More than 720 exhibitors from 50 countries will mark the 17th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), which has also attracted 19 superyachts from companies worldwide.

Taking place at the Dubai International Marine Club from March 3 to 7, the DIBS is the Middle East’s first boat show to take place this year.

The show will also highlight 19 superyachts measuring more than 25 metres from across the globe. This marks a staggering 45 per cent growth in the sector.

Despite the widespread slowdown across many industries, the show is presenting a massive 85,000 sq mt of exhibition space with more than 721 international companies from 50 countries, of which 20 per cent are new exhibiting companies and brands. 

“The global challenges confronting international economies, and the luxury goods market in particular, will only direct more international boat manufacturers and suppliers towards the emerging Middle East markets,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Dubai International Boat Show.

“The opportunities remain extensive in this region and the Dubai Boat Show is well positioned to provide the international marine industry the boost of confidence and opportunities they are seeking at this critical time.”

New to the show is the Superyacht Pavilion. As one of the fastest growing sectors in the Middle East marine industry, this showcase brings together the finest superyacht and luxury boat builders in the world.  This exclusive section houses some of the biggest names in the business, including Abeking & Rasmussen, AMELS, Burger Boats, Feadship, Heesen Yachts, Lurssen Yachts and Trinity Yachts.

The DIBS will also offer visitors the first opportunity in the Middle East to see boats and marine products from leading popular local and international leisure marine names such as Holland's AMELS and Feadship, Kuwait’s Al Ghanim Marine, Qatar’s Al Fardan Marine, UAE’s Al Hareb Marine, Al Shaali Marine, Duboats, and Gulf Craft, UK's Sunseeker, Fairline, and Princess, and US yacht manufacturers Trinity Yachts and Westport.

As the consumer buying behaviour adjusts in response to a changing economic climate, international boat suppliers will be offering products, packages and deals that are attractive and creative. 

“The Dubai Boat Show has grown from strength to strength in tandem with the expansion of the marine industry. The region has been on a steady upward climb over the last decade, so this temporary blip in the demand will only encourage the industry to enhance the creativity and innovation in their  product offerings to consumers,” noted Saeed Harib, COO, Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.

Even non-marine luxury brands are seeking premium associations with the Dubai Boat Show to leverage on its prestigious market connectivity and exclusive access to the affluent consumers in the region. Aston Martin, Damas, Lamborghini, Range Rover and Tiffany will be participating in the show.

The leisure marine industry plays a key strategic role in attracting visitors and driving tourism throughout the UAE and the rest of the Middle East. Current construction of marina projects across the region will see the opening of up to 30,000 berth spaces and an additional 1,500 km of coastline over the next 5 years.

This year’s Dubai Boat Show registered an impressive 20 per cent growth in National Group Pavilions and International Marine Associations. First-time exhibitors include Associacion Nacional de Empresas Nauticas (Spain), Finnish Marine Industries Federation (Finnboat) and South African Boat Builders Export Council (SABBEX).

Held alongside the DIBS is the Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) which will also run from March 3 to 7, offering a unique platform to showcase the very latest in diving equipment, supplies, services and techniques. Complimented by live<