Video: Highlights from the 2019 Dubai International Boat Show so far

By REBECCA BRADBURY 1 March 2019

The 2019 Dubai International Boat Show is now underway in the Dubai Canal on Jumeirah Street, showcasing hundreds of yachts, luxury lifestyle offerings and water toy innovations.

Bringing together the region’s biggest marine and lifestyle experiences, the Dubai International Boat Show is the largest and most established boat show in the UAE, GCC and Middle East. It is also one of the most popular events on the region's yachting calendar, alongside the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Thousands of show-goers are in Dubai, browsing the boardwalks, looking at luxury yachts and discovering the latest diving and aquatic innovations. Indeed, co-located with Dive MENA, the show is a must for boating enthusiasts as well as fans of water sports and scuba diving.

Proceedings got off to a spectacular start on Tuesday when the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, officially opened the event in a special ceremony.

He was then captured touring the red-carpeted boardwalks and the ‘Equipment, Supplies & Services’ and ‘Luxury Lifestyle’ tents, where a whole host of products and services are being exhibited.

Also standing out are the superyachts on display. The largest yacht currently being presented is the 49m/163ft superyacht ROCKET from Heesen and she is joined by the likes of ISA’s 47m/156ft luxury yacht AQUAMARINE and the 29m/91ft Dominator charter yacht HANAA.

yacht lined up for the Dubai International Boat Show 2019

Crown Prince of Dubai outside the Benetti exhibition at the Dubai International Boat Show

visitors stroll the red carpet boardwalk at the Dubai International Boat Show

UAE-based shipyard Gulf Craft has a strong turnout of yachts too, and models from Sunseeker, Azimut and Riva can also be seen glittering in the sunshine. Big-name shipyards, such as Feadship, Benetti and Oceanco, are also on hand, showcasing their latest projects and concepts.

Other highlights include a pop-up venue from hip beach club brand Nikki Beach, where live music and gourmet food and drink offerings are keeping visitors entertained. There are also a number of watersports competitions taking place, culminating with prize-giving ceremonies on Saturday.

The Dubai Boat Show will continue until Saturday 1 March, when it will run until 3pm to 9.30pm.

Big-name shipyards, such as Feadship, Benetti and Oceanco, are also on hand, showcasing their latest projects and concepts

Dubai is one of the few cities in the world which has an active Day Charter market where customers can rent a luxury yacht for the day to cruise around the city and coast. Unlike most areas in the world , except Australia, where charter yachts are not permitted to carry more than 12 guests whilst cruising, local UAE flagged yachts are permitted to carry more than 12 guests, this makes it an ideal way to see the Dubai skyline. 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.