DIBS reinforces Dubai’s status among top global nautical hubs

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, opened the Dubai International Boat Show 2023 (DIBS) at Dubai Harbour on Wednesday. The event is one of the most influential yacht shows globally.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed toured the show, accompanied by several dignitaries. Those in attendance included Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, and Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council.

During the visit, Sheikh Ahmed toured the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation pavilion, where he was briefed on the Marine Craft Smart Inspection Project. The project allows clients to have their marine crafts inspected and checked online, with Dubai Maritime City Authority inspectors able to check the crafts at the client’s location without needing to bring them to the Authority’s building. Using virtual communication between the client and inspector, key parts of the marine craft are photographed and checked for compliance with safety and security standards to ensure client safety during use.

He also visited the stands of Dubai Police and Gulfcraft to view the eagerly anticipated Majesty 111, which is being launched at the Dubai International Boat Show. In addition, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed stopped by the Al Rayyan Marine stand.

The 29th edition of the Middle East’s largest maritime show showcases more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and brands from over 60 countries. The show has earned praise for its role in bringing together global leaders from the leisure yachting industry. The event showcases the region’s strength as a world-class destination, as Dubai becomes one of the top ten nautical hubs globally.

The Dubai International Boat Show, which first set sail almost three decades ago, has established itself as one of the most essential marine events in the region. The event presents luxury superyachts and the most exceptional leisure crafts worldwide, offering buyers, sellers, and boating enthusiasts a glimpse of the latest and best offerings in the market. The show’s reputation has grown significantly, becoming one of the most sought-after maritime events in the region, showcasing opulent yachts and boats and highlighting the skills of craftsmen from around the globe. This presents boating enthusiasts with a chance to keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in the industry.

The five-days exhibition will also see over 50 global and regional launches from exhibitors.

More than 175 yachts and watercraft from globally renowned shipyards such as Azimut, Ferretti, Gulf Craft, Princess, San Lorenzo, Sunreef, and Sunseeker Gulf will sail into the shores of Dubai to put on an incredible display over the five days of the show’s 29th edition.

DIBS 2023 will also feature a stunning line-up of yachts, Finnmaster, Greenline Yachts, Nordhavn, SAY Carbon Yachts, Sirena Yachts and Tecnomar.

With more than 12% of the world’s superyachts in the MENA region, it’s no surprise that Dubai has become one the top-10 nautical hubs of the world within the marine industry – home to several world-class waterfront property developments and many exquisite marinas.

Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, said, “At Dubai Harbour we provide world-class infrastructure and service to the industry. We are please to say that we have 700 berth in marinas, the largest in the region.  We have the only dedicated superyacht marina in Dubai. We have 80 people here serving the customers. We have seen an increase in the growth compared to last year and currently we stand at 80% occupancy rate. This really signal growth in the industry, we are looking forward to see more growth in the in the coming years.”

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice-President, Dubai World Trade Centre said,” This is a new world and Dubai has become the epicenter and global destination of the globe. The  outstanding response to recent event like Gitex and Gulfood has shown  that Dubai is the main centre for global companies and CEOs. DBS positions itself as one of the most significant events outside of Europe and we see that the exhibition will grow every year in its size and importance.”

Separately, Gulf Craft is showcasing the new Majesty 111 and Nomad 101 superyachts at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2023, two breathtaking vessels that highlight the celebrated yacht maker’s new vision of the future. Making their global debut at DIBS 2023, the two superyachts epitomise Gulf Craft’s new era of dynamic growth under the strategic theme, ‘Legacy in Motion’, driving the company to push boundaries through four core focus areas: Technology & Innovation, Path to Sustainability, Global Expansion and Next Generation.