Author: admin

• Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, and Ferretti Group among those with regional and international launches this week at Dubai Harbour as part of the Dubai International Boat Show 2024
• Finnmaster marks sale of its largest model on first day of show
• Influx of European visitors recognised by key exhibitors

---

Dubai, UAE – 29 February 2024: From the world’s largest wooden superyacht to spacious luxury catamarans,some of the most prominent global yacht brands have revealed their latest vessels at the Dubai International Boat Show 2024, the region’s largest and most established marine lifestyle show.

Running until March 3 at Dubai Harbour, the maritime showcase is welcoming visitors from Europe and Middle East with exhibitors citing an increase in Turkish, Russian, British, Saudi and Spanish buyers visiting their stands.

Displaying a host yachts, innovative designs, and luxurious features, further establishing the annual boat show as a must-attend event for both yacht enthusiasts and industry professionals. From sleek and stylish yachts to stunning catamarans, luxury boats and eye-catching hydrofoils, this year’s exhibition showcases outstanding design, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Here are just a few of the noteworthy launches, displays and sales from this year’s show, which is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre:

Finnmaster Boats
Marking a successful first day of show, Finnmaster Boats sold its largest model, the Grandezza 37CA, to Dubai Creek Marina. Citing a notable increase in trade visitors during day one, their team also highlighted an influx in Russian buyers at the show. The Grandezza 37 CA will be built to Gulf specifications offering a perfect blend of comfort and style while integrating weather resisting methodologies. Boasting two cabins, large exterior and interior lounges, and a galley, the pocket-yacht includes sustainable features that align with modern environmental standards.

Sirena Yachts
Sirena Yachts is also displaying its magnificent 26.81-metre Wish, a blend of luxury and performance that can reach speeds of up to 25 knots with space to accommodate 10 guests along with 4 crew members. Referencing a notable increase in Turkish and Spanish visitors on the show’s first day, Sirena Yachts remain optimistic about with a number of potential sales discussions had on day one.

Gulf Craft
UAE-based superyacht builder, Gulf Craft, is proudly showcasing 15 yachts, including the Nomad 101, Majesty 111, and its new Majesty 60. Making its global premiere, the stunning addition to its esteemed Majesty Yachts collection is an 18.5-metre new model incorporating cutting-edge design, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious amenities that redefine the standards of luxury yachting.

Ferretti Yachts
Italian shipyard, Ferretti Yachts, is giving Riva 82 Diva its MENA introduction this week in Dubai, seeing a number of European visitors viewing their latest offering. The 25.3-metre flybridge yacht features a range of design advancements that enhance both aesthetics and functionality, including high gunwales with painted composite segments instead of traditional steel handrails. Aside from its well-defined living areas, which include fold-down bulwarks that increase the yacht’s six-metre beam by an additional 50 per cent, the yacht also offers space for a jet tender of up to four metres in length.

Sunseeker
The world’s leading brand for luxury motor yachts, Sunseeker, is launching four – soon to be five – boats this week, including its 65 Sport Yacht, which measures 20.7m and can reach speeds of up to 35 knots, and its Manhattan 68 Pacific, ideal for summer distance cruising with a main deck that includes a large aft cockpit, galley, dining area, and saloon. Its Manhattan 55 meanwhile is designed to easily accommodate groups of families and friends keen to socialise, and the Sunseeker 88 Yacht, an award-winning vessel that can host eight guests with two twin cabins and a forward VIP complementing the owner’s stateroom. Sunseeker’s Superhawk 55 is also expected to be on display later this week and will be available for private viewings.

Azimut
Azimut S7 by Azimut is the latest addition to the S series and is a sport yacht with a sustainability focus. Coming in at 22-metres in length, the yacht seamlessly blends luxurious style with a strong commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard in luxury yachting. Guaranteeing the lowest fuel consumption possible, the Azimut S7 is fitted with automated interceptors that optimise the trim at every speed to maintain ideal hydrodynamics for both performance and efficiency. Meanwhile triple Pod propulsion combined with optimised water lines and carbon fibre, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by between 20 and 30 per cent in the main speed range.

