Dubai top 10 in the world for super yacht production, 5th in the world for maritime competitiveness and attractiveness[1]
Dubai marine tourism booming, will welcome 1 million cruise tourists to by 2021[2]
Dubai International Boat Show set to impress, hosting over 40 global and regional launches at iconic Dubai Canal
The Dubai International Boat Show will return for its 26th year, with an exciting new location at Dubai Canal, next to Dubai Ladies Club, and just minutes from some of the latest new leisure, shopping and marine developments in Dubai, including City Walk, Box Park and La Mer. This prominent canal-side location in the Jumeirah neighbourhood will be the venue for Dubai International Boat Show from February 27 to March 3, and remain its base until its new home at the Dubai Harbour is completed in 2020.
With an all-new venue comes all-new action with thrilling activities including top American slackline athlete Alex Mason, innovative marine technology and solutions from around the world, and watercraft to fit every lifestyle and budget. Visitors to Dubai International Boat Show will be treated to insanely cool water rides, electric catamarans and sailing trips. The Marine Art Gallery will display pieces from renowned artists from the Czech Republic, KSA and UAE worth over AED 10 million, and the UAE Inspired Pavilion will show a selection of small-to-medium sized boats that proves that boat ownership is affordable and accessible.
This year, the show will see a host of eye-catching yachts, including the one of the largest yachts on the charter market, the 86 metre long Chakra by Scheepswerf Gebr. V, one of the worlds’ most sought after yachts, 72-metre long Serenity from top builder Austal as well as an impressive 43 global and regional launches, from the likes of Ferretti Yachts, Riva, and Pirelli.
The three trillions dollar ocean
With the global ocean industry value-add to hit 3 trillion dollars by 2030, and over a quarter of that value underpinned by marine and coastal tourism[3], the demand for unique ocean adventures is growing. Dubai welcomed 15.8M tourists to the emirate in 2017, and as tourists flock to Dubai from around the world, access to marine activities has never been easier. According to Dubai Cruise Tourism, Dubai will welcome 1 million cruise tourists to by 2021 and the city is well prepared to host water enthusiasts from all parts of the globe.
For resident water enthusiasts, the news is also positive. As berth supply climbs, and projects like the Dubai Harbour, Marinas at Mina Rashid, and the Dubai Canal create new destinations for yacht owners, for the first time in nearly ten years supply of space is on track to meet growing demand[4]. With new berths along Dubai Canal itself, the venue will give seafaring visitors a new, unique view of the city that is now one of the most important maritime hubs in the world.
The show will see 43 global and regional boat launches this year and has attracted 845 companies and brands from 61 nations, including new participating countries Belarus, Djibouti, Indonesia and Scotland.
In terms of the luxury marine sector, the UAE is placed 9th[5] in the world superyachts in production in 2018, with 14 new builds with a combined length of 611 metres being manufactured in the Emirates5. The 2018 edition of Dubai International Boat Show will see over AED 1.5 billion in boats showcased, including the Austal’s stunning 72-metre Serenity and the 50-metre Heesen Rocket. This year, the show will host 20 exquisite superyachts from top builders Sunseeker, Fairline, Riva and more.
“Dubai’s standing as a capital for the global marine industry is reflected in the ongoing success of the Dubai International Boat Show,” said H.E. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show.
“Now in its 26th year, the event has continued to grow and develop to embrace all segments of this expansive and important industry that reaches every corner of the world.
“Dubai has a long history of seafaring going back generations to the days when the city the centre for the pearl industry. This connection with the seas remains today, with new harbours, marinas and waterfront developments at the heart of Dubai’s plans for the future.”
Leading companies and brands
The 2018 edition of the Dubai International Boat Show will see members of the Superyacht Builders Association’s (SYBAss), including Baglietto, Benetti, CRN, Fincantieri Yachts, Feadship, Lürssen, Oceanco, Sanlorenzo and Heesen. Twelve new companies will be joining Dubai International Boat Show this year, including Soverign Seas from Greece, Highfield boats from France, Quad Marine from the USA and the UAE’s own Enata.
