Author: clarel a

The 31^st edition is well underway with enticing activities for the whole family to enjoy 

Activations to entertain visitors include Supercar Avenue, Watersports Demos, Kids Area, Nikki Beach Yacht Club, and more

The 2025 edition of Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the global luxury yacht and lifestyle show has grown beyond its roots as a yachting and marine event. The five-day show is established as a yearly occasion for visitors to get close to the water, better understand the industry, and experience a range of rare opportunities. 

Now in its 31^st year, DIBS is running at Dubai Harbour with a series of global and regional launches being announced each day in addition to a range of activities for families and friends to enjoy a maritime themed weekend. 

From a Dive Pool complete with visits from a real-life mermaid to a Supercar Avenue stacked with limited edition sports cars, to food trucks offering an array of international food and an ocean-themed kids’ area, there is fun for all ages to enjoy until the final day of the show on Sunday, 23 February. 

Below is a round-up of activities lined up for visitors over the weekend:

Superyacht Avenue

Last chance to catch the impressive collection of the latest in luxury yachts from across the globe. Leading shipyards, yacht curators, brokers and distributors will present the latest collection from brands such as Ocean 360, Ferretti, San Lorenzo, Princess Yachts, Cranchi, and Sunreef, which include 67 international and regional launches of stunning crafts, providing visitors the chance to catch an exclusive glimpse into the world of luxury yachting

Dive Pool

For 2025, the Dive Pool returns, featuring live demonstrations of the latest diving technology and offering kids the opportunity to meet a ‘real-life’ mermaid. Professionals and enthusiasts from the diving community are showcasing the latest in dive technology in the pool, allowing visitors to see the products in action. You can view the full Dive Pool schedule on the official DIBS website.

Watersports & Activities 

For thrill-seekers, daily watersport shows are delivering an adrenaline-inducing experience, featuring live demonstrations of jet skiing, kite surfing, and flyboarding. These shows highlight the skill and precision required to perform at this level. The lineup is sure to draw a crowd, all eager to witness some fun in the sun! Elsewhere, those looking for a catch can be sure to head down to the UAE Fishing Championship organised by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC). To see the schedule, visit the DIBS website.

Supercar Avenue

Much like Superyacht Avenue, the Supercar Avenue gives visitors a thrilling look at a rare selection of exclusive vehicles. On display from car club Group 63 are a Koenigsegg Regera – in which there has only been 80 units ever produced, a Pagani Huayra which is equipped with a V12 Bi-Turbo engine, a Bugatti Chiron, a Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari LaFerrari – the first fully hybrid car produced by the motor giants , and a McLaren Speedtail (which just happens to be the fastest car McLaren has ever produced), all of which have an impressive total value of 360 million AED (98 million USD). Take photos, ask questions of the owners, explore them from the outside and – if you’re lucky – have a snoop inside too. 

Food Trucks

For those hungry for a bite or people looking to settle those cravings, parked up at the show is an array of food trucks from popular restaurants across the city. The foodie favourite taco truck from The Maine – Oyster Bar & Grill; local shawarma joint, Shawarma Station; freshly made burgers at Pickl; gourmet deli 1762; authentic Italian Mamma Italia; as well as Pita & Co, House of Pops, Amazon Boost, Haagen Dazs, and more.

Nikki Beach Yacht Club

Music, dining, and entertainment blends seamlessly at Nikki Beach Yacht Club, popping up with a selection of delicious bites and refreshing drinks, soundtracked by the beach club’s resident DJ, as visitors take in the panoramic views of Superyacht Avenue and the wider Dubai Harbour.

Kids’ Area

A designated kids’ area will offer nautical-themed activities for young visitors such as arts and crafts, slime making, face painting, a treasure hunt, bubble show and more to keep your children entertained throughout the event. Under 12s can enter the show free of charge so long as they are accompanied by a ticket-holding adult, so if you’re on the hunt for things to keep your little ones entertained this weekend, there is plenty of excitement happening at DIBS 2025.

From sailing fanatics to families looking for weekend fun, or those with an appetite for marine-related activities, Dubai International Boat Show 2025 has it all. To purchase tickets, visit the website here.

