DIBS 2020 builds on anticipation for Expo 2020 Dubai

Dubai - The opening of the Dubai Harbour will take the maritime industry in the region to new heights, experts said.

The 28th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS 2020) will open its doors at its new location at the Dubai Harbour on March 10-14, with more than 800 companies and brands from 44 countries participating under the theme 'Loving What's to Come'.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, organisers of the show and maritime experts noted that the event is building on the anticipation of the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai event, and is a chance for Dubai to reinforce its position as one of the world's leading maritime hub. The show will feature eight global and 20 regional launches across a fleet of more than 450 boats and watercrafts, including leisure crafts, sailing and fishing boats, and new-to-market aquatic gadgets such as aqua bikes, personal submarines, and electric surf boards.
Trixie LohMirmand, SVP of Events Management at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organisers of DIBS 2020, looked back at the previous editions of the show, which opened at various locations including the Dubai Canal, and said that there was notable excitement about the show opening for the first time at the Dubai Harbour.
"Every location presents its own set of challenges but we are extremely excited about the show this year because of its new location at the Dubai Harbour, and because the next edition will be during the Expo 2020 event," she said. "DIBS is more than just a boat show; it has always been symbolic of the growth of Dubai, and we are looking forward to showcasing the innovation in the maritime industry, which we feel is in line with the theme of Expo 2020 Dubai."
Saeed Hareb, secretary general of the Dubai Sports Council and senior advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show, also spoke about the rich heritage of the maritime sector in the UAE and how the Dubai Harbour would play a key role in the future of the maritime industry in the region. "This edition of the show is special because we are dropping anchor back where we started; this is the Dubai that people believe in. Currently, there are challenges in the industry, but we have always been happy with the results that we have received during the show. The show attracts buyers not only from the GCC, but also from Africa, North America, and Europe. With the opening of the Dubai Harbour, we can only expect the maritime industry in the region to go to new heights."
Managed by Meraas, Dubai Harbour will be the Middle East's foremost all-in-one luxury maritime destination upon completion. The exclusive Dubai Harbour Marina will be the most sophisticated marina of its kind in the Middle East. It will ultimately hold 1,100-berths - the greatest berth mix in the world for yachts up to 160 metres in length - supporting a superyacht industry which has seen reassuring growth over the past decade, and which is estimated to reach a value between $28 billion to $30 billion by 2022.
The Dubai International Boat Show 2020 is also set to host its most impressive iteration of the Superyacht Avenue to date. Organised with the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), it will feature members such as Benetti, CRN Yachts, Feadship, Fincantieri, Heesen, Lurssen, Oceanco, and Sanlorenzo, as well as leading boat manufacturers and retailers, including Al Rubban Marine, AMIT, Azimut, Cranchi Yachts, Gulf Craft, Ferretti, IMG Boats, Ocean 360, Princess Yachts, Sunreef Yachts, and Vikal Boats.
The show will also feature the debut of the Yachty STEAMathalon competition, which will challenge UAE students to build AI-powered vessels that can autonomously navigate a course. Other Dubai International Boat Show competitions include the Fly Board and Freestyle Championship for waterjet mid-air acrobatics; and the Dubai Fishing Competition Finale, where fishing enthusiasts will battle it out to land cash prizes.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com