LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DEPARTURES
SAILING INTO SUCCESS:
THE 31ST DUBAI
INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW DEFINES NAUTICAL LUXURY
REBECCA ETORIA
Dubai’s skyline shimmered under the golden glow of the Arabian sun, but all eyes were on the water. The 31st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) concluded in spectacular fashion, affirming its place as the region’s premier yachting event. Over five days of unparalleled luxury, the world’s most prestigious yacht builders, discerning collectors, and industry powerhouses converged at Dubai Harbour, a fitting backdrop for the opulence and innovation on display.
From gleaming superyachts to revolutionary maritime technology, DIBS delivered an unmatched showcase of craftsmanship and ambition. Sunreef Yachts captivated the elite with the grand unveiling of the ULTIMA 111, an ultramodern 36.25m catamaran. The brand’s presence was more than just a statement—it was a success story, with five yachts, including the ULTIMA 55 and Sunreef 60, securing buyers. Meanwhile, Italian shipyard SanLorenzo reaffirmed its global influence, engaging in high-stakes negotiations that promise to shape Dubai’s yachting landscape for years to come.
For Gulf Craft, a name synonymous with UAE’s maritime excellence, DIBS was both a homecoming and a launchpad for the future. With 18 vessels, including eight global debuts, the brand showcased its vision of modern seafaring luxury. The unveiling of the Majesty 145, followed by its immediate sale, underscored the brand’s deep-rooted legacy and the region’s appetite for high-performance superyachts.
While the gleaming decks of the world’s finest yachts were a sight to behold, DIBS was also a space for forward-thinking discussions. The rise of AI in yacht design became a focal point, with Feadship’s Farouk Nefzi shedding light on how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape both aesthetics and functionality. “We are in the early stages of AI transforming our platforms,” Nefzi explained. “For now, it’s refining design, but the real evolution will come in the build process.”
Another first for DIBS 2025 was its dedicated brokerage area, an exclusive enclave for top-tier firms such as Bush & Noble, BehneMar, and Burgess. Here, luxury yacht brokerage was elevated to an art form, with high-profile deals unfolding behind closed doors and whispered negotiations setting the stage for landmark transactions.
The Dubai International Boat Show is more than an exhibition—it is a reflection of Dubai’s ambition, a city that seamlessly blends maritime heritage with an ever-evolving vision of the future. This year’s edition proved once again why the emirate is an epicenter for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking the pinnacle of nautical luxury.
As the final champagne glasses were raised and the last superyachts set sail into the sunset, one thing was certain—DIBS 2025 is already on the horizon, promising even greater innovation, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Mark your calendars for April 8-12, 2025, when Dubai will once again welcome the world to its maritime masterpiece.
For more details, visit www.boatshowdubai.com.