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Industry analysts confidentially predict that the global leisure boats market is expected to reach a valuation of US$78.4 billion by 2032, with sales growing at a moderate CAGR of 5.8% from 2022 to 2032. The market is driven by a number of factors, including the rising adoption of technologically advanced tools like IoT by market manufacturers, the growing popularity of electric boats, and the increasing demand for experience-based events and tourism.

The Dubai International Boat Show, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious boat shows, plays a significant role in driving the growth of the leisure boats market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The show attracts a wide range of exhibitors and visitors from around the globe, providing a platform for new product launches, networking opportunities, and business transactions.

The event, which is set to mark its landmark 30^th edition in 2024, is also a major showcase for innovative technologies in the leisure boats industry. In recent years, the show has featured a number of new technologies, such as IoT-based boat monitoring systems, electric boats, and self-driving boats. These technologies are making leisure boating more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for consumers.

Environmental concerns

The growing popularity of electric boats is another key factor driving the growth of the leisure boats market. Electric boats are more environmentally friendly and quieter than gasoline-powered boats, making them an appealing option for consumers who are concerned about the environment.

The increasing demand for experience-based events and tourism is also fuelling the growth of the leisure boats market. Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to spend their time and money on experiences that they will remember for a lifetime. Chartering or renting a boat is a great way to experience the beauty of the outdoors and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Overall, the leisure boats market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by a number of factors, including the rising adoption of new technologies, the growing popularity of electric boats, and the increasing demand for experience-based events and tourism. After three decades in the industry, Dubai International Boat Show continues to play a key role in driving the growth of the market in the MENA region.

Read the report in full at Future Market Insights.

A new philosophy in yachting aims to elevate the purpose and use of superyachts to new levels and, in turn, bring us closer to the elusive dream of a tranquil and fulfilled existence.

The Experiential Yachting Forum proposes a new vision for the marine industry across two distinct sectors – investment in multifunctional branded superyachts and holistic yachting.

These separate stands align and even mingle as we explore the importance of mindfulness.

Life on the ocean is a dream that many aspire to, as it is perceived as the ultimate way to escape the everyday – whales and dolphins as neighbours, an endless stream of sunrises and sunsets, with new horizons always within reach.

Making the Most of Your Yacht

With the fresh sea air filling your lungs and the tranquility of the ocean soothing your mind, yachting is certainly a holistic experience. With each yacht possessing its own capabilities, features and activities, the vessel’s unique aspects create an opportunity to share the experience with others.

However, adventures bring challenges and each day on the water requires preparation, organisation and dedication.

Turning your investment into a steady income, yachts and superyachts are increasingly being used for many experiential activities. From holistic retreats, expeditions and workspaces to weekend breaks and even floating medical centres, bringing the benefits of life onboard a boat need not be exclusive to owners.

Spending time out on the ocean emphasises the importance of mindfulness, it raises awareness and appreciation for nature. Reducing stress whilst improving physical and mental health, life on a yacht bridges the connection between the sea and self. These positive traits are being further explored and investigated by many in the yachting community.

Growth & Progression

With the yacht charter market forecast to reach $10.82 billion by 2027, marine tourism played a large part in the conclusions made by market forecaster Fortune Business Insights. It is little wonder then, that for many yacht owners finding a unique and bespoke offering for their yachts and superyachts, falls to experiential yachting.

From on board VR sports sessions, award winning chefs cooking up global cuisine, meditation sessions and therapy to a vast array of water sports, fishing, diving and hiking excursions, the holistic approach to yachting is an all-round health kick. Capitalising on the industry boom has never been easier.

Industry specialists in the sale, purchase and charter of luxury yachts and superyachts, sum up the methodology behind the philosophy perfectly:

“The natural healing force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well, said Greek physician Hippocrates. The World Health Organisation has estimated that 65% to 80% of the world’s population use holistic or complementary medicine as their main source of healthcare.”

