At present, the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) is the largest and most significant yacht show in the Middle East
It might seem that the event is quite new – at least compared to such famous boat shows as the Cannes Yachting Festival or Monaco Yacht Show. However, it is the 31st edition of the DIBS in 2025, and the scale and significance of the event keep growing. Over 30 000 visitors are expected this year, and 200 + yachts and boats will be displayed on the water in the main marina of the region, the Dubai Harbour.
The Persian Gulf has been gaining traction as a hot spot for yachts recently. Both authorities and businesses not only in the UAE, but also Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have been investing actively in yachting infrastructure, turning this coast into a luxurious destination for yachts and their owners. And if you add a favorable business, financial and tax environment to it, as well as a unique geographical location, it is easy to see why this region is the future. It is a “gateway” to the Indian Ocean and Asia, with all their extraordinarily beautiful destinations that have not yet been explored by the vast majority of the yachting community.
Visit to the Dubai International Boat Show 2025
The Dubai International Boat Show 2025 opens on Wednesday, February 19 and lasts till the evening of Sunday, February 23. The working hours of the DIBS are rather non-standard: it opens to visitors in the second half of the day.
DIBS 2025 show times
- Wednesday and Thursday (19-20 February): 15:00 to 20:00
- Friday – Saturday (21-22 February): 15:00 to 21:00
- Sunday (23 February): 15:00 to 20:00
Compared to the Monaco Yacht Show, the Dubai boat show is quite affordable. The tickets range from 11 USD (for teenagers of 13 - 17) to 15 USD (for adults) per day. The ticket for five days costs 36 USD. You can buy your tickets online. Visiting the show with children is not prohibited, but even welcome.
In many cases the visit to the DIBS can be free. There is no admission fee for yacht owners, industry professionals, captains, certified divers and the press – you just have to register at https://www.boatshowdubai.com/.
How the Dubai International Boat Show 2025 is organised
To make it more convenient for the visitors, the show has been divided into several areas:
Superyacht Avenue – large superyachts
Marina Display – midsized yachts, cruisers, performance boats
Marine Equipment, Supplies and Services – equipment for yachts, technical and other services
Marine Luxury Lifestyle – all the attributes of a luxury lifestyle: clothes, accessories, real estate, vacations and a lot more
Supercar Avenue – expensive and rare cars
Dive MENA – diving area
At the DIBS 2025 there will also be a new area – Innovation Zone. It will showcase the latest and most technologically advanced solutions and yachting industry startups
What is there to see and do at the Dubai International Boat Show 2025?
Although there are usually not many world premieres at the Dubai show, as their peak is at the autumn shows in Europe, you can always see the freshest boats here.
There is also a wide range of large superyachts – both new and pre-owned offered for sale. It is not surprising, as the Persian gulf is a place of big money. This year among the participants of the show there are such giants as Lürssen, Oceanco, Sanlorenzo, Benetti, Baglietto, Heesen, Royal Huisman.
One of the newest superyachts that is worth looking at is the Sanlorenzo SX112 Daniela, built in 2024. The shipyard will also showcase the latest, 2025 units of the Sanlorenzo SD96 and Sanlorenzo SL90 Asymmetric.
In the centre of attention there will definitely be the “hosts” of the show, Gulf Craft, which is the largest yacht and boat manufacturer in the Middle East. It has several brands: Majesty, Nomad, Oryx, SilverCat и SilverCraft. Gulf Craft will exhibit 18 yachts and boats, 8 of which are new products, including the 32-metre Majesty 100 Terrace superyacht and the 30-metre Nomad 101 expedition yacht.
Among other participants of the show there will be shipyards from Italy (Ferretti, Wally, Mangusta, Maiora, Absolute and others) and Britain (Sunseeker, Princess, Pearl Yachts).
The car exposition named Supercar Avenue is not just an addition to yachts, but a large, traditionally important part of the Dubai International Boat Show. It showcases not only the most prestigious modern cars, but rare vintage exhibits, too.
The diving area is a popular spot at the DIBS, too. Here one can not only look at the stands, but also speak to experts in diving gear and dive tours. The area features a special pool, where one can test the newest equipment and train with professional instructors.
For those who are keen on water toys and boats and equipment for water sports, there is a lot to see here, too. A variety of boat shows takes place every day, and visitors to the exhibition can take part in numerous activities.
For those who just want to have a good time and relax, there are several VIP lounges. The Dubai International Boat Show has always demonstrated a highest level of service and hospitality, as well as a truly generous oriental scale.
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