Bush & Noble
Exclusively listed by Bush & Noble, the Wooden Yacht does exactly what it says on the hull: It is the world’s largest wooden superyacht and spans 50 metres. Featuring a classic wooden exterior that conjures memories of a traditional Arab dhow, the yacht’s wooden frame is complemented by its impressive interior layout and Italian furnishings, which create a relaxed, inviting, and modern environment. Sure to be one of the most popular boats on show this week, the unique project is showcased by the Bush and Noble Group, which Sunseeker Gulf is also part of.

SF Yachts
SF Yachts is similarly showcasing two stunning vessels: the Prestige M48 and the Riviera RCAT 50. The Prestige M48 is a 15m boat offering unparalleled freedom of movement and stability promising its occupants peaceful moments at sea. Designed to provide a seamless blend of comfort and performance, it boasts a cruising speed of 20 knots and ensures swift, smooth journeys. The Riviera RCAT 50 meanwhile, is a 15.4-metre luxury catamaran, is designed to maximise space and offers the roominess typically found in larger vessels. With a seating capacity for up to 10 people on the stern and a spacious balcony area at the front, it provides ample room for relaxation and entertainment.

Running until March 3, boat owners, captains, divers, and trade visitors can enjoy complimentary entry on registration, while individual tickets start from AED 60. Kids under 12 go free.

To purchase tickets for Dubai International Boat Show, please click here.

• Running until March 3, the MENA region’s largest and most established marine lifestyle show will unite the global nautical industry at Dubai Harbour
• Five-day anniversary show brings together more than 1,000 brands and 200-plus crafts from 55 countries – including major yacht launches
  

---

Dubai, UAE – 28^th February 2024: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Chairman of Dubai Airports today openedthe 30^th anniversary edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, the largest and most established marine lifestyle show in the MENA region, which is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum toured the five-day event at Dubai Harbour accompanied by numerous dignitaries, including His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General at Dubai Sports Council, and Senior Advisor to Dubai International Boat Show.

The Middle East’s premier marine lifestyle showpiece, which features more than 1000 brands from 55 countries, is attracting the global nautical industry in the emirate, with more than 200-plus crafts making up the water and land display. The first day of the show saw 46 launches including new yachts from Behnemar, Sunseeker and Azimut.

During the opening tour H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum visited the event’s iconic Superyacht Avenue, stopping to speak with various international sector leaders and several UAE-based boat builders, including Lürssen Yachts, Azimut and Benetti. The homegrown contingent on the VIP tour included Gulf Craft, the legacy Dubai International Boat Show partner, which is presenting 11 vessels at this year’s show.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum also stopped to engage with various local, regional and international companies specialising in marine-based equipment, supplies and services across the luxury lifestyle marine sector including Carter & White, as well as speaking with Al Yousuf Motors, the exclusive distributor of Yamaha in the UAE.

In addition to the impressive display on water and land, Dubai International Boat Show is home to an array of family-friendly activities for visitors to enjoy, including Hypercar Avenue, which is home to rare and exceptional automobiles, a Watersports zone featuring jet skis, fly boards, eFoils and more for adrenaline lovers, as well as a fishing competition and kid’s area. Visitors can also experience the dedicated Dive MENA area and ‘Proudly UAE’ zone, which spotlights manufacturers and products championing the UAE’s maritime diversity.

The world’s first ever jet suit race also took place at Dubai Harbour today, seeing competitors from eight countries, including the UAE’s Ahmed Al Shehhi race using jet engines to navigate a predetermined course.

Running from February 28 – March 3, boat owners, captains, divers, and trade visitors can enjoy complimentary entry on registration, while individual tickets start from AED 60. Kids under 12 go free.

To purchase tickets for Dubai International Boat Show, please click here.