Innovation has long been the cornerstone of industry in Dubai, and for Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai Maritime City Authority, has announced that it will showcase the latest developments in the maritime sector including Smart Customer, Dubai Maritime Intelligence, Sea Dubai and Dubai Maritime Virtual Cluster. Elsewhere, the Italian Trade Agency will bring together 9 specialised marine equipment suppliers and service providers to demonstrate their capacity to develop and innovate state-of-the-art technology solutions.
The largest superyacht project in the Emirates is UAE-based Gulf Craft’s Majesty 175. One of the largest exhibitors at Dubai International Boat Show, the manufacturer of luxury boats and yachts will bring a selection of 13 of its vessels to Dubai International Boat Show 2018.
Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, said: “The Dubai International Boat Show is an opportunity for UAE-based companies to showcase their products to a global audience and to network with key players from the maritime industry who recognise Dubai, the Emirates and the region as an important market.
“We are proud to have appeared in every edition of this show since it began in 1992. Each year the event grows in international recognition and increases the number of exhibitors and products on show to the public, marine enthusiasts and companies who cater to every segment of the industry.
“The new location on the banks of Dubai’s newest marine landmark helps to reinforce not only Dubai’s but also the show’s standing as a major international event and a must-attend for everyone interested in the yachting market and lifestyle.”
Art Marine, the UAE-based market leader in yacht sales, after sales service, marina management, yacht valet service and marine products will again be exhibiting at Dubai International Boat Show this year. Visitors to Dubai International Boat Show will see three regional launches this year from Art Marine’s top brands Riva, Ferretti and Pershing.
Art Marine’s, CEO, Greg Stinner, said: “The Dubai International Boat Show is the most important annual event and venue for Art Marine, – and ranks highest in our Nautical Agenda. The Dubai Int’l Boat Show offers exhibitors to connect with clients and the press, as well as other business from across the region and beyond, – showcasing their range of new products and models while exchanging new ideas and opportunities. An ideal platform to promote new models and this year around we are launching three new debuts for three major brands of the FERRETTI Group who we represent in five territories. Visitors from the GCC and the MENA Region can for the first time enjoy the all New RIVA Cosaro 100’, the high-performance PERSHING 70’ and no less the brand-new FERRETTI Yacht 780.
“New waterfront developments and a steady increase of new marinas, adding a number of additional berth in new locations, inject new life into the Dubai’s luxury marine industry. With the addition of hundreds of berths, particularly those along the Dubai Water Canal, created new destinations and routes to enjoy the city’s ever expanding skyline, making it more-and-more accessible to boating enthusiasts, – may these have smaller day cruisers and/or those who have larger fly-bridge yachts. The water canal allows yachts up to 6.5-meter air-draft to pass all the beautifully designed bridges and the unique “water fall” which is a “one-of-a-kind” experience.
The Dubai International Boat Show, like the mesmerizing city of Dubai itself, has a global reach that attracts the biggest and best the industry has to offer, – giving us all a perfect stage on which to showcase our products. DIBS 2018 will be held this time in a new location at the entrance of the Dubai Water Canal and we are very excited to make this show one of the most successful ever”.
Also representing the UAE at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show will be Al Shaali Marine. Established in 1979, Al Shaali Marine produces a wide range of luxury flybridge yachts for the domestic and worldwide markets.
Sultan Al Shaali, Member of the Board of Directors, Al Shaali Marine, said: “Al Shaali Marine has a long and proud tradition of boatbuilding here in the UAE.
“From our factory complex in the UAE we are able to build yachts and leisure craft to the exact specifications of clients from all over the world.
“As the leading regional event of its kind, the Dubai International Boat Show plays a pivotal role in putting UAE-based companies such as Al Shaali Marine in the spotlight by helping us to grow our network of clients and partners throughout Europe, North America, Asia and beyond. Al Shaali Marine considers Dubai International Boat Show as the main platform for regional and international launches.
