Dubai boat show 2020 to be held at new Dubai Harbour marina

The upcoming annual Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the new Dubai Harbour marina this year, and will feature more than 800 companies and brands from 44 countries.

The five-day show, from March 10-14, will also see 28 regional and global launches across a fleet of more than 450 boats and watercrafts, including leisure crafts, sailing and fishing boats as well as aquatic gadgets and toys, including aqua bikes, personal submarines and electric surf boards.

“I’m delighted that the show has returned to its former home, on what was the Dubai International Marine Club site and is now the world-class Dubai Harbour facility,” said Saeed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council and senior advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show.

Set to open in October 2020, Dubai Harbour – managed by Meraas – will be the most advanced cruise terminal and the biggest marina in the region when complete, with 1,100 berths.

The Dubai Harbour marina can accommodate yachts up to 160 metres in length – supporting a superyacht industry which is estimated to reach a value of $28-30bn by 2022.

Also read: Dubai aims to become “global capital” for luxury yacht marinas

With 12.6 per cent of the world’s superyachts (more than 150 vessels over 40m) berthed in the Middle East, the Dubai boat show will again feature its Superyacht Avenue, which will house a range of existing and new-to-market luxury crafts from companies such as Benetti, CRN Yachts, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen, Lurssen, Oceanco and Sanlorenzo, as well as Al Rubban Marine, AMIT, Azimut, Cranchi Yachts, Gulf Craft, Ferretti, IMG Boats, Ocean 360, Princess Yachts, Sunreef Yachts and Vikal Boats.

Local yacht manufacturer Gulf Craft will also showcase its latest models and hold the regional launch of the Majesty 120, a 37-metre vessel built with fully electric auxiliary equipment.

“Dubai International Boat Show is one of the most important regional shows that play a key role in the international yachting sector,” said Abeer Alshaali, acting CEO, Gulf Craft. “This region has a great potential for growth within the marine industry, as Dubai continues to grow its leisure sector and as regulations advance to make the city more accessible than ever.”

The boat show will also competitions including the Yachty STEAMathalon – which will challenge UAE students to build AI-powered vessels that can autonomously navigate a course; the Fly Board and Freestyle championship for waterjet mid-air acrobatics; and the Dubai Fishing competition finale.

The event will also see the return of the Dive MENA Expo, which will feature presentations and content from local and international experts.