Dubai International Boat Show 2023 previews the future of marina living

As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the nautical capitals of the world, various marina and waterfront developments are helping to further enhance the destination’s vision for a maritime lifestyle.

As a city that has steadily grown to secure its position as one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world, Dubai has a lot to offer every traveller – from shopping malls and hotels to desert adventures, theme parks, and dining experiences.

However, recent years have seen residents increasingly turn their interest to waterfront developments that are redefining what it means to enjoy a lifestyle split between the land and sea. Seafaring activities such as sailing and fishing, as well as water adventures like parasailing, jet skiing, and diving are proving to be increasingly popular with residents, and Dubai has witnessed a steady increase in the number of marina and waterfront developments as a result. The number of boat owners across the UAE has also seen a steady increase and are projected to hit 20,000 by 2025.

Dubai has a centuries-old maritime history and is celebrated today for its stunning beachfront destinations such as The Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Bluewaters Island, Dubai Creek, Al Seef, Mina Rashid, Daria Island, Dubai Marina, and Marasi Business Bay.

The emirate is also home to 15 vibrant marinas with more than 3,000 docking spots, many of which can comfortably accommodate superyachts and mega yachts. Such developments have attracted the attention of an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs), who are flocking to the UAE to experience the best of marina lifestyle living. It is expected that the number of HNWIs in the UAE will rise to reach more than 228,000 by 2026.

Dubai Harbour, in particular, stands as a maritime facility featuring approximately 700 berths capable of accommodating yachts of lengths up to 160 metres. This makes it the perfect location for the upcoming 29th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS 2023), which will open to residents and international visitors on March 1, 2023.

From painting to Jenga, lots of exciting activities and priceless moments await your little ones at #DubaiInternationalBoatShow! Book your tickets now! pic.twitter.com/MWv2xQAflM

— Dubai Boat Show (@DubaiBoat) February 23, 2023

“We are extremely excited to once again be returning to the stunning views of the Dubai Harbour for the 2023 edition of the Dubai International Boat Show,” said Riju George, group director – Exhibitions, DWTC.

“Over the years, the show has transformed into one of the most highly anticipated nautical exhibitions in the world, as well as the ultimate place to be for anyone that is interested in exploring the unforgettable marine lifestyle on offer in Dubai.”

Similarly, Abdulla Binhabtoor, chief portfolio management officer, Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, said: “We are delighted to return for the second year as the permanent home of the Dubai International Boat Show 2023, which continues to play a major role in strengthening the position of Dubai as a global maritime hub.”

He added: “As a manifestation of Dubai’s wider urban planning, coastline development and tourism strategies, Dubai Harbour is reimagining how the city engages with the sea, providing the region’s most vibrant and comprehensive maritime lifestyle offering. As an extraordinary seafront district, Dubai Harbour is delighted and honoured to not only be the venue of the Dubai International Boat Show, but also collaborate with DIBS, partners and wider stakeholders to further enhance Dubai’s standing as a world-class yachting destination, and a fully integrated maritime hub providing more options and easier ways for people to explore their own maritime journey.”

A nautical show
The development of so many marina facilities in Dubai has coincided with an increase in the number of residents and visitors exploring a lifestyle on both land and the waves. These trends have translated into growing interest in everything that the Dubai International Boat Show has to offer. DIBS exhibitors have indicated that they see a link between these events and a surge in their sales across a range of vessel categories, including yachts, leisure-fishing boats and speedboats.

Abeer AlShaali, deputy managing director, Gulf Craft, said: “The UAE today is widely recognised as a major hub for international yacht tourism and is a thriving market offering marine enthusiasts from all over the globe an unparalleled lifestyle experience. Dubai, in particular, has positioned itself as one of the most sought-after yachting destinations with berthing options for boats and yachts of all sizes.”

DIBS 2023 is not just a show for boat owners or for those interested in purchasing a vessel of their own. The show is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors who will be exposed to over 1000 brands from around 55 countries, showcasing the latest in nautical innovation.

The event will also be the stage for more than 40 regional and global yacht launches, further cementing Dubai’s position as one of the world capitals of maritime culture. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore more than 175 unique boats & watercraft at the event. The marina display area will host 50 of the world’s most beautiful boats from leading manufacturers such as Cranchi, Feadship, Gulf Craft, Princess, Ferretti, Azimut, and San Lorenzo.

Catering to the increasing demand for ‘Sea Ferraris’
Looking back at how the show has evolved over the years to be at the heart of the regional maritime industry, Riju George commented: “Marina developments have certainly played a role in the growing interest around boating and sailing among residents and visitors in Dubai. Not only do such facilities provide people with the opportunity to participate in various recreational water activities with their families and friends, but they have also helped reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global nautical destination.”

As the UAE’s maritime industry continues to grow and secure its position on the global nautical map, the Dubai International Boat Show has also evolved to be more than just a platform for manufacturers and exhibitors. Today, it serves as a meeting point for different members of the marine industry, including boat owners, marina operators, and government officials.

With several existing marina developments across Dubai slated for expansion and new waterfront projects in the pipeline, the show will also continue to spotlight the thriving marina lifestyle that has captured the imagination of not just residents, but also visitors from all around the world.

Read: How the 2022 edition of the Dubai International Boat Show elevated the global yacht industry