Dubai Harbour sees buyers navigating the world of pre-owned luxury vessels, including options at Bush & Noble that start from US$160,000 and rise upwards of US$8 million

On display at DIBS 2025, Lamborghini 63 represents first time Italian manufacturer has exhibited a vessel in the Middle East; tomorrow set to see premiere of Sunreef’s first UAE-built Ultima 55 

Beneath the gleaming towers of Dubai Marina, the second day of the 31st Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) unfolded with a hum of negotiations and the quiet confidence of buyers circling their next acquisition. Yet while superyachts and new launches continue to dominate the limelight, a fresh segment is emerging as a focal point this year: a dedicated brokerage track designed to help buyers navigate the world of pre-owned luxury vessels.

The globe’s most distinguished maritime and lifestyle event, DIBS 2025 has carved out space for brokerage companies, including Burgess and Bush & Noble, to showcase a range of second-hand watercraft at varying price points, from close to US$160,000 to upwards of US$8 million. The shift reflects a maturing maritime economy in the Gulf, where as well as the traditional superyachts favoured by many of the emirate’s record-high number of millionaire residents, an increasing number of buyers are looking beyond custom-built designs to more immediate opportunities.

Industry Giants Make Their Mark
The brokerage focus does not overshadow the steady drumbeat of major launches and industry milestones. Sunreef Yachts, backed by sporting luminaries such as Formula One icon Fernando Alonso and tennis legend Rafael Nadal, is set to debut its first UAE-built vessel, the Sunreef Ultima 55, tomorrow — further evidence of the Emirates’ growing role in yacht manufacturing. “Our shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah has been very busy building this yacht – the main reason we are participating at DIBS this year,” said Artur Poloczanski, PR Director at Sunreef. “Those who come along on Friday evening will witness a little bit of Sunreef history – the first UAE-built Ultima 55.” 

Another first sees yacht service provider Ocean 360 give a Middle East debut to the Pardo Yachts brand, which is showcasing its flagship models, the Pardo 38 and Pardo 43, this week.  Marcello Veronesi, CEO of Cantiere del Pardo, said the Middle East “holds strategic importance for Pardo Yachts’ global expansion,” adding that partnering with Ocean 360 instilled “confidence that this market will embrace our yachts’ unparalleled quality and style.”

Meanwhile, Gulf Craft, a perennial presence at DIBS since the inaugural edition in 1992, is unveiling an unprecedented eight new models among the 18 vessels it is showcasing this week. The locally owned company revealed that its 2024 operations contributed Dh500 million to the UAE economy through the sale and export of 129 yachts, and it has expanded its workforce by 10 per cent – some 150 staff – across the past 12 months. With a new superyacht service centre, complete with a 600-tonne lift, set to open in Ajman by the middle of the year, the company expects to create a further 120 new jobs. 

“Over the years, we have noted more and more yachts coming to the UAE,” said Mohammed Hussein AlShaali, Chairman at Gulfcraft. “The country is becoming a hub and these yachts coming in need professional support. As a boat builder – a yacht builder – we can offer the professionalism, services, and support they are looking for.”  

Elsewhere, OceanWorld’s flagship brand, Sunseeker Gulf, continues to gain momentum with its 2,200-strong workforce and a portfolio soon to expand from 30-metre yachts to even larger superyachts, while SF Yachts is using DIBS as a launchpad for the regional premiere of its Prestige X70, as well as the Dubai launch of its Gran Turismo 36. Azimut, a regular fixture at the Dubai World Trade Centre-organised show since 2013, announced plans to deepen its regional footprint with five new offices opening this year: two in Dubai, plus locations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

A Show Beyond the Water
Among the showstoppers is the Lamborghini 63, a vessel embodying the Italian automotive brand’s performance and design ethos. This marks the first time a Lamborghini yacht has been showcased in the Middle East, offering visitors an opportunity to step aboard and see its nautical engineering up-close. The yacht’s presence further cement’s the show’s reputation for attracting global heavyweights in the industry. 

