Dubai all set for 30th International Boat Show
The 2024 Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the region’s largest and most established marine lifestyle show, is set to begin its 30th edition at the Dubai Harbour, bringing together the maritime community from enthusiasts to experts around the world.
Taking place from February 28 to March 3, the nautical show is set to display an extensive array of international marine attractions from over 1,000 different brands, including 400 new companies, from leading yachting companies including Ferretti, Azimut, Sunreef, and Cranchi Yachts, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM) report.
With 200-plus crafts expected to be berthed at the event, Dubai International Boat Show continues to underline its commitment to supporting leading superyacht manufacturers with nine Super Yacht Builders Association Members (SYBAss) in attendance.
UAE-based super yacht builder Gulf Craft is set to present more than 10 vessels, ranging from leisure boats to award-winning super yachts, including a global first reveal.
For Gulf Craft, the DIBS marks the busiest time of the year, and their team led by Chairman Mohammed Al Shaali is working tirelessly to showcase an extensive lineup of versatile leisure boats to the luxurious superyachts.
In addition to the impressive array of launches brought by leading yacht builders, the popular annual Dubai event promises to mesmerize visitors with events and activities that will take place across the five days.
Visitors can also enjoy the Hypercar Avenue, designed for car enthusiasts and collectors to see rare and exceptional automobiles at the show. The multi-million-dirham exhibition provides a unique glimpse into automotive magnificence, blending luxury with innovative design. Some of the rarest cars in the world will come together in one location including a Bugatti Chiron, McLaren Speedtail, and Pagani Huayra.
Adrenaline lovers can get their fix of thrills at the Watersports area with a variety of displays including jet skiing and fly boarding, with professionals ready to demonstrate their talents.
Dubai’s International Marine Club holds the finale of its hotly contested fishing competition at the show, while mini maritime fans can enjoy the designated Kids’ Area with fun and educational activities themed around the love of the ocean, including face painting.
The show offers numerous culinary options catering to all cravings. Taste buds can be satisfied with an array of options from food trucks available ranging from refreshing poke bowls to savoury pizzas, with a selection of vegetarian and vegan offerings, as well as premium coffee for caffeine lovers.
This edition will once again, welcome the Nikki Beach Resort Lounge to wow visitors with its delectable and diverse menu of ocean-inspired meals, healthy salads, creative sushi rolls, appetisers, and variety of refreshing cocktails, alongside a lively atmosphere with the renowned beach club’s resident DJs.
‘Proudly UAE’ will celebrate local boatbuilders and supply companies while Dive MENA will showcase the cutting-edge underwater technology and equipment, and discuss and innovations in diving tech. It will entail an exciting agenda of entertaining activities such as underwater games, exciting scuba diving experiences, and fun water-based competitions, offering the only event of its kind for UAE and GCC diving communities, both professional and keen amateurs alike.
Yacht trips popular with UAE residents
Meanwhile, it was revealed that yachting has topped UAE resident’s bucket list, according to the inaugural UAE Experience Survey by Shamal Holding.
The study conducted by YouGov, which surveyed 1,014 people across the emirates, saw Yacht Trips (52 percent) beat traditional bucket list experiences as the nation’s most sought-after activity, surpassing skydiving (44 percent) and hot air ballooning or helicopter rides (44 percent).
The growing appetite for yacht experiences correlates with the development of the UAE as a premier yachting destination, reinforced by year-round sunshine, unique coastline and luxury marinas.
The research also shows that residents are keen to explore the natural landscape of the UAE, with 53 percent of them choosing to spend weekends at the beach and 44 percent preferring to spend time in nature.
“Yachting provides the perfect platform for people to connect with their surroundings and with one another, while the lure of the open water offers moments of introspection and restoration,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer, Shamal Holding.
“At Dubai Harbour for instance, we have seen an increased interest from residents for commercial yachting charters, showing the potential to sustain growth domestically through a variety of experiences. In the coming months, we believe more people will integrate maritime destinations as part of their lifestyle choices as they seek greater connections with the sea,” continued Binhabtoor.
As the owning company of some of Dubai’s most unique and iconic leisure and entertainment destinations, Shamal Holding continues to invest in the extraordinary across all its leisure assets including Kite Beach, XPark, XDubai, Skydive Dubai, and Dubai Harbour.
