Dubai International Boat Show opens with fanfare

The 31st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show opened Wednesday with much fanfare.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the five-day event, which runs through Feb. 23.

More than 1,000 brands and over 200 yachts and watercraft are on display, according to WAM, the UAE’s official news agency. The show is expected to draw more than 35,000 visitors from around the world.

Sheikh Hamdan said the event has cemented its status as one of the world’s premier maritime exhibitions, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

He highlighted Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, developed in line with the highest international standards, to position the emirate among the world’s top three destinations for business and tourism.

“We are pleased to see the strong participation of leading global brands at the Dubai International Boat Show, which has become one of the most significant events in the global maritime sector,” he said. “This reflects the confidence of industry leaders in Dubai as the region’s leading maritime hub, driven by its world-class ports, exceptional service infrastructure and unparalleled expertise in delivering the highest standards of maritime services.”

During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan toured several exhibitor stands, including Gulf Craft, the UAE’s leading luxury yacht manufacturer, which unveiled eight new luxury vessels at the show. He also visited Maiora, an Italian yacht brand making its regional debut, and Sanlorenzo 96 Nova, one of the world’s premier yacht builders, also participating in the event for the first time.

The show provides a platform for the global maritime community to showcase the latest yacht and boat designs, facilitate the sale and purchase of pre-owned luxury yachts, promote exclusive waterfront real estate, and highlight innovations in the industry.

This year’s edition features several new elements, including the Brokerage Section, which offers buyers an opportunity to explore pre-owned yachts with expert guidance, and the Innovation Hub, which supports startups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the maritime technology sector.