The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the region’s leading luxury yacht and sailing industry event, will be held this year at its new location at Dubai Canal from February 27 to March 3.

DIBS 2018 will highlight the emirate’s status as the world’s most exciting and glamorous leisure marine hub. One of the leading superyacht markets, 55 per cent of ultra-high net worth individuals in the Middle East are likely to own, or intend to buy, a superyacht.

DIBS is moving to the Dubai Canal in Jumeirah while major improvements are carried out as part of construction work for the new mega-marina project, Dubai Harbour.

The Dubai Canal is an ideal location for the event. The 3.2-km long waterway runs from the creek in Old Dubai, through Business Bay and into the Arabian Gulf. Since its opening in 2016, Dubai Canal has further established Dubai as a world-class maritime destination.

The move to the Dubai Canal is a temporary shift as construction gets under way at the new Dubai Harbour, designed to be the Middle East’s largest marina with some 1,400 berth spaces. Dubai Harbour will provide the UAE’s boating community with an expanded base that will inspire a new wave of owners to the region.


New location, new opportunities

The new site has allowed organisers to create an event that aims to provide greater opportunities for partners and exhibitors to showcase all-new, breath-taking luxury superyachts, sailing boats, fishing vessels, water stunts and cutting-edge industry technology.

Each year DIBS attracts more than 350 exhibitors and over 800 brands and companies from 60 countries. Of the thousands of visitors to the event last year, nearly 40 per cent expressed an interest in seeing new vessels, and almost a third were keen to have a fun day out with the family – the new location at Dubai Canal will support the display of new boats as well as interactive activities for adventurers of all ages.

The Dubai Canal location provides unprecedented access to surrounding business and leisure hubs such as DIFC, DWTC and Business Bay, as well as residential communities such as Downtown Dubai. Visitors to Dibs will have world-famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Frame just minutes away, and ample parking and transportation options at the event.


Exhibitors welcome move

The move has already been met with enthusiastic support from stakeholders and exhibitors, with over 80 per cent the event’s exhibition space already reserved by leading businesses and brands from all over the world. DIBS’ move to Dubai Canal has been made possible with the support of key partners DIMC, Meydan, Meraas and RTA – Marine Division and Dubai Maritime City Authority.

Saeed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council and senior advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show, said: “Dubai Canal is one of the great construction achievements in recent years and a wonderful success to the marine industry in the UAE. To hold the prestigious Dubai International Boat Show at this location is a very exciting prospect with a wealth of possibilities, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops DIBS into its next stage of growth.”

Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft said: “Gulf Craft is delighted to welcome a new location for the region’s leading yacht and boat show. We’ve followed the development of the Dubai Canal very closely – it has created a new concept of waterfront living and waterfront enjoyment for residents and tourists alike.

“We are looking forward to bringing Gulf Craft’s selection of vessels to this exciting new venue next year. The location, at the very heart of Dubai and its newest, world-class landmark, perfectly reflects the event’s status on the global maritime calendar.”

The move is also highly-anticipated by international exhibitors coming from around the world.

“The Dubai International Boat Show is a magnificent platform for Porto Montenegro to showcase its offerings to the GCC market,” said Tony Browne, Director of Adriatic Marinas Ltd’s Marina.

“Both Dubai and DIBS has made a powerful name for itself within the global maritime and luxury yacht community. The Dubai Harbour development and the Dubai Canal will both serve to further boost the huge appeal of the emirate and the Dubai International Boat Show among yacht owners and industry leaders alike.

“We are thrilled to be once again taking part in the 2018 Dubai International Boat Show in the heart of one the most important maritime developments in the world.”


Luxury and technology on the sea

The 2018 event will welcome two new areas: Future of Yachting and Luxury Boulevard. The Future of Yachting area will showcase innovative materials, technologies and up-and-coming superyacht designers, while Luxury Boulevard will highlight exhibitors and high-end brands amplifying marine enthusiasts’ passion for yachting and luxury.

The SYBAs Area will return to showcase the world’s leading superyacht builders including Amels, Feadship, Heesen, Lurssen, Oceanco and more. The Marina Display will bring UAE-grown favourites superyacht builder Gulf Craft as well as Art Marine representing Ferretti group and Riva. Princess Yachts, SF Yachts representing Montecarlo Yachts & Mondo Marine, Sunseeker and many more.


Adventure for all

DIBS Outdoor Area will showcase local and international boat builders with boats up to 12 m in length, proving once again that boat ownership is a dream that is accessible to everyone.

The Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) will thrill underwater adventurers, while families and fun-seekers are invited to the beach – home of great family entertainment and fantastic food options. The DIBS Retail Village, showcasing maritime lifestyle accessories, will be the event’s high-street for marine-themed shopping.