Driving this new philosophy of yachting is the Experiential Yachting Forum, which is making its debut at Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) for 2023.

Discover a New Type of Yachting Life at DIBS

As the biggest and best boat show in the Middle East, DIBS 2023 will be host to the 2nd Experiential Yachting Forum. Over the course of two days the forum, which was designed to elevate human potential through yachting, will address topics such as holistic yachting, preventative health care and multifunctional superyachts.

Taking place on the 2-3 March, speakers, partners and privileged guests come together to share knowledge, expand networks and collaborate on the future of yachting, the opportunities presented by the lifestyle and how it can beneficially impact people’s lives.

“This forum was created with a mission to elevate human potential through yachting and to change the perception of yachting by identifying a new niche for multifunctional superyachts,” said Maria Alekseenko Magan, the founder of Experiential Yachting.

Bringing together yacht owners and leading players from the industry as well as world-renowned luxury brands, medical centres, government authorities and asset management companies, the forum presents an exciting, unadulterated opportunity to rediscover life onboard a yacht.

Find out more about the work The Experiential Yachting Forum is undertaking and to take part, sign up here.

This year the is 29th edition of the largest and most exciting marine and lifestyle show and 2023 is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Here’s why the event on 1-5 March will make waves across the industry.

Coming up for 2023

Dubai International Boat Show 2023 is set to make a huge splash with visitors and exhibitors, building on the successes of 2022, when there were over 800 boat show exhibitors and brands in attendance; AED 1.5 billion worth of super yachts and boats on display; 30 global and regional launches, and 30,000 visitors.

Bring the family fun for all the family can be found at the dedicated watersports zone. Try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding, and SUP What’s even better, all the fun is included in your ticket price.

Take some time out to see what the glorious Marina at Dubai Harbour has to offer. On-the-water displays take place throughout each day of the Dubai International Boat Show, showcasing the latest vessel designs, advancements, marine equipment and more on the Marina’s glittering waters.

Watersport thrills

For lovers of playing in the ocean, there will be a wide range of watersport equipment from jet skis, fly boards, kite surfing and more. Be wowed as talented artists come to show us their incredible skills throughout the weekend.

The sea dream

Stock up at the Equipment, Supplies and Services exhibition which brings together over 800 specialised brands looking to wow you with their latest creations, innovations and technologies.

Find all the marine essentials and specialised equipment needed to keep your boat afloat – ranging from satellite navigational systems to anchors, deck fixtures and engines. ESS caters to both consumers and trader buyers; welcome to the biggest marine equipment event in the Middle East.

Dive into luxury

Take a stroll down Superyacht Avenue, where you can marvel at the breathtaking arrivals of the world’s most exclusive yachts book tours to look around them and more. You will find all the leading marques of the yachting world here, with Princess, Gulf Craft, Feadship and San Lorenzo amongst the spectacular line-up, all supported by SYBASS (the world’s Superyacht Building Association).

To onboard the marine aesthetic, our VIP guests should check out Seaspiration, the show’s invite-only in-house art gallery. Here we present internationally renowned artists and sculptors who bring their sea-inspired pieces perfect for adorning the interiors of your home, whether on land or sea.

Underwater life

Located within the Dubai International Boat Show, Dive MENA Expo is the only dedicated exhibition show for the UAE and GCC diving communities. Catering to both professional divers and enthusiasts Dive MENA offers educational activities for children and beginners, as well as interactive and live presentations from industry leaders and experts.

Going pro? You can gain access to the demonstrations, discover the latest equipment and network with industry leaders and the wider diving community.

Catch of the year

Whether it’s just for fun or serious angling, the fishing village offers the newest technology in fly fishing as well as the Dubai Fishing Competition – everyone is invited to join and here amateurs and professionals can compete side by side in a bid to be awarded the title of ‘Region’s finest angler.’

