Dubai Marks 30th Anniversary Of Prestigious International Boat Show With Grand Opening

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Chairman of Dubai Airports, inaugurated the 30th anniversary edition of the Dubai International Boat Show today. This event, the largest and most established marine lifestyle show in the MENA region, is hosted by the Dubai World Trade Centre. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the significance of the show in marking Dubai's ascent as a global maritime destination and a crucial commercial hub.

During his address, Sheikh Ahmed emphasized Dubai's dedication to enhancing its maritime infrastructure and its ambition to become a centre of excellence for maritime services. This commitment aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to position the city among the top three global hubs for tourism and business.

The opening day saw Sheikh Ahmed touring the event at Dubai Harbour alongside notable figures such as H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority; and Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council.

The show has drawn attention from across the globe, featuring over 1,000 brands from 55 countries and showcasing more than 200 crafts on both water and land. Highlights from the first day included 46 launches with new yachts from renowned brands such as Behnemar, Sunseeker, and Azimut.

Sheikh Ahmed's tour included visits to Superyacht Avenue where he engaged with leaders from international sectors and UAE-based boat builders like Lürssen Yachts, Azimut, and Benetti. The tour also spotlighted Gulf Craft, a legacy partner of the show, presenting 11 vessels this year.

Moreover, Sheikh Ahmed interacted with various companies specializing in marine-based equipment, supplies, and services within the luxury lifestyle marine sector. Notable engagements included discussions with Carter & White and Al Yousuf Motors, the exclusive distributor of Yamaha in the UAE.

The Dubai International Boat Show is not just about showcasing yachts but also offers family-friendly activities. These include Hypercar Avenue featuring rare automobiles, a Watersports zone for adrenaline enthusiasts, a fishing competition, a kid’s area, Dive MENA area for diving enthusiasts, and a ‘Proudly UAE’ zone highlighting local maritime manufacturers.

A unique attraction at this year's event was the world’s first jet suit race at Dubai Harbour. Competitors from eight countries participated in this race using jet engines to navigate a predetermined course. Among them was UAE’s own Ahmed Al Shehhi.

This year's edition of the Dubai International Boat Show not only underscores Dubai's prominent position in the global maritime industry but also offers an extensive array of activities catering to both marine enthusiasts and families looking for entertainment. The event stands as a testament to Dubai's ongoing efforts to enhance its maritime infrastructure and services, contributing significantly to its economic agenda.

With inputs from WAM