Dubai International Boat Show 2025

Innovation, Elegance, and the Rising Tide of the UAE Yachting Scene

The 2025 Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) marked a major leap for the Middle East’s premier maritime event. Held at the dynamic Dubai Harbour, the 31st edition drew more than 1,000 exhibiting brands and an estimated 33,000 visitors from over 60 countries. It was a show defined by scale, innovation, and a distinctly cosmopolitan luxury ethos, hallmarks that have come to define Dubai as a rising superpower in the global yachting sector.

From the moment guests arrived, navigating the high-traffic energy that spilled out from the harbor into the city’s elegant avenues, DIBS 2025 transcended its role as a trade exhibition, becoming a reflection of Dubai’s evolving identity as a luxury yachting capital. The show opened under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, second deputy ruler of Dubai, who reaffirmed the Emirate’s commitment to becoming a global hub for the maritime industry.

Dubai Harbour, A Purpose-Built Stage for Nautical Grandeur

Set against the futuristic skyline of Dubai Marina and the striking Ain Dubai observation wheel, Dubai Harbour offered an ideal canvas for the weeklong spectacle. The event’s format followed a curated one-way route that began in the main exhibition tent where investment, design, and marine tech brands intersected before opening into a lively scene of gourmet venues, water toys, supercars, and, ultimately, the superyacht marina itself.

With all major shipyards represented, from Lürssen and Feadship to Benetti, Sanlorenzo, The Italian Sea Group, and Oceanco, DIBS 2025 confirmed its role as an essential stop on the international yachting calendar. Amid the array of standout debuts, several brands captured particular attention.

Among the highlights, Sunreef Yachts unveiled the ULTIMA 55, drawing significant attention as a first look at its ultramodern catamaran line. Also presented were two of its flagship electric catamarans, the 80 Sunreef Power Eco “Athena Too” and the 80 Sunreef Power “Red Azalea,” showcasing the brand’s continued leadership in sustainable multihull design. Sunreef also announced the sale of five units during the show, including models from the ULTIMA and Sunreef 60 lines.

Gulf Craft, a long-time anchor of the region’s yachting identity, launched eight new models and revealed the first sale of its new Majesty 145, a superyacht designed in partnership with Cristiano Gatto. The model blends Gulf Craft’s regional sensibility with a level of craftsmanship and spatial luxury that positions it as a viable contender in the global 50m+ category.

The Italian Sea Group made an impression with two standout units of the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63, whose aggressive automotive-inspired lines continue to attract collectors, and the Evo120, a study in Italian elegance and performance.

On opening day, Oceanco introduced its new 101-meter concept, LILY, under the “Beyond Custom” initiative, hinting at future directions in bespoke design. Meanwhile, Lürssen used the show to exhibit models from a record-breaking year, including the 138.8m LUMINANCE, 122m KISMET, and the newly delivered 142m DRAGONFLY. A compelling display that reaffirms its leadership in the ultra-large segment.

Sustainability and Innovation Drive the New Nautical Code

This year’s show took place under the theme “The New Nautical Code: Innovation, Influence and Experience,” reflected in both the vessels on display and the conversations shaping the future of luxury yachting. The accompanying conference convened more than 300 industry leaders, focusing on green propulsion, AI integration, cyber-resilience, and advanced automation.

Sunreef co-founder Nicolas Lapp noted a shift in buyer interest toward fully sustainable vessels, with more clients opting for electric and hybrid solutions and even rethinking traditional hull configurations in favor of multihulls.

Across the show, exhibitors presented innovations in everything from lightweight composite materials to onboard digital ecosystems enhancing performance, comfort, and security. These themes are not just future-forward; they are now core expectations for next-generation owners.

True to its DNA, DIBS delivered much more. The Supercar Avenue featured rare hypercars from brands like Bugatti, Pagani, and Koenigsegg, with a combined value nearing $100 million. Visitors explored this showcase of cutting-edge engineering and design excellence while enjoying curated activations from partners like Nikki Beach Yacht Club, offering a seamless blend of fine dining, music, and harbor views.

Other attractions included daily watersports shows, the UAE Fishing Championship, and a significant presence from lifestyle and real estate brands, underscoring the multi-dimensional appeal of the modern yacht owner’s universe.

A Buoyant Market

Broker sentiment was optimistic throughout the week. With major sales confirmed by Sunreef, Gulf Craft, and several brokerage houses, the show demonstrated both transactional depth and broader interest from emerging buyer markets, particularly across the GCC and Southeast Asia.

Many shipyards reported a rise in first-time buyers and younger clients; clients increasingly drawn not only to the craftsmanship of the vessels but also to sustainability and integrated luxury experiences.

The launch of a dedicated brokerage section in 2025 proved fruitful, giving visibility to a robust pre-owned segment that continues to gain ground globally.

The 2025 Dubai International Boat Show reaffirmed Dubai’s expanding influence in the luxury maritime world. DIBS served as a living showcase of design, ambition, and cultural convergence. Its unique ability to merge ultra-high-net-worth clientele with cutting-edge innovation in a spectacular waterfront setting cements Dubai’s status as a serious contender among the world’s elite yacht shows.

While boarding the most exclusive yachts remained a challenge due to high demand, the event was well-organized and refreshingly easy to navigate. With the ever-growing skyline as its backdrop and a curated guest list of visionaries and tastemakers, DIBS 2025 elevated not only its own stature but the regional maritime industry at large.

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