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Video: The 2019 Dubai International Boat Show draws to a close

By Katia Damborsky   4 March 2019

Showcasing a stellar fleet of yachts alongside a range of water accessories and luxury lifestyle offerings, the 2019 Dubai International Boat Show has closed its doors after a successful five-day event along the Dubai Canal on Jumeirah Street.

Shining the spotlight on the UAE’s growing superyacht and maritime sector, the 27th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show has provided another excellent experience for boating enthusiasts from around the globe.

Thousands of visitors were to able admire around 400 boats split between the marina and an on-land display area, and were treated to plenty of luxury goods exhibitors- including a dazzling supercar showcase.

Cementing the show’s reputation as the premier boating event in the UAE, GCC and Middle East, the Dubai International Boat Show (or DIBS) celebrated a variety of vessels, ranging from superyachts and tenders to fishing boats and state-of-the-art pleasure crafts.

The show was inaugurated on Tuesday with an official opening by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It then went out with a bang thanks to DJ sets and live music on Saturday night.

During the show, esteemed Dutch shipyard Oceanco generated quite a buzz when they unveiled their latest concept- a 105m expedition yacht named Esquel.

It was revealed at the show that the yacht will be a collaboration between Timur Bozca Design and Lateral Naval Architects, and she is being designed to explore far-flung destinations including Patagonia and Greenland. In addition, she will have the capacity to deploy two submarines and features accommodation for both a land vehicle and a helicopter.

Oceanco generated quite a buzz when they unveiled their latest concept- a 105m expedition yacht named Esquel.

As ever, this year’s edition of the show was a great way for attendees to explore what makes the UAE an up-and-coming superyacht hub, and the perfect destination for a yacht charter vacation.

Indeed, Dubai is one of the few destinations in the world where locally-flagged yachts are permitted to carry more than 12 guests while cruising, offering the ultimate experience for celebratory superyacht charters admiring the Dubai skyline. In addition, Dubai has a very active Day Charter market,  giving prospective clients a flexible way to explore the city and surrounding coastlines.

Holding the crown for the largest yacht on the line-up was Heesen’s 49m/163ft motor yacht ROCKET, a brand new member of the charter fleet. She was joined by ISA’s 47m/156ft luxury yacht AQUAMARINA and Dominator’s 29m/91ft charter yacht HANAA, another recent addition to the charter market.

As well as drawing attention to the burgeoning superyacht sector, the show was also held in close collaboration with Dive MENA. They organised an interactive dive pool in the middle of the show, and a dedicated diver’s corner with equipment and gadgets sure to delight the seasoned scuba pro.

Show-goers were also able to trial some of the cutting-edge water toys on display at DIBS 2019, including paddleboards, kayaks and underwater scooters. Alongside the watersports lagoon, there were also a number of thrilling competitions for show-attendees to enjoy, culminating in prize-giving ceremonies on Saturday.

The show was held in close collaboration with Dive MENA

Away from the excitement of the show, attendees were able to sit back and relax thanks to the triumphant return of the Nikki Beach pop-up event, bringing its signature flavour of hospitality back to the UAE for a second year running.

The Dubai International Boat Show will be back next year for the 2020 edition.

For more details on any of the yachts at the show, talk to your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, view all luxury yachts for charter in Dubai.

 
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