Five Reasons Why You Should Visit DIBS 2024

Since its inception in 1992, the Dubai International Boat Show has grown to be a leading event in the superyacht calendar year, now boasting the title of the largest yachting show in the region. As one of the most iconic shows in the world of yachting, famed for its unparalleled levels of luxury in a truly remarkable setting, we highlight five reasons why you should attend DIBS this year.

1. The Setting

This year, DIBS returns to the stunning location of Dubai Harbour. Described as ‘a seafront district like no other’, Dubai Harbour offers visitors everything from incredible food and beverage options and retail offerings to luxurious, VIP living. It is a highly accessible location, equidistant from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, whilst also just a short distance away from some of the most famous landmarks and beautiful beaches of the city.

The marina itself is a world-class maritime facility, with around 700 berths able to accommodate yachts up to 160m. Attendees can marvel at its stunning surrounding scenery, encased by clear blue waters and golden stretches of sand, beautifully set against some of the globe’s most impressive infrastructure. Not only home to the most advanced cruise terminal in the world, Dubai Harbour is also the largest marina in the region: an obvious choice for the largest boat show in the Middle East to be held.

2. The Superyachts

Another reason to visit DIBS? The superyachts. The stars of the Dubai show are docked in the iconic Superyacht Avenue: an impressive collection of the latest and most luxurious superyachts presented to visitors in a dedicated exhibition area. Here, visitors have the opportunity for up-close encounters and tours on a range of vessels that epitomise the luxury marine lifestyle. Despite the superyachts set to attend DIBS 2024 yet to be revealed, contributing to the rising anticipation surrounding the show, we can only expect big things from this year’s fleet, particularly when considering previous superyachts that have proudly anchored in the show’s Superyacht Avenue. The show’s commitment to foster representation from the world’s leading shipyards is highlighted by the exhibitors in attendance, which include nine members of the Superyacht Builders Association Members (SYBAss).

Last year, the appearance of the 68.2m Abeking and Rasmussen SOARING was the cause of great excitement at the show, as she took the title of the largest yacht on display with a price of €88 million. With the show’s move to the spacious Dubai Harbour in 2022, we can only expect the DIBS superyacht fleet to increase in size yet again this year due to the marina’s ability to berth larger vessels. As the show draws near, we eagerly await the announcement of some of the attending superyachts, as we anticipate an array of spectacular builds from some of the best shipyards in the world.

3. The Watersports & Innovations

DIBS is a fantastic hub of innovation and technology, especially when it comes to the latest watersports offerings. The Dive Pool is a unique aspect of the show that highlights this, displaying the latest diving technology to visitors through daily demonstrations. Alongside this is the Dive MENA Expo: a space for sharing under-the-sea discoveries and innovations in diving technology. This is a highly unique platform for both professionals and enthusiasts alike, displaying the very best of underwater exploration.

Alongside a great emphasis on diving, there is a dedicated watersports display showcasing a plethora of water-based activities. From jet-skiing to kite-surfing, an entire range of thrill-seeking sports are exhibited at the show, for attendees to spectate. Not only are these demos great for those who are already skilled at these adrenaline-racing activities, but the watersports exhibition also inspires attendees to discover new passions on the water, showing how DIBS is not simply about the yachts, but about the entire experience at sea.

4. The Connections

Alongside the physical aspects of the show, another reason that makes DIBS such a special event to visit is the breadth of connections forged during the five days. The Dubai show is a wonderful space for industry experts, marine professionals, and yacht and boating enthusiasts to meet, share valuable knowledge and expertise, and cultivate and form important relationships.

Captains’ Night is an exceptional offering of the show: an exclusive evening dedicated to celebrating the captains and crew in the maritime industry, acknowledging the vital roles that they play. Over 100 yacht captains and select crew members from across the GCC region are set to attend, to network with a range of top marine suppliers. This is a unique networking opportunity, offering a wonderful space for both professional exchange and social interaction.

As well as fostering connections between industry members, DIBS also distinguishes itself as a proudly UAE event, reflecting the spirit and ambition of the region within the global maritime landscape. It maintains this connection to its roots by showcasing a range of local exhibitors, connecting the nautical world to the rich heritage of the UAE.

5. The Luxury

Last but not least, the luxury elements on offer at DIBS are unparalleled, and a certain reason for attending DIBS this year: a true celebration of all things luxe-lifestyle. The VIP lounge, for example, is a haven for VIP guests, providing a range of bespoke amenities to contrast the bustling nature of the show.

This year, DIBS is seeing the new addition of The World of Yachts Lounge: the VIP lounge of the official magazine of the Dubai International Boat Show, in partnership with Feadship Yachts. Combined with the Marine Luxury Lifestyle section of the show, the rage of high-end-living displays on offer can be seen, with this area dedicated to the elegance and sophistication of the marine world alongside showcasing curated fashion and lifestyle brands.

The Hypercar Avenue displays the incredible diversity of the show, allowing attendees a look at the pinnacle of automotive excellence. A celebration of engineering and style, expect to marvel at some of the rarest cars in the world, including a Pagani Huayra, Bugatti Chiron, and McLaren Speedtail.

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Ultimately, DIBS is a marvellously diverse and affluent event, catering to a broad array of interests across the maritime and luxury industries. Not only a hub for industry interactions and a celebration of all things luxury, the show holds importance as a platform for the rich heritage of the UAE and its blossoming maritime industry.

If we haven’t persuaded you with these five reasons as to why this year’s DIBS is an unmissable event, you’ll have to discover an abundance more by attending yourself. Keep your eyes peeled for everything DIBS as the show draws closer.

Make sure you head to the DIBS website for registration and to buy your tickets for the show.