“The Italian Seagroup is the world’s largest producer of superyachts over 50 metres and we’re excited that they’ve partnered with us to bring the region’s first Lamborghini yacht to the Dubai International Boat Show,” said Rainer Bhene, CEO of Behnemar Yachts. “Both brands are committed to pushing boundaries and creating exceptional experiences, both on land and at sea.”

And there are more Lamborghinis on show at the traditional Supercar Avenue, which is drawing steady crowds with a striking lineup that this year includes a peppermint green Lamborghini Revuelto, ivory white Countach, and a charcoal black McLaren Speedtail. The nearby Dubai Police exhibition also features two branded jet skis, while the UAE’s Victory Team proudly displays its UIM X-Cat World Championship trophy.

Food offerings reflected the cosmopolitan nature of the event, which is this year boasting exhibitors from some 60 countries, including eight debutants in the form of Croatia, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Myanmar, Romania, Singapore, and Slovenia. Catering to the estimated 35,000 visitors expected over the show’s five days, a wide selection of food options offer everything from Brazilian acai bowls to Arabic shawarma, truffle poutine to Greek tzatziki – a culinary landscape as diverse as the clientele walking the marina. Families, too, found plenty to keep their little ones entertained, with a dive pool and dedicated kids’ club featuring giant Lego stations.

For more information on how to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.boatshowdubai.com/ticket/

• The developer is showcasing key projects at the show, including Couture by Cavalli, DAMAC Bay, and DAMAC Bay 2
• DAMAC projects will highlight luxury waterfront living and visionary designs

DAMAC Properties, a pioneer in the global real estate landscape, is participating at the Dubai International Boat Show 2025, which opened yesterday February 19 and will run up to February 23 at Dubai Harbour. As one of the world’s premier yachting and luxury lifestyle events, the show provides an exclusive platform for DAMAC to present its most prestigious waterfront developments: Couture by Cavalli, DAMAC Bay, and DAMAC Bay 2. Designed for a discerning clientele who appreciate architectural excellence and the allure of waterfront living, these projects reflect DAMAC’s vision of integrating luxury real estate with the maritime lifestyle.

Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of Sales & Development at DAMAC Properties, commented: “Dubai is synonymous with luxury, and our waterfront projects reflect the essence of this vibrant city. The demand for premium residences in Dubai continues to soar, driven by a growing influx of investors and lifestyle seekers. Our presence at the Dubai International Boat Show allows us to highlight how DAMAC’s seafront developments offer not just homes but immersive luxury experiences.” 

A Fusion of High Fashion and Seafront Luxury

Beyond its thriving tourism sector, Dubai is also the top choice for global millionaires, welcoming 6,700 HNWIs in 2024, the highest influx globally. This surge in wealth migration has helped in a record year in 2024, with 435 sales above US$ 10 million. With Dubai Harbour fast becoming the city’s new luxury waterfront hub, DAMAC is at the forefront of shaping the future of high-end, experiential-seaside living. Through its collaborations with world-renowned brands like Cavalli, DAMAC continues to push the boundaries of design and lifestyle.

Couture by Cavalli, by the shores of the Dubai Water Canal, is a masterpiece of design, blending high fashion with bespoke interiors inspired by Roberto Cavalli’s signature aesthetic. This state-of-the-art art development features private sky pools, wellness retreats, ensuring a lifestyle of refinement and tranquillity. Meanwhile, DAMAC Bay and DAMAC Bay 2 by Cavalli, nestled at the upcoming and trendy Dubai Harbour, offer a new dimension of waterfront sophistication, panoramic sea views with sky gardens, a private beach, ultra luxury penthouses, exclusive dining options, and a Cavalli-inspired sensory experience. With their prime locations, these cutting-edge developments set an elevated benchmark for seafront living in Dubai’s most sought-after maritime destinations.

A Strategic Presence at the Dubai International Boat Show
DAMAC’s participation at the Dubai International Boat Show underscores its commitment to innovating luxury waterfront living, a natural fit for an event that attracts high-net-worth individuals, yachting enthusiasts, and global investors.