The Ultimate Destination

Offering berths for superyachts of up to 160 metres, and with 700 berths in total, Dubai Harbour Marina is the largest in the region. With independent fuel pumps, a helipad, crew facilities, a mix of restaurants and plenty more to offer, the world-class marina is a world of luxury; a unique waterfront neighbourhood is nestled between the city’s most-loved landmarks, beautiful beaches and world-famous attractions.

Welcome to Dubai

Pair your visit to the Dubai International Boat Show with a tour around the scenic, surroundings of Dubai that offer a myriad of experiences, sights, and shopping opportunities!

The buzzing metropolis of Dubai is the perfect backdrop to the festive atmosphere around the show and the displays that offer a unique experience for all ages. With the world’s boating communities meeting here to celebrate life on the ocean, why would you want to be anywhere else?

The largest marine equipment event in the Middle East, Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) welcomes visitors from the furthest reaches of the globe. Our five-day trade show plays host to exhibitors, trade buyers, and consumers hailing from Australasia, America, and everywhere in between. It is the ultimate forum for companies and suppliers to meet and mingle with the yachting world’s biggest players.

The potential for forging fruitful long-term business relationships at this unique event is an opportunity that can’t be missed. With the who’s who of the world’s yachting industry descending on Dubai, why would you be networking anywhere else?

Marine Equipment, from Everyday to Blow You Away

The Equipment, Supplies, and Services (ESS) trade show showcases the finest wares tailored to every practical or fanciful need of the maritime industry. Visitors can browse anything from mechanical marine hardware to advanced onboard electrical safety systems. On display will be ranges of impeccably designed interior fixtures and fittings, whole arrays of marine leisure equipment, and sophisticated navigation and communication technologies, all available for buyers to peruse.

With over 27,000 maritime companies operating in Dubai alone, navigating the sheer number of exhibits this event hosts may seem daunting. Forward planning goes a long way in ensuring businesses and customers can make the right connections, and the Business Matchmaking facility at DIBS ESS provides exactly that.

The Latest Software Helping Businesses Bond

The DIBS matchmaking programme links exhibitors with the companies, consumers, and suppliers best situated to fulfil their needs or make use of their services. Specialist technology analyses each attendee’s interests and wants, and then suggests industry connections that would be most advantageous to each party, creating beneficial business relationships that neither party would have thought to make.

Weeks before the in-person event begins, participating businesses and customers can begin networking with other attendees on the platform. This early visibility makes other brands and clients with interests in your services aware of your presence at the event ahead of time Once aware, they can plan to meet with you accordingly. Time at the event itself can thus be optimally used for forging personal and business links with the parties best suited to collaborate with you.

Schedule Virtual or In-Person Meetings

Through our business matchmaking platform, sitting and arranging the meetings that offer the best value is simplified. You can browse attendees of interest, businesses and exhibits from the comfort of your own phone. With live schedules available, finding and fitting in everyone you want to see is a streamlined process. This means more connections, better engagement and an efficient way to manage your own time. 

You can arrange meetings in person, or virtually. This seamless, innovative approach puts your time into your hands.

Speaking about making connection at last year’s event, exhibitor Marek Landa, CEO of Crystal Caviar, said: “The Dubai International Boat Show is one of the most important events on our calendar each year owing to the fact that it brings industry professionals from around the globe under one roof. We’ve sold out of all the pieces that we had brought with us and had some fruitful conversations over the past five days that we will be taking forward post the show.”To become an exhibitor and participate in the most high-profile maritime event in the region, just fill in the form here to book a stand.

As we sail towards a greener future, many of the world’s industries look towards more sustainable practices and the yachting industry is no different. This year, Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) will again be pushing the boundaries and promoting the advancements and innovations that will shape the future of yachting. From emission-reducing propulsion systems to advanced weather-routing navigation, together, we can lessen our impact on the environment.