• Middle East’s largest marine lifestyle show celebrates three decades of global seafaring success at iconic Dubai Harbour 
• His Excellency Saeed Hareb: “It has been incredible to witness the show’s growth and enduring power to unite the global maritime industry in Dubai”
  

---

Dubai, UAE – 26 February 2024: The highly anticipated 2024 Dubai International Boat Show, the region’s largest and most established marine lifestyle show, is embarking on its historic 30^th edition at the Dubai Harbour, planning to bring together the entire maritime community from enthusiasts to experts and everyone in between.

Taking place from 28^th February – 3^rd March, the nautical show is set to display an extensive array of international marine attractions from over 1,000 different brands, including 400 new companies, from leading yachting companies including Ferretti, Azimut, Sunreef and Cranchi Yachts. With 200-plus crafts expected to be berthed at the event, Dubai International Boat Show continues to underline its commitment to supporting leading superyacht manufacturers with nine Super Yacht Builders Association Members (SYBAss) in attendance.

Global launches and unique yachts

UAE-based super yacht builder Gulf Craft is set to present more than 10 vessels, ranging from leisure boats to award-winning super yachts, including a global first reveal.  

In addition to the impressive array of launches brought by leading yacht builders, the popular annual Dubai event promises to mesmerise visitors with events and activities that will take place across the five days.

Visitors can also enjoy the Hypercar Avenue, designed for car enthusiasts and collectors to see rare and exceptional automobiles at the show. The multi-million-dirham exhibition provides a unique glimpse into automotive magnificence, blending luxury with innovative design. Some of the rarest cars in the world will come together in one location including a Bugatti Chiron, McLaren Speedtail and Pagani Huayra.

Adrenaline lovers can get their fix of thrills at the Watersports area with a variety of displays including jet skiing and fly boarding, with professionals ready to demonstrate their talents.

Dubai’s International Marine Club holds the finale of its hotly contested fishing competition at the show, while mini maritime fans can enjoy the designated Kids’ Area with fun and educational activities themed around the love of the ocean, including face painting.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the show offers numerous culinary options catering to all cravings. Taste buds can be satisfied with an array of options from food trucks available ranging from refreshing poke bowls to savoury pizzas, with a selection of vegetarian and vegan offerings, as well as premium coffee for caffeine lovers.

A welcome return for 2024

This edition will once again, welcome the Nikki Beach Resort Lounge to wow visitors with its delectable and diverse menu of ocean inspired meals, healthy salads, creative sushi rolls, appetisers, and variety of refreshing cocktails, alongside a lively atmosphere with the renowned beach club’s resident DJs.  

‘Proudly UAE’ will celebrate local boatbuilders and supply companies while Dive MENA will showcase the cutting-edge underwater technology and equipment, and discuss and innovations in diving tech. It will entail an exciting agenda of entertaining activities such as underwater games, exciting scuba diving experiences, and fun water-based competitions, offering the only event of its kind for UAE and GCC diving communities, both professional and keen amateurs alike.

Both local visitors and international tourists will find something to enjoy at the Dubai International Boat Show. From boating enthusiasts to families seeking entertainment, or those appetite for marine-related activities, Dubai International Boat Show 2024 aims to create an inclusive and engaging environment that transcends expectations.

Visitors can purchase tickets here.

• Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference 2024 deep dives into cross-sectoral growth strategies as new-age eco-conscious consumers seek more holistic marine experiences
  

---

Dubai, UAE – 25 February 2024: The world’s mega-rich and well-heeled luxury consumers are taking to the ocean like never before, but luxury yacht builders and makers of high-end marine crafts should continue to prioritise their eco-credentials if they’re to ride the wave of a US$13 billion market.

Speakers at this week’s Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference agree that boatyards which prioritise sustainable manufacturing into yachts that are better for the environment will align with the values of the new-age eco-conscious yacht owner or even first-time buyer.

If they do so, expect to see plenty of e-boats and hybrid electric propulsion vessels in the coming years cruising beautiful marine tourism hotspots, including the Dubai Reef, launched in 2023, one of the world’s largest reef development projects, which will span 600sqm of pristine Dubai coastline.

