The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2025 proved that the Emirate is a serious contender for global leadership in the yacht industry. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the event reaffirmed Dubai’s growing role in marine tourism, innovation, and yacht manufacturing.
With visitors and exhibitors from over 60 countries, DIBS was a truly international affair. And this year, the show’s ambitions came into even sharper focus with the launch of a brand-new Innovation Hub, a dedicated space that spotlighted eight of the industry’s most promising marine-tech startups and SMEs — sending a clear message: Dubai is not just showcasing boats, it’s investing in the future of boating.
Gulf Craft Sets the Pace with Eight World Premieres
When it comes to DIBS, Gulf Craft plays on home turf — and no one knows how to use that to their advantage quite like the UAE’s largest yacht builder. This year, the shipyard unveiled eight global premieres out of an impressive fleet of 18 yachts displayed at the show.
Among the standouts were:
- The Majesty 112 Terrace, Majesty 100 Terrace, and Majesty 65, all offering fresh interpretations of luxury and indoor-outdoor flow.
- A strong showing in the explorer yacht category, with five new Nomad Yachts, tailored for long-range adventures.
- Three new Oryx sport models: the Oryx 47 LX, 37 FX, and 32 FX, bringing power and versatility to the mid-size segment.
- The SilverCraft 35CC and 35CX, offering dayboat performance in a new form.
The Gulf Craft display wasn’t just large — it was dynamic, underlining the shipyard’s evolving product line and continued dominance in the region.
Sunreef Makes Waves with UAE-Built Premiere
Sunreef Yachts is rapidly becoming a regional powerhouse, especially after opening its UAE production facility in Ras Al Khaimah in 2022. At DIBS 2025, the brand made noise with the international debut of the Ultima 55 — the first model built at its new Middle East shipyard. This compact power catamaran targets a fast-growing segment of the market and drew strong attention from buyers and media alike.
Also on display were:
- The 80 Sunreef Power
- The solar-electric 80 Sunreef Power Eco
- Interior renderings of the futuristic Ultima 111, a 36.25-meter model set to push boundaries in design and sustainability.
Sunreef sold five yachts directly from its stand, including the Ultima 55 and a Sunreef 60, confirming rising demand in the Gulf for high-end catamarans.
European Elegance with Regional Firsts
Sanlorenzo, Azimut, Ferretti Group, and Mangusta each brought significant debuts to the region — highlighting Dubai’s growing importance not only as a sales hub but also as a showcase for strategic product launches.
- Sanlorenzo presented the SX112, SL90A, and SD96 for their Gulf premieres — emphasizing long-term relationship-building in the region.
- Ferretti Group made its Middle East debut with the Wally wallytender48, alongside the Riva Diva 82’ and Ferretti Yachts 860.
- Azimut brought an all-star Flybridge lineup with the Fly 53, Fly 58, Fly 68, and the innovative Seadeck S7.
- Mangusta showed off the striking Gransport 33.
- Vision GCC displayed Absolute Navetta 52 and Absolute 64 Fly.
- SF Yachts presented the futuristic Prestige X70.
- The Pardo 38 and Pardo 43 made their Middle East debut, drawing attention with their minimalistic Italian style and seaworthy performance.
- The Lamborghini 63, a bold crossover of automotive design and marine engineering, dazzled crowds and cameras with its sheer presence and specs.
A Greener Horizon and a Smarter Future
Sustainability was not just a buzzword at DIBS 2025 — it was a theme. Many exhibitors aligned their launches and technologies with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, showcasing eco-friendly propulsion, hybrid-electric systems, and recyclable materials. The Innovation Hub only strengthened this narrative, demonstrating that Dubai is committed to nurturing a smarter, cleaner future for yachting.
If there was ever any doubt that Dubai belongs in the same league as Monaco or Cannes in the boat show world, DIBS 2025 dispelled it. From serious shipyards and strategic sales to tech showcases and superyacht premieres, Dubai delivered across the board — and with unmistakable flair.