Before fossil fuels, ships travelled the world with wind and whilst some yachts still sport rigging and sails, many use diesel motors and generators. Out in the ocean, the wind, the sun and the sea can all provide cleaner energy, and with hybrid systems, a more sustainable approach is possible.

What is a Hybrid System?

During the last 20 years, the advances in lithium-ion battery technology has seen many combustion-powered vehicles and vessels switch to hybrid, or even purely electric drive.

For yachting, a significant breakthrough was realised in 2015, when e-Motion, after nearly a decade of research and development, installed a hybrid system onboard a 31metre Sanlorenzo. Combining diesel and electric, the yacht’s propulsion system could switch seamlessly between electric and diesel power.

As with hybrid cars, the system works using batteries to power the yacht’s motors and generators when the supply is switched. Combining a hybrid battery and combustion engine improves efficiency, boosts power and reduces emissions.

James Roy, Managing Director of industry specialists Lateral Naval Architects, said in a 2021 interview: “Clients are already asking us to engineer, design and build yachts which can ‘leave no trace.’ Perhaps even operate in a way that leaves a positive impact on the environment. There is a real opportunity here for our industry to be at the forefront of future tech development and lead the way.”

What are the Benefits of a Hybrid System?

With the use of a hybrid system, the yacht sees a reduction in fuel consumption of around 30%. The trickledown effect of this reduction in fuel usage, however, brings around further advantages. By switching to electric, the vessels Co2 emissions are greatly reduced, as well as exhaust fumes which contribute to water pollution. By taking strain off the combustion engine, the overall life expectancy of the motor increases.

Aside from the propulsion of the yacht, hybrid systems also help maintain the power for the ‘hotel’ load of the vessel. With less noise, vibrations and fumes usually produced by the onboard generators, time on the yacht is a much more tranquil experience.

Green Energy

Out on the ocean, with the sun beaming down on the deck, solar panels assist in the charging of the batteries. Thanks to the advancements in battery technology, some yachts boast batteries that can hold a million watts of electricity. Taking charge from the running of the diesel engine as well as the sun and even wind, lithium-ion batteries provide greater efficiency whilst vastly reducing the environmental impact of the vessel.

Sustainability in Energy Maintenance & Operation

Ship builders are continually looking for more efficient practices in the construction of their boats. Improving efficiency on the water helps take the strain away from the combustion engines. Optimising the ship’s ballast ensures that the engines are running at maximum efficiency. Likewise, keeping the hull well maintained, glossed and free of growth improves the vessel’s ability in the water by reducing friction.

Weather routing, auto pilot and auto steering can also maximise the efficiency of the yacht. Finding the quickest and safest routes, maintaining speed and capitalising on overnight cruising, fuel consumption is again reduced.

At this year’s Dubai International Boat Show you can explore, learn and see the innovations and technologies that are shaping the future of the industry. From inspirational speakers to tech displays and superyacht tours, we offer unprecedented access to the industry, the lifestyle and the benefits to be found in a life on the ocean.

See sustainable yachting in action down at the dockside, where you can take tours of some of the latest yachting innovations put to work, onboard of some of the world’s most advanced yachts and superyachts.

Register your interest here.

The metaverse is revolutionising how we communicate, as we live, play, and work in a new virtual environment, which has become an umbrella that encapsulates many digital advancements, cryptocurrencies and NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens). These digital currencies and artifacts hold real world value that the maritime industry can benefit from.

So, how does a 3D virtual universe incorporate yachting, or more importantly, how can the yachting industry incorporate the metaverse?

Design and Development

Incorporating CAD design into a virtual world and using variables to recreate conditions at sea, superyachts can be designed and sailed, without ever picking up a pencil, screwdriver or even touching water. Virtual reality offers a safe space to build and test developments.

From the conceptualisation to the creation, augmented reality gives yacht builders an immersive, to-scale showroom, in which they can see how a design will look and feel when it is brought to life. Not only that, but they can set sail on a virtual sea with variable conditions putting the ship through its paces and optimising efficiency, aesthetics and functionality.

