Dubai International Boat Show

The largest and most established event of its kind in the region, the Dubai International Boat Show is an enticing showcase of luxury yachts, supercars, and accessories from a selection of brands, along with the most up-to-date innovations in the marine industry.

Location: Dubai Harbour, United Arab Emirates

Event type: Public boat show and luxury lifestyle exhibition

Focus: Motor yacht charters, sailing yacht charters, marine innovation, luxury lifestyle

Audience: Yacht buyers, charter clients, industry professionals, and lifestyle enthusiasts

Best for: Discovering luxury yacht charters in the Middle East and new cruising routes in the Arabian Gulf

As the Middle East’s largest and most influential marine event, the Dubai International Boat Show delivers a polished blend of superyacht spectacle, cutting-edge innovation, and luxury lifestyle experiences.

Open to the public and welcoming more than 32,000 visitors annually, the show provides unrivalled access to the latest motor yacht charters, speedy tenders, and the latest watersports gear.

Set against the striking skyline of Dubai Harbour, the event offers a relaxed yet glamorous atmosphere where visitors can explore onboard layouts, meet shipyard representatives, and gain valuable insight into luxury yacht charters in the Middle East. From first-time charterers to seasoned yacht owners, the show caters to every level of interest.

The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) is designed around several distinct zones, each catering to unique aspects of maritime and luxury lifestyles. Boasting a seamless flow throughout, visitors to the show can enjoy each exhibit and explore more than 1,000 attending exhibitors and brands. 

The centrepiece of the show, Superyacht Avenue presents some of the largest and most impressive Dubai yacht charters on display. This area attracts serious buyers and charter clients seeking standout motor yachts with exceptional design, performance, and onboard amenities.

Stretching across Dubai Harbour’s modern pontoons, the marina display allows visitors to step aboard a wide range of motor yachts from some of the world's most esteemed builders, from compact cruisers to full-scale luxury charter yachts.

From nautical fashion and jewellery to bespoke interiors and lifestyle brands, these zones reflect the broader luxury ecosystem surrounding modern yacht ownership and chartering.

Centered on the diving community, this expo presents the latest underwater technology, equipment, and experiences, with contributions from professional divers and underwater photographers, making it an ideal spot in the show to gather ideas for future watersports yacht charters.

An insightful area of the Dubai International Boat Show, the Innovation Zone, run in partnership with Nautical Ventures, is a dedicated space to showcase innovative solutions and forthcoming products from groundbreaking startups to AI-powered navigation tools.

The Dubai International Boat Show plays a pivotal role in shaping demand for Dubai yacht charters by offering charter guests a hands-on introduction to yachts, crew concepts, and onboard experiences. Visitors can explore the differences between motor and sailing yacht charters, discover new watersports options, and learn how yachts are tailored for cruising across the Arabian Gulf.

For those planning extended Middle East yacht charter itineraries, the show also highlights emerging charter routes in Abu Dhabi and beyond, positioning Dubai as a gateway to luxury cruising throughout the Middle East.

Moving to the captivating Dubai Harbor in 2022, the Dubai International Boat Show boasts 1,100 berths for visiting yacht charters up to 524.9ft (160m). 

Annually welcoming a broad range of both local and international shipyards, the five-day event is an ideal opportunity to gain first-hand experiences of the latest luxury yachts hitting the market and enjoy the spectacular views that the iconic marina has to offer.

In addition to the gleaming selection of motor yachts around the pontoons, the Dubai International Boat Show invites visitors to experience all elements of the yachting lifestyle with a curated collection of features and activities designed to educate, inspire, and entertain.

Supercar Avenue
A headline attraction for many visitors, Supercar Avenue presents an eye-catching lineup of rare and high-performance vehicles from some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands. Positioned alongside the superyacht displays, this zone reinforces the show’s reputation for blending marine excellence with elite lifestyle culture, drawing collectors and enthusiasts alike.

With the Dubai International Boat Show set against the striking backdrop of Dubai Harbour, charter guests arriving for the event are perfectly placed to experience the city’s seamless blend of waterfront luxury, world-class dining, and iconic leisure attractions.

Many Dubai yacht charter itineraries begin or pass through this area, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the emirate before cruising further afield toward Abu Dhabi or the wider Arabian Gulf.

• Pierchic, Al Qasr - Set at the end of a private pier overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic is one of Dubai’s most romantic fine dining destinations. Specialising in refined seafood with Mediterranean influences, it’s a popular choice for a relaxed yet elegant evening following a day at the show.
• Ossiano, Atlantis The Palm - An immersive dining experience beneath the sea, Ossiano pairs haute cuisine with panoramic aquarium views. Frequently ranked among the world’s most exclusive restaurants, it appeals to charter guests seeking an unforgettable culinary highlight during their Dubai yacht charter.
• Nobu Dubai, Atlantis The Palm - A global favourite among the yachting crowd, Nobu Dubai blends contemporary Japanese cuisine with Arabian influences. The restaurant’s refined yet lively atmosphere makes it ideal for celebratory dinners during the show week.

• JBR Beach - A vibrant stretch of coastline close to Dubai Harbour, JBR Beach combines soft sands with a lively promenade of cafés, boutiques, and watersports. It’s an easy choice for family yacht charter guests seeking a casual beach experience without straying far from the marina.
• Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim) - Framed by views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, Sunset Beach offers a calmer atmosphere ideal for morning swims or evening strolls. Its open shoreline and clear waters make it popular with both locals and visiting yacht charter guests.
• Palm Jumeirah Beaches - Home to some of Dubai’s most prestigious resorts, the beaches along Palm Jumeirah provide a more exclusive setting. Private beach clubs and hotel spas here pair well with luxury yacht charters in the Middle East, offering a polished alternative to the city’s busier beachfronts.

A Dubai yacht charter allows charter guests to fully explore the superyacht center of the Arabian Gulf, and get a taste of everything the region has to offer. Shopping opportunities are second to none with The Dubai Mall, a perfect excursion to follow a relaxing day at Sunset Beach Dubai. Of course, a destination of this caliber has an enticing evening planned every night, with popular party hotspots including Nikki Beach and Bla Bla.

Can I step aboard yachts during the show?
Many exhibitors welcome visitors on board, though access to certain yachts may be by appointment or restricted to serious buyers and charter clients.

Is the Dubai International Boat Show suitable for families and first-time visitors?
Yes. The Dubai International Boat Show is designed for a broad audience and is welcoming to families and first-time attendees. Alongside yacht displays, the show features interactive zones, watersports demonstrations, lifestyle exhibits, and dining areas, making it an engaging experience even for those new to boating or luxury yacht charters.

Can attending the Dubai International Boat Show be combined with a wider Middle East yacht charter itinerary?
Yes. Many visitors pair the show with Dubai yacht charters or extend their journey along established charter routes in Abu Dhabi and the wider Arabian Gulf. The event provides an ideal starting point for exploring luxury yacht charters in the Middle East, with calm cruising grounds, modern marinas, and a growing selection of motor and sailing yacht charters available year-round.

Whether you’re inspired by the latest superyacht launches or planning your first luxury yacht charter in the Middle East, the Dubai International Boat Show is the perfect starting point. From short coastal escapes to extended charter routes in Abu Dhabi, a specialist charter broker can tailor an itinerary that reflects your preferences.

Contact your preferred yacht charter broker today to explore availability, yacht charter costs, and upcoming charter opportunities inspired by the Dubai International Boat Show.

Or for more inspiration before heading to the show, browse all luxury yacht charters on YachtCharterFleet, the biggest curated collection of yacht rentals.