The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) will return to the UAE this year at its new location at Dubai Canal from February 27 to March 3.

DIBS is moving to the Dubai Canal in Jumeirah while major improvements are carried out as part of construction work for the new mega-marina project, Dubai Harbour.

The Dubai Canal is an ideal location for the region’s leading luxury yacht and sailing industry event. The 3.2-kilometres long waterway runs from the creek in Old Dubai, through Business Bay and into the Arabian Gulf. Since its opening in 2016, Dubai Canal has further established Dubai as a world-class maritime destination.



The move to the Dubai Canal is a temporary shift as construction gets under way at the new Dubai Harbour, designed to be the Middle East’s largest marina with some 1,400 berth spaces. Dubai Harbour will provide the UAE’s boating community with an expanded base that will inspire a new wave of owners to the region.

The new site has allowed organisers to create an event that aims to provide greater opportunities for partners and exhibitors to showcase all-new, breath-taking luxury superyachts, sailing boats, fishing vessels, water stunts and cutting-edge industry technology.

43-metre Majesty 135 will be exhibiting at DIBS 2018

Each year DIBS attracts more than 350 exhibitors and over 800 brands and companies from 60 countries. Of the thousands of  visitors to the event last year, nearly 40 percent expressed an interest in seeing new vessels, and almost a third were keen to have a fun day out with the family – the new location at Dubai Canal will support the display of new boats as well as interactive activities for adventurers of all ages.


72-metre Serenity built by Austal in 2017 will attend DIBS 2018

The Dubai Canal location provides unprecedented access to surrounding business and leisure hubs such as DIFC, DWTC and Business Bay, as well residential communities such as Downtown Dubai. Visitors to DIBS will have world-famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Frame just minutes away, and ample parking and transportation options at the event.

The move has already been met with enthusiastic support from stakeholders and exhibitors, with over 80 percent the event’s exhibition space already reserved by leading businesses and brands from all over the world. DIBS’ move to Dubai Canal has been made possible with the support of key partners DIMC, Meydan, Meraas and RTA – Marine Division and Dubai Maritime City Authority.


86-metre Chakra will also be attenting DIBS 2018

DIBS 2018 will highlight the emirate’s status as the world’s most exciting and glamorous leisure marine hub. One of the leading superyacht markets, 55 per cent of ultra-high net worth individuals in the Middle East are likely to own, or intend to buy, a superyacht.

The SYBAss Area will return to showcase the world’s leading superyacht builders including Amels, Feadship, Heesen, Lurssen, Oceanco and more. The Marina Display will bring UAE-grown favourites superyacht builder Gulf Craft as well as Art Marine representing Ferretti group and Riva. Princess Yachts, SF Yachts representing Montecarlo Yachts & Mondo Marine, Sunseeker and many more.

DIBS Outdoor Area will showcase local and international boat builders with boats up to 12 metres in length, proving once again that boat ownership is a dream that is accessible to everyone.

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