For prospective clients, regardless of their location, seeing your vision before construction has even begun, can be a huge benefit. A handful of yacht builders have incorporated VR into every step of their process, updating clients at each stage of the build with the immersive technology.

The Virtual Boardroom

With sustainability high on everyone’s agenda, the metaverse offers a solution in bringing people together.

For yachts, this could mean seafarers can meet virtually before they travel together, and once onboard, can host important meetings from the middle of the ocean, attending events sat on deck or visiting any corner of the globe, or even the universe, from the comfort of your cabin.

Holding such activities in this way can be greatly beneficial to the environment, reducing the carbon footprint of bringing people together by traditional means.

NFTs & Project Metaverse

Despite the 2022 crypotcrash, NFTs are by no means lost at sea. A non-fungible token is essentially a digital asset. They are traded on the blockchain, which is essentially the Fort Knox of the digital world and have accrued some hefty price tags.

For the maritime industry, NFTs and blockchain provide an exciting new technology that has been adapted to provide efficient tracking for the 90% of goods transportation that’s seaborne.

Seeing the digital assets for business as well as pleasure, digital yacht builders are drafting in some of the world’s most renowned yacht builders and designers to create a series of NFT collections, featuring some truly extravagant digital superyachts.

The ultimate VR superyacht comes in the (virtual) form of Project Metaverse. Designed by Gregory C Marshall, Project Metaverse is a 63-metre superyacht NFT with a price tag of $95,000,000. If the NFT sells, it will become the most expensive NFT ever sold, but will also see the design become a real-world asset.

With the world’s leading yachting industry players descending on Dubai for this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, you can expect to see some of the latest technologies and developments amongst our fantastic line up of designers, speakers, fin and blue tech companies and perhaps even grab your chance to explore the metaverse.

For more information and to book your place, follow this link.

Technological advances are both the bane and the antidote for yacht owners trying to shore up their private security. Data and privacy breaches are among the most common problems faced as the yachting and boating industry’s oldest enemy, the pirate, has also taken heed of the technological advancements, leading yacht owners to increasingly add security to their wish lists.

Privacy, Piracy and Prevention

Your privacy is everything when enjoying a yachting excursion. The media can be relentless in their efforts to peer into the private lives of even the business world.

Modern approaches to this infringement include the use of drones to locate and on occasion intrude on yacht owners and guests.

The solution, anti-drone protection. Detecting the use location of drones and their pilots for up to 20 kilometres, these systems can facilitate an electronic exclusion zone of up to a radius of 500 metres, in which signals are blocked. Some systems, such as the Sparrowhawk can be automated, detecting commercial drones, capturing and recovering them intact.

Modern Piracy & Prevention

Disregard the eyepatch and wooden leg of fiction; the modern-day pirate comes in much more sinister forms. Modern piracy has made use of advanced technology and requires technological solutions.

The more technology added to a yacht, the greater the risk of hacking. Connectivity is a two-way shipping channel, and where weaknesses are found, you will also find criminals looking to exploit them.

Hacking into a yacht’s computer system can go as far as the ability to control the vessel, if not, render it dead in the water. Anti-hacking measures are therefore essential to any advanced computer system. Much like your home computer or laptop, where anti-virus software prevents, alerts and deters hackers, yachting security systems require software, as well as hardware.

Hardware could consist of anything from security sensors, Underwater Sonar Detection, cloaking systems which disperse smoke in an emergency, safe rooms and escape pods and even remote surveillance such as robots or drones. LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device), an anti-piracy, non-lethal device can beam high-pitched sounds towards pirates, causing significant, although temporary pain to the attackers.

Ed Hill, Managing Director of security specialists, Intrepid Risk Management, said of the matter: “We can now install a complete security system that gives the owner the ability to monitor and control the security of the yacht in real time from a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Similarly, once on board the yacht, the owner can monitor his/her other assets such as property, staff/employees, family members, jets and cars. This is all executed flawlessly via 3G, 4G, GSM or satellite link, which simply wouldn’t have been possible 20 years ago.”

