The 29th Dubai International Boat Show from March 1-5 is set to feature over 175 yachts, boats and watercraft – including 50 global and regional launches – and more than 1,000 brands, according to event organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Italian builders Azimut, Ferretti Group and Sanlorenzo, UAE’s Gulf Craft, British builders Princess and Sunseeker, and Poland’s Sunreef are among leading yacht builders confirmed for the event. Over 30,000 visitors are expected over the five days, as the Middle East’s biggest boat show is held for the second time at Dubai Harbour.
Gulf Craft is staging the world premiere of its Majesty 111 in a large line-up including the Majesty 120, Majesty 100, Majesty 72, Majesty 62, Nomad 70, Oryx 379 and Silvercraft 32 WA.
Mohammed Alshaali, co-founder and Chairman of Gulf Craft, said: “At Gulf Craft, we’ve always been a staunch supporter of our ‘home show’ since its inception. As an international manufacturer of cutting-edge yachts and boats, we are proud to be part of such a prestigious event on our home ground.
“At this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, we’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new Majesty 111 superyacht, which will redefine industry standards and set the precedent for our future Majesty models. We’re committed to continue our contribution to the region’s yachting industry and look forward to further supporting the UAE’s reputation as an exceptional global yachting destination.”
Azimut is set to display its Fly 53, Fly 68, S10 (94ft) and Grande 27M (88ft), while the Ferretti Group line-up could include the Middle East premieres of the Riva 88’ Folgore, Ferretti Yachts 780 and Pershing 5X (54ft), along with a Pershing 8X (84ft) and Ferretti Yachts 670. Sanlorenzo will show its SX88 and possibly the new SP110 that debuted at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.
Princess Yachts Gulf will exhibit the British builder’s flagship Princess X95 in a six-yacht display including the V60 F55 F50 F45 and new V50 (deck) that debuted last year. Sunseeker vessels on show include a 74 Sport Yacht XPS, with the British builder represented by Sunseeker Gulf led by John Bush and Brett Noble.
As announced previously, Sunreef Yachts will exhibit the first Sunreef 80 Eco and a
60 Sunreef Power (click for article). Among other solar-electric catamaran builders, Silent-Yachts will have a booth, while Alva Yachts is represented by local dealer MBC Yachts. A Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 will be on show through dealer JJ Marine.
Damen Yachting will have a booth on the Superyacht Avenue where the Dutch superyacht builder will showcase detailed scale models and promote its series of yachts including the Espen Øino-designed Amels 60 and Amels 80 Limited Editions, SeaXplorer 60 and Yacht Support 53.
Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting’s Sales Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be returning to the Dubai International Boat Show again. The event gives us a chance to catch up with many friends and to make new acquaintances from throughout the world of yachting. We look forward to sharing our designs with visitors and talking with them about our exciting plans.”
Organisers confirmed over 10 new exhibitors including Abeking & Rasmussen (Germany), Tecnomar (Italy), Nordhavn (USA), Sirena Yachts (Turkey), Greenline Yachts (Slovenia), SAY Carbon Yachts (Germany), Finnmaster (Finland) and Boutique Yachts, a yachting services provider.
DWTC states that over 12 per cent of the world’s superyachts lie in the MENA region and that Dubai is one of the world’s top-10 nautical hubs within the marine industry, home to world-class waterfront property developments and many first-class marinas.
Riju George, DWTC’s Group Director, Exhibitions, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming marine enthusiasts, maritime investors and those interested in all things ocean related to DIBS23. Dubai has a rich maritime heritage and over the years has created an extensive ecosystem and a sophisticated hub to nurture some of the greatest boat designers and manufacturers in the world. This is why every year we see an influx of international visitors to the show.”
The show is preceded by the Middle East Yachting Conference (MEYC) on February 28. Speakers include Francis Lapp (Sunreef Yachts), Farouk Nefzi (Feadship), Paris Baloumis (Oceanco) and Thomas Weigend, Managing Director of Meyer Werft, which is building the 289m (948ft) Njord, described as “the world’s largest private residence yacht” with 117 private apartments.
Meanwhile, the second Experiential Yachting Forum will be held on March 2-3 (click here). The show will also host the launch of the DIBS S.E.A. (Sustainable Environmental Action) Mission to support Dubai’s marine life.
The Leisure Marine Authority will be at the show for a series of informal coffee talks on budget boat owning, safe and sustainable use of water crafts, and more. Show attractions include the Dive Pool Shows, kayak and paddleboarding, fishing competitions, watersport demos, cocktails at Nikki Beach and dining at Buddha Bar.
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This article first appeared on Yacht Style.