Following an extremely successful week of high-value boat sales, important discussions addressing industry developments, and groundbreaking agreements and partnerships that are set to shape the future of the yachting world, the Dubai International Boat Show, which is the largest and most established maritime show in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, came to a close this Sunday.

During its five-day run, the exhibition has been acknowledged as one of the most influential boat exhibitions in the world. It has also been responsible for accelerating the worldwide yachting sector, which is evidence of why Dubai has quickly become one of the most sought-after marine leisure tourist centres.

As the celebration of all things maritime continues for five days, we take a look at some of the most significant developments that have occurred:

Athaus Yachts made a significant sale when they sold their Lamborghini 63, built by Tecnomar Yachts, hull #19, to an expat from the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating the value of the Dubai International Boat Show as a platform for connecting major boat builders with HNWI and UHNWI.

Upon sharing this exciting news, Beatrice Chiardi said: “It has been an exciting show with really strong negotiations that nearly closed from day two onwards. We’ve welcomed younger visitors from different countries to our stand this year with the potential to buy. This show is the place to be in terms of meeting people from the industry, and it really is the best place in the world to be to work together.”

SanLorenzo, which also sold three yachts at the exhibition, highlighted the show as a platform to reach new potential buyers and long-standing clients alike for impactful sales. “We are extremely happy this year, as we have welcomed more people than last. And we are happy that this is the first time we have three SanLorenzo boats represented at the show, as compared to last year, and all three of them were sold. Next time, we hope to bring even more,” said a representative of SanLorenzo.

Abeer AlShaali, Deputy Managing Director at Gulf Craft Group, commented: “Gulf Craft Group has sold multiple of its iconic vessels during the show, from its award-winning Majesty Yachts, renowned Nomad Yacht, and sleek Silvercraft and SilverCAT brands, with many more deals in the pipeline. Furthermore, we proudly unveiled our latest advancements, staying attuned to international trends and demonstrating our commitment to evolving alongside the industry.”

MTM Group, which is participating at the show for the 18th time, sold over 10 jet skis and has promised to return again next year upon seeing the incredible response that has been increasing annually. Bassem Wazafi, General Manager of MTM Group, said: “The sales we‘ve seen this year at the show have been a result of the incredible organisation of the show itself. It was the best, I think, so far. We're going to continue next year as well, and we're going to rebook.”

Numerous yacht builders recognised the diversity that occurred in this year's edition, and they saw a rise in the number of prospective customers from Europe and the Arab world. Exhibitors delighted in the diverse visitors and purchasers that attended the event.

Sunreef, an exhibitor at the Dubai International Boat Show, presented two entirely electric yachts, one powered by an electric sail and the other by electric power. Sustainability remained a central theme throughout the event. The boats adhere to an energy efficient design, which includes sustainable air conditioning and parts of the yacht produced from plant-based composites. This demonstrates the company's dedication to offering quality while also ensuring the safety of the environment.

Artur Poloczanski, Public Relations Director at Sunreef Yachts, said: “I'm most excited about announcing our Ras Al Khaimah shipyard at the Dubai International Boat Show. We started out over 20 years ago in Poland, and now we're branching out into the UAE. This follows our news from last year when we announced the opening of our Dubai office.”

Along with a fleet of Low Emission Yachts, the first hybrid yacht, and the alliance with Eni Live (Eni Sustainable Mobility) for the decarbonisation of yachting to supply HVOlution, Azimut has already embarked on a "green path" with the first fuel cell tested on board.

Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA APAC, said, “The yachting industry is undergoing a revolution in terms of sustainability, a topic that is increasingly important to clients all over the world, and we have been leading the way in this direction for years. Sustainability is inherent in Azimut’s DNA: for more than two decades, we have been investing towards this goal and developing the best available technologies to make a real difference.”

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, and Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, the owner and curator of Dubai Harbour, reached an agreement on the spot regarding the decision to host the 31st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai Harbour. This decision validates a long-term partnership that offers the international yachting community additional opportunities for expansion.

As evidence of the growth of the maritime industry in the area and the influence that the Dubai International Boat Show has on professionals working in the maritime industry, The Captain's Club, a boat club that is exclusive to its members, recently made the announcement that it intends to expand its operations from Dubai to Kuwait.

Zaid Shouly said: “As CEO of The Captain's Club, I am thrilled to unveil our groundbreaking franchise partnership with Al Boom Marine, heralding the launch of our prestigious annual membership services in Kuwait. This exciting collaboration represents a monumental leap forward in our mission to extend our maritime excellence beyond the UAE's shores. Together with Al Boom Marine, we are empowering enthusiasts in Kuwait to embark on unforgettable boating adventures, delivering the same unrivalled standard of excellence and dedication to quality that defines The Captain's Club."

"Marine Services One, a leading UAE provider of yacht repairs, refits, and marine equipment distribution for leisure yachting, announced the addition of three new partners to its portfolio during the annual event: Italvipla, Osmosea, and Tikal Marine Systems. The announcement expands the company’s capabilities to deliver for its clients and offer more comprehensive solutions, superior quality, and value for money."

Ali Khreis, Promotion Manager at Al Fajer Marine, said: “Through this boat show, we have been able to initiate talks and negotiations to have representatives and ambassadors for Al Fajer Marine in Australia, the Maldives, and the UK. If these negotiations get confirmed in the future, they would be the first of their kind for Al Fajer Marine as a result of this incredible boat show.”

In February 2025, Dubai Harbour will play host to the 31st iteration of the Dubai International Boat Show. Additional information regarding the event will be issued at a later date.

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