Dubai boat show showcases luxury yachts worth Dh2.5 bn

The 2024 Dubai International Boat Show, the region’s largest and most established marine lifestyle show, begins its 30th edition at the Dubai Harbour, bringing together the maritime community from enthusiasts to experts around the world.

Dubai Harbour was packed out with a fleet of superyachts worth millions of dirhams. The event, coordinated by Dubai World Trade Centre, witnesses the participation of at least 46 boat launches and exhibitors representing 55 countries.

The nautical show, taking place from February 28 to March 3, displays an extensive array of international marine attractions from over 1,000 different brands, and more than 200 boats from globally acclaimed shipyards.

The show welcomed the most distinguished superyacht brands globally, unveiling their new vessels, with a combined value exceeding Dh2.5 billion.

Among the companies with boats on display were Azimut, Sunseeker Gulf, Gulf Craft, Finnmaster, HP Watermakers, Oceano and Althaus Yachts.

Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief portfolio management officer, Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, said, “We celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dubai Boat Show. We are continuing to grow this show. Our industry and the marina continue to grow at a rapid pace. We have the region’s largest marina here. We continue to change the format year-on-year to accommodate the growth and to ensure that we are giving all exhibitors the best experience possible. We have 200 additional boats just for the boat show. This is the busiest we have ever been. It’s a great signal for the leisure boating industry.”

Conversations regarding sustainable practices, technological progress, and the changing preferences of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) yielded valuable insights in alignment with Dubai's 2030 Vision for Sustainability.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice-President, Dubai World Trade Centre explains that such events reinforce the emirate’s position as a leading destination globally.

She said, “We look at the pace of development and growth in Dubai and the region here. It’s unstoppable. It is making great progress just the way any young nation or city should be. It is a city that is a world-class destination. The epicentre of economic activity is shifting, and this is the new world. If you’re not here, then you’re not part of what’s happening next in the world. We know this by judging the economic activities, the infrastructure projects, the flow of inward tourism and investments coming into the region.”