“As Dubai’s maritime industry continues to flourish and grow, Al Shaali Marine is proud to play its part in supporting the development of this important sector and helping to export the UAE’s seafaring heritage to new customers all around the globe.”
Go where you feel free
Offering the complete marine lifestyle experience, the Dubai International Boat Show expertly caters to all sectors of the industry. Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), which has been running for 11 years, and has been part of the Dubai International Boat Show for the last 10 years, caters to a growing community of seasoned divers as well as newcomers to the sport. Showcasing the latest in diving innovation, DMEX is a must-attend event for all divers in the region.
Top exhibitors AMIT, Al Boom Diving and Divers Down will join the show floor again this year, and newcomers Dolphin Excursions Djibouti, Desert Knight Fishing & Trip Equipment Trade, Alcan International, and Sovereign Djibouti will showcase for the first time.
“DMEX is the ideal platform for us to educate both seasoned divers and the general public how on we can continue to explore and enjoy the UAE’s waters, while protecting and maintaining the marine life for future generations to enjoy,” said the Chairman of Emirates Diving Association, Essa Abdulla Al Ghurair.
Dubai International Boat Show will offer a range of exciting activities that encompass the entire marine lifestyle. Visitors can jump in a racing SeaKart manned with an experienced skipper and try their luck at the SeaKart track. A leaderboard will be in place and every participant will see instantly where they stand compared to the other best times of the day or of the show.
Dubai International Boat Show have also partnered with Nikki Beach who will be hosting a beautiful lounge experience from 3pm until 10pm to Celebrate Life with signature music and entertainment in a plush ambiance. There’s never been a better opportunity to sample a delicious menu filled with flavorful food selected from Nikki Beach locations around the world.
Throughout the venue, visitors can enjoy water sports stunt shows – flyboard, hoverboard is provided by Seabreacher and taster sessions including kitesurfing, sailing, SUP, kayaking are provided by Watercooled, free sailing experiences with Eden Yachting, the DXB paddle race by Seayou, the Build a Boat Challenge by Art Marine, Music Festival by Redbull and more.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibition and Events Management of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “Dubai is changing the face of the leisure marine industry with innovative waterfront projects that have elevated our city and shaped our coast into a must-visit destination for the world. Dubai International Boat Show is proud to be a part of a transformation that is only beginning.
“The taste for the marine lifestyle is only growing across the globe, and potential buyers are realising that boat ownership is both affordable and accessible. In fact, 85 percent of our visitors last year attended the event primarily to purchase boats and yachts.
“From the most glamourous yachts in the world, to the most exciting stunts and water sports, to the latest in diving technology, Dubai International Boat Show has grown alongside Dubai, creating a hub to serve the needs of the entire community, end to end.”
Dubai International Boat Show is made possible by the event’s sponsors, including Official Car Sponsor Gargash Enterprises Mercedes-Benz, Supporting Partner Feadship, Supporting Partner Panerai, VIP Lounge Sponsor Sobha Realty, and Official Transport Partner RTA. The event’s move to Dubai Canal has been made possible with the support of key partners DIMC, Meydan, Meraas and RTA – Marine Division and Dubai Maritime City Authority.
Visitors to the show’s temporary location at Dubai Canal will have easy access to free parking while the site also has superb public transport links with water taxi, RTA ferry and bus stations nearby. The central location provides excellent connectivity for visitors coming from all parts of the city. Along with ample parking for visitors who choose to drive to the show, the canal-side site also features great transportation links with bus, metro and water taxi stations all close by, which all means that visiting Dubai International Boat Show has never been easier.
The 26th Dubai International Boat Show at the Dubai Canal is open to trade visitors and the public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from Feb 27th to March 3rd, 2017. Tickets will be available at the gates priced at AED 65 each.
[1] Menon Economics – Leading Maritime Capitals of the World
[2] Dubai Cruise Tourism
[3] OECD 2016
[4] Art Marine analysis
[5] World Order Book 2018
