Marine tourism in Dubai is booming as the emirate expects to welcome 1 million cruise tourists by 2021, according to Dubai Cruise Tourism.

With the global ocean industry value-add to hit $3 trillion by 2030, and over a quarter of that value underpinned by marine and coastal tourism, the demand for unique ocean adventures is growing. Dubai welcomed 15.8 million tourists to the emirate in 2017, and as tourists flock to Dubai from around the world, access to marine activities has never been easier.

Further cementing the emirate's status as a top tourist destination, The Dubai International Boat Show will return for its 26th year, with an exciting new location at Dubai Canal.

This prominent canal-side location in the Jumeirah neighbourhood will be the venue for Dubai International Boat Show from February 27 to March 3, and remain its base until its new home at the Dubai Harbour is completed in 2020. 

Visitors to Dubai International Boat Show will be treated to insanely cool water rides, electric catamarans and sailing trips. The Marine Art Gallery will display pieces from renowned artists from the Czech Republic, KSA and UAE worth over Dh10 million ($2.7 million), and the UAE Inspired Pavilion will show a selection of small-to-medium sized boats that proves that boat ownership is affordable and accessible.

This year, the show will see a host of eye-catching yachts, including the one of the largest yachts on the charter market, the 86 metre long Chakra by Scheepswerf Gebr. V, one of the worlds’ most sought after yachts, 72-metre long Serenity from top builder Austal as well as an impressive 43 global and regional launches, from the likes of Ferretti Yachts, Riva, and Pirelli.

The show will see 43 global and regional boat launches this year and has attracted 845 companies and brands from 61 nations, including new participating countries Belarus, Djibouti, Indonesia and Scotland. 

In terms of the luxury marine sector, the UAE is placed ninth in the world superyachts in production in 2018, with 14 new builds with a combined length of 611 metres being manufactured in the Emirates. The 2018 edition of Dubai International Boat Show will see over Dh1.5 billion ($408.3 million) in boats showcased, including the Austal’s stunning 72-metre Serenity and the 50-metre Heesen Rocket. This year, the show will host 20 exquisite superyachts from top builders Sunseeker, Fairline, Riva and more.

“Dubai’s standing as a capital for the global marine industry is reflected in the ongoing success of the Dubai International Boat Show,” said Saeed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council, and senior advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show.

“Now in its 26th year, the event has continued to grow and develop to embrace all segments of this expansive and important industry that reaches every corner of the world.

The 2018 edition of the Dubai International Boat Show will see members of the Superyacht Builders Association’s (SYBAss), including Baglietto, Benetti, CRN, Fincantieri Yachts, Feadship, Lürssen, Oceanco, Sanlorenzo and Heesen. Twelve new companies will be joining Dubai International Boat Show this year, including Soverign Seas from Greece, Highfield boats from France, Quad Marine from the USA and the UAE’s own Enata.

Also representing the UAE at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show will be Al Shaali Marine. Established in 1979, Al Shaali Marine produces a wide range of luxury flybridge yachts for the domestic and worldwide markets.

Visitors to the show’s temporary location at Dubai Canal will have easy access to free parking while the site also has superb public transport links with water taxi, RTA ferry and bus stations nearby.

The 26th Dubai International Boat Show at the Dubai Canal is open to trade visitors and the public from 3pm – 9.30pm daily from February 27 to March 3. Tickets will be available at the gates priced at Dh65 ($17.6) each. - TradeArabia News Service