Navigation & Security

Safe passage is a vital element of yacht security. Advancements in navigation, tracking and global positioning have meant radical changes in the way we move around the world’s waters.

With Starlink providing round-the-globe internet access, connectivity is possible even in the farthest corners of the planet. Through a combination of GPS satellites, satellite internet connectivity and a modern navigation system, you can sail around and away from disruptive weather, access systems and IT support as well as ensuring your cybersecurity is up-to-date and working around the clock.

At Dubai International Boat Show you will find all the latest in technological innovations for security, safety and solving many, many other conundrums and dilemmas found with life on the sea. Hosted by myriad of exhibitors and industry speakers, our goal is to bring the world’s yachting community together, to share experiences and knowledge, for the benefit of all.

To find out more and book your place at the show, click here.

One of the biggest challenges in the shipping industry is a rise in operational costs. Soaring prices can be attributed to unpredictable oil pricing, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, the demand for shipping seems to be exceeding the capacity to meet it, which only compounds all of the aforementioned issues. Addressing these problems will require innovative and sustainable long-term solutions, with wingsail technology leading the charge. This technological advancement will enable maritime professionals to both protect their bottom lines and reduce the overall environmental impact of their operations..

What Makes Wingsail Technology Sustainable?

Harnessing the power of the wind is a time-honoured tradition in the shipping industry. Technological advancements over the past 150 years have shifted the industry away from this renewable and clean natural resource, but it is making a comeback.

Wind energy is widely available and easily accessible. However, taking advantage of it and using it efficiently requires special equipment. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not require investing in brand-new engines or a complete vessel overhaul. Instead, wingsails can be retrofitted onto existing vessels, making the transition less of a hindrance and more of a practical and cost-efficient decision. This transition is further facilitated by a relatively quick installation time (a few days for smaller rigs to a few short weeks for larger setups).

Wingsails can also be integrated into marine solar systems to further reduce a vessel or fleet’s carbon footprint. This is a significant boon for companies that wish to curb their emissions and lower their total cost of ownership.

Further Benefits Of Wingsail Technology

Similar in design and function as an aeroplane wing, a wingsail works by improving lift-to-drag ratio and making a vessel more aerodynamic. This allows the vessel to move slightly faster and experience less overall resistance from wind and water. This in turn improves fuel economy by lowering the amount of fuel required to move a vessel and allowing the vessel to travel further on its fuel reserves. A feasibility study carried out by the Maritime Technology Department of the University of Malaysia in 2010 demonstrated that solar-assisted wingsail technology can reduce annual operational costs and power consumption by up to 20%.

An industry that relies on tight schedules and predictability cannot depend on fossil fuels forever. Unpredictable fluctuations in the pricing of fossil fuels make it both a costly and unsustainable long-term resource. Wingsails reduce the reliance of maritime vessels on this increasingly expensive resource, making the technology a dependable supplement to already existing solutions.

Another important aspect of this technology is that it allows ships to utilise the previously mentioned benefits while also conforming to international maritime regulations and standards, such as those set out by the International Maritime Organisation (a specialised agency under the United Nations). One of the most pertinent pieces of legislation passed by the IMO has been MARPOL 73/78 (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978), which governs maritime pollution and sets out fines for entities that break with the standards set out by the convention. Lower pollution levels lead to lower fines and thus a lower total cost of ownership.

Boat Equipment With A Promising Future

Wingsail technology has a promising future. From improving fuel economy to reducing long-term reliance on fossil fuels, it has firmly cemented its role as an essential component of boat equipment in the years to come.

The Dubai International Boat Show is one of the most popular trade shows in the industry. Attend this year’s event to learn more about advances in wingsail technology and the future of boating.