The 30th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre, will kick off on February 28 and continue until March 3 at Dubai Harbour. The show will host over a thousand companies and brands, featuring 200 boats on land and in water, including vessels manufactured by leading companies such as Azimut, Cranchi, Gulf Craft, Ferretti, Princess, San Lorenzo, San Remo, and Sunseeker. This provides a comprehensive platform to showcase the latest innovations in the sector, launch new releases, and establish partnerships with a global network of key industry players.
Mohammed Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, stated that participation in this prominent event has become a constant in their professional journey and reflects a commitment to the highest standards in luxury yacht manufacturing. He expressed eagerness to showcase the latest boats that embody innovation in the maritime sector, highlighting progress made in elevating luxury yacht standards.
Francis Lab, Founder and Chairman of San Remo Yachts, emphasized the focus on advancing the electric transition, mentioning that the Dubai International Boat Show serves as a unique platform to promote sailing experiences with more sustainable boats, showcasing the electric yachts San Remo 80 Power Eco and San Remo 80 Eco.
Trixie Loh Mermand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, noted that Dubai continues to attract investors from around the world through the development of the maritime sector and the enhancement of yacht facilities and offerings. She confirmed that the Dubai International Boat Show is a key event that brings the world together.
The Dubai International Boat Show 2024 features a land and sea display gathering hundreds of boats, offering networking opportunities, fostering business relationships, and providing a glimpse into the future of technology and design in the maritime sector. This year’s edition will also host the Middle East and North Africa Diving Show, the only event dedicated to the diving community in the UAE and the Gulf region, as well as a social evening for networking with captains and a celebration of local talents through the Emirati platform that honors the nation's maritime heritage.
Additionally, the Supercar Avenue event will showcase a rare collection of famous cars, while the Marine Arts Exhibition will present artworks inspired by the ocean from leading global artists, adding a creative touch to this immersive experience.
The exhibition reinforces the distinctive standing of the Middle East and North Africa as a region rich in the world's most diverse marine landscapes, also boasting the second highest percentage of luxury boats and yachts. The show features strong potential in both regional and global markets, with the region's coasts hosting 12.6% of the world's luxury yacht fleets—a percentage expected to rise significantly, particularly with projections indicating that the luxury yacht market in the Middle East and Africa will grow from $306 million in 2022 to $481 million by 2028.
The maritime sector's commitment to achieving a more sustainable future has materialized through the Dubai Reef project launched at COP 28, covering an area of 400,000 cubic meters, supervised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. It is one of the largest marine reef projects in the world and will contribute to ensuring the sustainability of the fishing sector in the emirate while emphasizing the importance of its maritime heritage.