Eric Althaus, Managing Partner and Senior Broker of Althaus Yachts, a broker of high-end yachts, said eco yachts are the perfect foil for today’s owners eager to reduce their environmental footprint: “The modern yacht owner, often younger, seeks global exploration and adventure in remote places,” said Althaus, who will sit on a panel about innovative marketing strategies in luxury yachting at the Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference, taking place on 27 February at the Westin Mina Seyahi.

“To align with these values, eco yachts are equipped with advanced features such as hybrid electric propulsion, sustainable materials, dynamic positioning, solar panels, and cutting-edge wastewater recovery systems, emphasising a commitment to environmental care during cruises.”

The annual Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference will act as the official curtain raiser for the Dubai International Boat Show, bringing more than 250 key industry leaders from across the globe to deep dive into topics including innovation, regulation, sustainability, and the future of the sector.

It arrives as yacht-brokerage firms reported record sales of superyachts in 2023, with Fortune Business Insights, a market-researcher, expecting the global luxury yacht market to nearly double in size over the next eight years, with annual revenues reaching US$13.6 billion by 2030.  

Dr. Mariem Nasraoui, R&D Director at ChromaMe Air & Surface Nano Tech, is another speaker on a panel exploring tech’s role in transforming the luxury yachting sector.  Dr. Nasraoui said tech is critical in advancing luxury yachting’s sustainability agenda.

“Innovations such as eco-friendly propulsion systems, lightweight materials, and energy-efficient technologies will help reduce the environmental footprint of yachting activities while maintaining high standards of luxury and performance,” said Dr. Nasraoui. 

“In the coming years, we can expect to see further integration of technology into luxury yachting, including advancements in areas such as autonomous navigation, renewable energy integration, and augmented reality experiences for passengers. These innovations will continue to enhance the overall yachting experience while addressing sustainability challenges and driving industry growth.”

An amazing orchestra of collaboration

Figen Ayan, Chief Port Officer of Galataport Istanbul and President of MedCruise – the largest port association globally representing over 150 ports from 22 countries – will sit on a panel of the Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference examining the Gulf region’s steep ascent as a capital of the yachting world.

This rising status is amplified by sustainable government initiatives propelling the region into global marine paradise, accentuated by the Arabian peninsula’s crown jewel, the Dubai Reef, the world’s largest artificial reef and a beacon of sustainability, attracting yachters and divers alike with a promise of eco-friendly cruising.

Ayan said the Dubai Reef is the result of an “amazing orchestra of collaboration” that invites visitors to dive into local culture and discover all aspects of a destination: “Especially post-pandemic, we clearly see in the marine tourism industry that travellers and Z generations are more eco-conscious, sustainable, and look for holistic experiences,” said Ayan. 

“The investments in ports, marinas or waterfronts are clearly following this trend and we see that the line between ports, berths and the hinterland is no longer separated and clear cut. Cities and communities are fully integrated, and the vision is fully inclusive where tourists, yacht owners and locals are brought together in a harmonious, inclusive space in a socially sustainable manner.”

Other speakers at the Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference include Abeer AlShaali, Deputy Managing Director of UAE boat manufacturer, Gulf Craft; Guillermo Canellas Vears, Head of Asset Management at NEOM; and Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance at the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism.

The one-day conference precedes the 30^th Dubai International Boat Show, gathering the marine leisure and tourism industry’s leading minds and protagonists of its future development to scrutinise the most critical topics steering sustainable sector growth.

Something for everyone – more than a boat show

The Dubai International Boat Show takes place from 28 February – 3 March at the Dubai Harbour, featuring more than 1,000 brands from 55 countries, 200-plus boats – including nearly 50 regional and global boat launches – along with a raft of exciting watersports activities, kids’ areas, a fishing competition, F&B, and live entertainment for the entire marine community and families to enjoy.

The five-day showpiece event is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, and is one of the world’s most prestigious marine lifestyle shows, connecting people and the ocean while showcasing the best of what Dubai offers to live, work, play, and visit.