World Luxury Chamber of Commerce speaks with David Hirst, Show Director of Dubai International Boat Show, about the event’s 32nd edition, Dubai’s evolving position in international yachting, changing expectations among luxury consumers and the opportunities connecting global yacht builders, marine businesses and the wider luxury industry with the Middle East.
World Luxury Chamber of Commerce: Dubai International Boat Show has developed over more than three decades into an established event on the international yachting calendar. What has been the key to building its reputation, and what distinguishes Dubai from other major boat show destinations?
David Hirst: Dubai International Boat Show has grown alongside Dubai itself. Over more than three decades, we have seen the emirate develop into an international destination for business, tourism and yachting, supported by significant investment in maritime infrastructure and the wider luxury and hospitality sectors.
What distinguishes DIBS is its ability to connect the international marine industry with the Middle East through a city that has developed substantial maritime infrastructure and services. According to figures released by the Dubai Maritime Authority in September 2026, Dubai is home to more than 14,000 maritime companies, 20 marinas offering 4,214 berths and over 8,400 registered marine craft.
Dubai Harbour is an important part of that proposition. It provides a waterfront setting capable of accommodating major superyachts, while Dubai’s international connectivity makes it accessible to owners, visitors and businesses from across the region and beyond.
What makes DIBS distinctive is the combination of a serious industry gathering and the wider experience of being in Dubai. Owners and industry professionals can explore new vessels, meet the businesses supporting the marine sector and build relationships, all within a city recognised internationally for its hospitality, design and luxury experiences.
WLCC: The 2026 edition welcomes leading international yacht builders alongside marine technology companies, suppliers and lifestyle businesses. How do you balance the needs of established industry professionals with those of a new generation discovering yachting?
DH: The strength of DIBS lies in the breadth of the marine industry it represents. For experienced yacht owners and industry professionals, the show is an opportunity to reconnect with shipyards, explore new products and technologies, and develop business relationships.
At the same time, we recognise that interest in boating and life on the water extends well beyond existing yacht owners. Some visitors may be considering their first boat purchase, while others are simply curious about yacht design, marine innovation or the experiences associated with the industry.
For 2026, the exhibitor line-up includes more than 100 boats and crafts on the water, including those from internationally recognised yacht builders such as Azimut, Benetti, Ferretti Group, Heesen Yachts, Lürssen, Sunreef, and Sunseeker, alongside UAE-based Gulf Craft. Their participation reflects the international and regional expertise represented at the show.
Beyond yacht building, companies including D-Marin, Drydocks World, Elcome, Yacht Controller and AMIT Group represent the technical capabilities and infrastructure supporting yacht ownership, while Carter & White highlights the connections between yachting, design and contemporary luxury.
We are also providing opportunities for industry discussion through Port of Call and two days of Coffee Talks hosted by the Leisure Marine Association.
Together, these elements help create a show that supports meaningful commercial engagement while welcoming visitors who are interested in discovering the marine lifestyle.
WLCC: Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a destination for yachting, luxury tourism and international investment. What role does Dubai International Boat Show play in supporting this development?
DH: A successful yachting destination requires much more than attractive cruising conditions. Owners need access to marinas, technical services, maintenance, yacht management, hospitality and the wider infrastructure that supports the ownership experience.
Dubai has invested in developing this ecosystem, and DIBS provides a platform to showcase the businesses and capabilities supporting it.
For international yacht builders and marine businesses, the opportunities extend well beyond vessel sales. Yacht ownership creates ongoing demand for marina services, maintenance, refit, technical support, yacht management and hospitality, connecting the marine industry with several other parts of Dubai’s economy.
DIBS brings these businesses together with owners, buyers and industry partners from the UAE and neighbouring markets. That creates opportunities for international companies to develop regional relationships, while giving established marine businesses a platform to showcase their expertise.
WLCC: Today’s yacht owners increasingly value personalisation, innovation and responsible solutions alongside craftsmanship and performance. Which changes in customer expectations are having the greatest influence on the industry?
DH: Personalisation remains an important part of the luxury yachting experience. Owners want vessels that reflect how they intend to spend their time on the water, whether that means entertaining, family cruising, longer voyages or more adventurous exploration.
Technology is also playing an increasingly significant role. Developments in onboard systems, connectivity, propulsion and energy management are influencing both the design of new yachts and the way existing vessels are operated.
At the same time, there is growing attention on efficiency and environmental performance. Shipyards and equipment manufacturers are exploring different approaches to reducing energy consumption and improving onboard systems, although the practical solutions vary considerably depending on vessel size, intended use and technical requirements.
For a show such as DIBS, this creates an opportunity to bring together the companies developing these technologies with the owners, captains and industry professionals who will ultimately use them.
The combination of traditional craftsmanship and technological development is one of the most interesting aspects of the industry’s evolution.
WLCC: International events are important platforms for business development and collaboration. How does DIBS help connect yacht builders, luxury brands, investors, owners and other decision-makers, and where do you see the greatest opportunities?
DH: The opportunities extend well beyond the sale of a yacht. Yacht ownership creates demand for a wide range of services, from maintenance, refit and marina operations to interior design, hospitality and personalised experiences.
For international businesses, DIBS offers an opportunity to understand the regional market, meet potential partners and develop relationships with the people who influence purchasing and investment decisions.
There are also natural connections between yachting and the wider luxury economy. A yacht is both a highly sophisticated piece of engineering and a personal space, so the ownership experience draws on expertise from design, craftsmanship, technology, hospitality and lifestyle services.
I think this is an area with considerable potential. Bringing these different businesses together can create opportunities for collaboration that might not emerge within their individual sectors.
Our role is to provide an environment where those conversations can begin and develop into longer-term relationships.
WLCC: This year’s move to November marks a new chapter for Dubai International Boat Show. What is the thinking behind the change, and how do you see the event developing over the next five years?
DH: Moving DIBS to November is an important step in the show’s development. It aligns the event more closely with the beginning of the Gulf’s boating season, creating an opportunity for the international marine industry to come together in Dubai at a relevant time in the regional calendar.
It also allows visitors to experience the show during a particularly appealing time of year for Dubai’s waterfront destinations and outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, I see an opportunity for DIBS to deepen its role as a meeting point for the international marine industry, while continuing to evolve alongside the needs of owners, buyers and participating businesses.
That means strengthening relationships with established shipyards, creating space for new technologies and specialist suppliers, and building stronger connections with related industries such as design, hospitality and luxury services.
Over the next five years, I would like to see DIBS recognised not only for the yachts it showcases, but also for the quality of the business relationships it supports and the contribution it makes to Dubai’s wider marine economy.
WLCC: Thank you, David.
Connect with David Hirst on LinkedIn and discover upcoming opportunities through the WLCC Events Hub.
Dubai International Boat Show 2026
25–29 November 2026 | Dubai Harbour
Official website: https://www.boatshowdubai.com
Book tickets here
