The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) has extended its long-term partnership with host venue Dubai Harbour to accelerate the global yachting community’s international growth missions in one of the world’s most sought-after marine leisure tourism hubs.

The agreement provides Dubai International Boat Show (February 28-March 3) with a dedicated infrastructure and location in Dubai Harbour in the immediate and foreseeable future, offering major opportunities for expansion.

After four days of buzz, energy, buoyant boat sales, and curiosity from around the world in its 30th edition, the long-term home for the largest boat show in the Middle East, Africa and Asia will fast-track the momentum of Dubai as one of the world’s most attractive yachting destinations, a statement said.

“Dubai represents the new world and a new era in leisure yachting,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Dubai International Boat Show.

“Dubai Boat Show and our host venue Dubai Harbour are committed to accelerate this unstoppable momentum of partnership with our international community, to build the next most outstanding and sought-after yachting hub in the world.

Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Senior Advisor of the Dubai International Boat Show and Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council said: “Dubai Harbour is a fitting venue for a city that is increasingly making its mark in the global maritime space.

“The continued collaboration of Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai Harbour is great for the international yachting community, inspiring confidence to grow boldly with energy and enthusiasm.

“Having been part of the show since its inception, it is incredible to see its growth and dedication to uniting the entire maritime industry – I’m greatly looking forward to seeing how the show will continue to develop in 2025, and beyond.”

Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, said: “The Dubai International Boat Show is not only the biggest marine show in the region it has grown to become a major catalyst to the wider advancement of the maritime industry and a testament to Dubai’s growing status as one of the world’s maritime hubs.

“As the region’s largest marina located right the heart of Dubai we consider Dubai Harbour the natural home for the Dubai International Boat Show, and we are committed to continuing to strengthen our partnership, contributing to Dubai’s thriving leisure maritime sector for many years to come,” added Binhabtoor.

The Dubai International Boat Show’s partnership with Dubai Harbour was greeted with enthusiasm by long-standing local and global partners, exhibitors, shipyards and yacht brokers, all of whom have positioned Dubai as the focal point of long-term business growth.

Abeer Al Shaali, Deputy Managing Director at Gulf Craft, a UAE-based yacht manufacturer that has participated at the Dubai International Boat Show since its inaugural show in 1992, said: “This event has been growing and welcoming more and more visitors every year, and the world-class infrastructure at Dubai Harbour, with its iconic landscape, will allow for continued growth and space to welcome even more visitors, boats, clients, suppliers, and international organisations in the maritime industry from across the world.”

The 31st Dubai International Boat Show will return to Dubai Harbour in February 2025, promising a new concept manifesting innovative and creative formats with higher international participation that captures the energy of one of the world’s most influential yachting events.

Trade Arabia