DUBAI 2024
2024/03/07
With its 30th edition, you’ll experience the craftsmanship of the world’s premier boatbuilders, the adrenaline rush of watersports, and the excitement of refined living – from aviation and supercars to high-end fashion and marine-inspired art.
The Middle East’s largest and most established leisure marine and lifestyle marine event, the Dubai International Boat Show 2023, recently concluded after attracting over 30,000 visitors and industry players from across the globe to the Dubai Harbour for five days of demonstrations,displays , seminars,launches and workshopsThe global boat-building market is expected to reach over $47 billion in 2027, at a CAGR of 7.5%, and the increasing demand for recreational boats in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)region is a significant factor driving growth. Brands in Dubai are responding with their latest designs and innovations, and local manufacturers and suppliers exhibited their latest innovations at the event.
Al Rubban Marine, IMG Boats, Invincible Boats, Ocean Boats, Gulf Craft and Victory Yachts are among the prominent exhibitors that showcased their latest creations at the five-day event, with a focus on incorporating sustainable solutions. As the global movement towards environmental sustainability continues to reshape the maritime sector and the future of yacht architecture, yacht owners and clients are increasingly interested in innovative technologies that can create a greener yacht.
Manufacturers such as Gulf Craft are responding to this demand by integrating sustainable solutions into their builds. Abeer Al Shaali, Deputy Managing Director of Gulf Craft, said: “At Gulf Craft, we understand that clients prioritize sustainability and durability, and we are committed to supporting the path towards a sustainable future. We are committed to making our yachts more efficient, lightweight, and practical, always with the user’s perspective in mind. Our latest yacht, the Majesty 111, showcases the latest trends in boat building, bringing the outside inside and creating a natural flow from exterior to interior. We believe that by incorporating nature and light into our designs, we are creating a truly unique and luxurious experience for our clients.”
With brands from 60 countries featured at the show, local manufacturers and distributors exhibiting reported increased business from a diverse range of international markets. Paurush Farouk.H, Sales Manager, IMG Boats commented that there is a strong market for Middle Eastern products outside the region: “In previous years, we primarily had interest from across the region, but this year we are receiving more serious leads from international markets, particularly Eastern Europe, and Australia,” he said.
Brands also reported that customisation and personalisation are high on the list of customer demands this year, as buyers are keen to reflect their personality through their purchases. Shahid Ahmed Jiwrak, Sales Manager, Ocean Boats, said: “We observed that visitors were very impressed by the options for customisation that Ocean Boats offer. This is very important because customers today want highly personalised products. These can range from walk-around cabins, forward or backwards-facing seats, centre consoles, a roof on the top of the steering wheel, and even bathrooms on board the vessel. As designers, we listen to all these preferences and incorporate them in the final boat design in the most innovative way possible, so that the customer gets a boat that suits their specific needs.”
Since its inception in 1992 as a modest event focused on the local maritime industry, Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) has grown in size and popularity to become one of the world’s most prestigious boat shows in the Middle East.
