues to grow as a noted superyacht destination, DIBS increasingly attracts some of the world’s most luxurious vessels. Stand-out superyachts at the 2024 show, both yachts for sale and Dubai yacht rentals, included:

-       The new flybridge yacht model, Manhattan 68 Pacific, by Sunseeker

-       The 136-metre FLYING FOX, by Lurssen, the largest yacht at the 2024 Dubai Boat Show

-       GENESIS, the largest yacht ever constructed by Heesen at 80.07-metres

-       Expedition yacht SMERLADA, a 77-metre luxury vessel built by SilverYachts

-       The 41-metre OCEAN SAPPHIRE, one of the most striking boats at the show, courtesy of her futuristic exterior

 -    INDIGO STAR I, a luxury 38-metre yacht for sale built by Siar & Moschini

“Dubai has witnessed a steady rise of wealthy individuals, and demand in high-end real estate has boomed over recent years, which has translated into healthy growth in interest in yacht charter and sales,” says Adam Papadakis, Head of Sales at Moravia Yachting, a leading yacht charter brokerage that was present at the 2024 Dubai Boat Show.

He adds: “Although still not very mature in the 40m-plus segment, the yachting market in Dubai has been continuously developing as more berths and quality maintenance and refit facilities become available.”

The latest in marine technology

 The Dubai Boat Show served as a platform for the yachting industry to showcase some of the latest marine technology, including innovative gadgets and accessories designed to enhance the yachting experience, and eco-friendly propulsion systems.

Of note, MTM Marine launched their newest water toys, the Seadoo RXT 325 and the Seadoo RXP 325, which was heralded as the fastest jet ski in the world. The Dubai Boat Show also saw the world’s first-ever jet suit race.

The Dubai Boat Show 2025

At the Dubai Boat Show 2024, plans were also set in stone for the 2025 event following on-site discussions with Trixi LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, and Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief portfolio management office at Shamal Holding, the proprietors of Dubai Harbour.

Based on 2024, attendees can no doubt look forward to an extravagant event that showcases the yacht industry and the Middle East in the very best light.