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 2018Each 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.
Bilgin Yachts has revealed interior details of the 49.9-meter Camila, the second hull in its Bilgin 163 series, delivered in May 2024. The yacht was sold in 2023 to a U.S. client through FGI Yacht Group and Bilgin's commercial director Berkay Yılmaz.Unique Yacht Design developed the exterior, featuring extended deck spaces including a 21-meter sundeck and 12-meter bridge deck aft. Italian studio Hot Lab created the interior design, employing champagne, cream and pearl grey tones with wood, metal accents and Italian fabrics."The clean architectural volumes feature soft transitions between materials," said Hot Lab's Enrico Lumini. Notable elements include a full-height glass lobby partition, floating staircase, and sundeck skylight. The six-cabin layout includes a large beach club, with Bilgin claiming 20% more volume than comparable 48-meter yachts."Camila combines distinctive elegance with sportive exterior lines," said Yılmaz, noting the owner's active participation in the design process. No performance specifications or pricing details were disclosed. The first Bilgin 163 hull, Eternal Spark, was delivered in 2022.Bilgin Yachts is a boutique shipyard on the European side of Istanbul, building 50 to 120m luxury superyachts. It has been a family-run business for five generations since the early 1900s.Credits: Bilgin Yachts
July 7, 2025
VisionF Yachts has announced the near-completion of its new 14-meter Superfast 46 performance boat, capable of reaching 80 knots. The model will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 (September 9-14), with the first unit launching in coming weeks.The carbon fiber composite vessel features twin Mercury 450 HP Racing Sportmaster engines with Mercury's Active Trim system and Racing Revolution X propulsion. Its 3.7-meter beam and 0.47-meter draft combine with hydraulic steering and optional joystick controls for high-speed maneuverability.Technical specifications include 600-liter fuel capacity for approximately two hours of operation at maximum speed, Garmin 19" navigation displays, and a Fusion Apollo sound system. Safety systems comprise three bilge pumps and dual fire extinguishers.The Superfast 46 represents a new direction for VisionF, known primarily for luxury catamarans like its electric E-Cat series and aluminum models up to 47 meters. No pricing or delivery timelines beyond the Cannes presentation were disclosed. VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts
July 7, 2025
Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts has introduced its first superyacht, the 62-meter ketch-rigged Simena. The steel-carbon composite vessel will debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show (September 24-27) after completing sea trials.Designed to RINA Charter Class C standards, Simena ranks among the world's top 25 largest sailing yachts. Taka Yacht Design developed the exterior, while Design Unlimited created the interior blending classic and contemporary elements. The yacht features teak decks, mahogany joinery, and a hybrid propulsion system enabling silent electric operation up to 6 knots or 14.5-knot top speed with diesel assistance."Simena blends classic ketch elegance with cutting-edge technology," said Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Ares Yachts Projects Director. The yacht accommodates 12 guests and 9 crew, with a main-deck owner's suite and transatlantic range of 4,000 nm at 11 knots.Interior materials include walnut cabinetry, textured leathers, and marble-clad bathrooms. Northrop & Johnson holds the exclusive listing. Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
July 5, 2025
Columbus Yachts has started building its new 48-meter Crossover model at Palumbo Superyachts' Savona shipyard. The steel-hulled explorer with aluminum superstructures follows two previously sold Crossover units (42m and 47m), marking the shipyard's first self-financed project in this series.Designed by Hydro Tec, the vessel features an 8.6-meter beam and 2.75-meter draft, optimized for stability and long-range cruising. The exterior combines explorer-style proportions with a bulbous bow and streamlined stern for ocean-going capability. Key features include a multifunctional aft deck that can store a large tender or convert into a pool and lounge area.Accommodation includes six cabins for 12 guests, with the owner's suite on the upper deck and a VIP cabin on the main deck. The naval architecture was developed jointly by Hydro Tec and the shipyard's engineering team.No delivery date or price was disclosed. The Crossover series targets owners seeking a balance between expedition capability and contemporary yacht design.Founded in 2008 under Palumbo Superyachts, Columbus Yachts combines 50+ years of maritime expertise with modern yacht-building innovation. The brand gained recognition after launching its first 54m superyacht Prima in 2011 and later pioneering hybrid propulsion technology, earning RINA certification for its Sport Hybrid 40m.Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
June 30, 2025
The 34th Monaco Yacht Show will take place from September 24-27, 2025, featuring approximately 560 exhibitors across Port Hercule. The event will display 120 superyachts, including 50 new builds from 2025, alongside 60 luxury tenders.Organizers have introduced a new sustainability program developed with the Water Revolution Foundation, highlighting exhibitors advancing environmental initiatives. The show's thematic zones include the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub for new concepts, the Adventure Area showcasing over 40 luxury vehicles and water toys, and the upper deck lounge for luxury goods and services."The exhibitor list helps future owners identify key contacts for custom builds, refits, or charters within an exclusive, innovation-focused environment," said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.The current exhibitor roster includes shipyards, designers, equipment manufacturers, and luxury service providers. The list remains subject to updates through summer 2025.Credits: MYS
June 30, 2025