Dubai International Boat Show 2023 (DIBS) took place last month in the newly renovated Dubai Harbour, showcasing more than 1000 marine brands, 200 boats and watercraft. More than 30,000 ocean lovers and industry professionals attended to network, see the large selection of new vessels and attend industry-focused seminars and events.
The Islander’s Lucie Gardiner was there and brings back the latest news from the MENA region in her report.
Gulf Craft
Gulf Craft launched the 33.8m Majesty 111 at DIBS, a collaboration between Gulf Craft and the Netherlands-based Phantom Studio, replete with 15sqm owner’s suite & glass-bottomed plunge. Better fuel efficiency, use of recycled materials and emissions-reducing technologies are setting new sustainability benchmarks for the brand.
Mohamed Hussein Alshaali, Gulf Craft Chairman said, ”At Gulf Craft, we never shy away from out-of-the-box thinking. This innovative spirit inspired our growth from a builder of small fishing boats to one of the world’s leading yacht builders. The Majesty 111 is a nod to our legacy while reflecting a bold, forward-thinking stance. Our visitors can experience the future of yachting built with a clear focus on sustainability.”
European Custom Yacht Builders at DIBS
The Dubai show has also become an important destination for heritage custom European builders as capital continues to flood into the region. Although without its usual in-water displays, intimate lounges were created and became a hub for client activity, offering stylish and unique spaces for conversation, discovery and the showcasing of its newest concepts.
Oceanco debuted its floating sanctuary concept, ‘Aeolus’. The elegant and structurally efficient design struck a balance between feminine curves and masculine presence, and at the heart of her design is a reference to the J Class sailing yachts of the last century.
“Aeolus’s design sculpture is harmonious and borne of the function and flow envisaged for her future owner. Her curves do not make her overly feminine because there is a masculine quality to her bold, forthright architecture. Apart from the deck surfaces themselves, not one surface is flat or brutally geometric, which provides a unique aesthetic that sets Aeolus apart,” says her exterior designer and former Rolls Royce Phantom designer Giles Taylor. Aeolus’s interiors were designed with sustainability in mind by Njord by Bergman Design House in collaboration with Oliveri Home and her naval architecture by LATERAL.
Meanwhile, Feadship showcased their concept ‘Slice’ with a scale model. The concept design has a continuous glass centre panel throughout the superstructure, allowing for the whole vessel to be flooded with natural light. The adjacent Feadship-sponsored Marine Art Gallery displayed incredible sculptures fashioned from polished precious stones and fossils.
The Dutch brand is ”Firmly planting a flag in the UAE” as Farouk Nefzi, Head of Marketing at Feadship explained ”We have sold 17 Feadships into the region and Dubai is becoming an important regional hub with an international appeal.”
Sunreef Yachts chooses UAE for global expansion
With a large focus on future technologies in the UAE, it’s no wonder that industry-leading luxury eco multihull-builder Sunreef Yachts chose DIBS to announce its global expansion into the region. Not only did they inaugurate their new offices in the heart of Dubai at the beginning of the show, strengthening their presence in the Middle East, but they also signed a historic deal to develop a new facility in cooperation with RAK Maritime City in Ras Al Khaimah.
Developed on a 65,000m2 land reserve, the new facility will incorporate the latest technologies in luxury yacht building and will meet the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency. As part of the cooperation, Sunreef Yachts and RAK Maritime City will work together to carry out the development of the facility, which will be able to offer a 360-degree approach to yacht manufacturing. This will include a modern paint shop, carpentry, upholstery and stainless-steel workshops, all equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and the latest robotics.
Francis Lapp, Founder and President of Sunreef Yachts, said, ”We couldn’t have hoped for a better location to pursue our journey in shaping a greener future for yachting. We can now further expand in an environment that merges the perfect strategic location, skilled workforce and proactive mindset. The yachts produced in Ras Al Khaimah will elevate eco-responsible yachting to a new level and showcase industry-first technology. I would like to thank the RAK Government and RMC management for their invaluable support in making this dream possible and look forward to building a better future for yachting here.”
Sunseeker Gulf
Established Dubai brokerage and consultancy Bush & Noble, has partnered with Sunseeker International and launched a Sunseeker Gulf dealership. This exclusively represents the British motor yacht builder in the UAE, Saudi Arabia. Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Sunseeker Gulf debuted the Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht XPS at the show.
Andrea Frabetti, Chief Executive Officer of Sunseeker International, commented, “Dubai is becoming an increasingly popular destination for yachting. With no shortage of client entertainment, the Dubai Boat Show is a true reflection of this growing trend. The high quality of Sunseeker Gulf’s customer service and expert knowledge in the luxury motor yacht sector is unmatched, and we are confident that the Gulf team will offer best-in-class representation in the GCC.”
Experiential Yachting Forum 2nd Edition (EYF)
During two days, more than 130 attendees, including speakers, visionary partners and guests gathered for a second time to discuss inspiring and daring topics.
”This forum was created with a mission to elevate human potential through yachting and to change the perception of yachting by identifying a new niche for Multifunctional Superyachts and introducing the concept of Holistic Yachting for healthier yachting operations and lifestyle,” said Maria Alekseenko Magan, the founder of Experiential Yachting.
The Four Seasons new yacht project was featured at the EYF. “Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings in partnership with Four Seasons, are creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel that appeals to discerning guests. We are bringing together the very best across industries to create the pinnacle yachting offering through world-class design, curated experiences, and truly exceptional service.” commented Samuel Chamberlain – Vice President, Business Development of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD and Owner and Joint Operator of Four Seasons Yachts. The group intends to build a fleet of 10 Four Seasons’ branded yachts, the first of which is being crafted by Fincantieri and is due to launch in 2025.
VBH
VBH CEO Jereon Van den Hurk, showcased its invisible technology seamless UI user interface tech with a mission to ‘banish the black plate’ by literally integrating screens and control panels into the very fabric of natural materials such as marble and wood. Invisible Technology is the first line of products based on this groundbreaking concept and already includes 3 exclusive solutions: the Blended screen, a screen that magically blends like a chameleon into its environment, VBH Robot arm, a TV moving smoothly and gently in a room to any position that the viewer wants, and the incredible Magic-UI, a control panel that completely integrates inside materials like wood and natural stone. This technology will change the game for interior design on yachts, and private homes.
Exceptional Dining in Dubai
As well as a very busy Nikki Beach outpost at DIBS and the buzzy VIP bar sponsored by AIX Capital, Dubai proved its dining prowess with some exceptional venues and delectable dishes on our visit to the Emirates. Standout experiences were:
New opening La Mar by Gastón Acurio who served up world-class Peruvian dishes in the spectacular setting of Dubai’s newest luxury resort, Atlantis The Royal. We ate some of the best ceviches I have ever tasted on the 14th floor of this awesome 43-story resort property, while watching the sunset over the Dubai skyline.
Glamour, incredible cocktails and the OG black cod were on the menu at Nobu Dubai. After 15 years in the city, its brand new location at the former Bridge Suite at Atlantis The Palm is not to be missed. A private elevator takes you to the 22nd floor, where you are greeted by the stunning dining room and terrace with iconic views (you can see the Burj Khalifa on a clear day). Incredible cocktails are imagined by expert mixologist and bar manager (and Mallorquin) Angelo Immorlano. The quality of food and service at this breathtaking, wow-factor venue would rival that of any superyacht!
