Yachting Ventures (YV), the leading media and events platform for startups and emerging technology in leisure marine, will return to the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) from 8-12 April 2026, building on the success of its inaugural Startup Zone in 2025.
Now in its 32nd edition and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, DIBS is held at Dubai Harbour and is one of the world’s most influential marine events. Introduced by YV in 2025, the Startup Zone provides a dedicated platform for emerging companies to gain visibility and connect directly with decision-makers across the leisure marine value chain in the region.
Beyond the show floor, YV curated a broader ecosystem experience, including visits to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) Accelerator Programme and attendance at STEP, one of the region’s leading startup and technology conferences. Several participating startups secured new partnerships, investor conversations, and regional exposure as a result.
One participating startup, iWarranty, was subsequently accepted into the MBRIF Accelerator and went on to establish a presence in Dubai, using the YV Startup Zone at DIBS as a launchpad into the regional market. YV plans to curate similar ecosystem-led opportunities in 2026, combining the visibility of the boat show with targeted introductions, accelerator exposure, and access to key regional startup events.
Gabbi Richardson, Founder of YV, commented:
“Our first year at the DIBS confirmed the real appetite for innovation in leisure marine across the region. Returning this April allows us to build on what worked and give a new group of startups meaningful access to investors, partners, and industry leaders who can help them scale in the UAE and wider Middle East.”
Startups joining YV at DIBS 2026 will benefit from a cost-effective route into the region, alongside YV’s 360-degree media and marketing support, including exhibition space, panels, press coverage, content creation, and curated networking opportunities before, during, and after the show.
Applications are now open for startups interested in joining YV at DIBS this April. Spaces are limited to just 15 startups, and allocated on a rolling basis. Eligible startups are typically companies operating for less than five years and/or with annual turnover below €1 million.
Interested startups can apply here or contact hello@yachtingventures.co for more information.
