Known for showcasing some of the biggest and best yachts for sale, DIBS makes a statement in 2021 as one of the only boat shows to actually go ahead and find a way to operate within a global pandemic.
Established in 1992, the Dubai International Boat Show has now become a household name in the yachting industry with many shipyards choosing to debut their new models at the show. Many big names such as Azimut, Princess, Feadship and Gulf Craft have already confirmed their attendance to the show, with more yachts joining the list daily.
As well as the new yachts, the show itself will look and feel very different in 2021. The spectacular new Dubai Harbour will play host to the show for the first time, while the unavoidable reality of a global pandemic will mean that social distancing and other carefully-considered rules are in place.
Complying with COVID
Considered to be the 'new normal', organizers of the four-day event have implemented various measures in order to make DIBS as safe as possible for visitors and exhibitors alike.
Starting off with the mandatory face masks throughout the duration of the show, face coverings and floor markers are just the start of the details taken into consideration. Hand sanitizers are located at entry points of the show plus before stepping aboard yachts.
Other measures also include widened walkways to accommodate social distancing, and the provision of gloves and shoe coverings where appropriate.
Catering will still be available at the show so visitors can enjoy quality pre-packed and table service menus around the show. Water will also be readily available but only in bottled form.
Testing areas and isolation facilities will be accessible for all visitors, and each exhibit will be sanitized regularly.
Brand new Dubai Harbour
By far one of the biggest attractions in its own right for the 2021 DIBS event, this will be the first chance many visitors get to see the brand new Dubai Harbour facility.
Formally known as the Dubai International Marine Club, the iconic marina sandwiched between Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters now offers 'world-class services' and caters to yachts and megayachts up to 160 meters.
Dubbed as 'a valuable partner for the local boat building industry', the all-new Dubai Harbour is now the biggest marina in the region and holds no less than 1,100 berths.
During the soft opening in October 2020, the first yacht to officially visit the harbour was the Majesty 120, which also happens to be appearing at the 2021 DIBS event.
Attractions to see
In addition to the many iconic yachts and superyachts for sale, DIBS has plenty in store for 2021, including the return of high flying, adrenaline pumped watersports demonstrations. Inflatable jet boards, personal submarines, hover-bikes and Jetskis are just some of the toys preparing for captivating displays around Dubai Harbour.
Also making its return to the waters, the annual Dubai Fishing Championship welcomes all visitors to join in with the chance to compete against some of the region's best anglers. Competitors can choose to use a rod and reel or a hand-line, or to fish from a boat. The rivalry can be fierce with high money prizes at stake, so this is not for the faint-hearted.
For visitors wanting a little quiet time, DIBS presents the Marine Art Gallery which hosts both a curated collection of artifacts from Slovenia, Germany and the Czech Republic, plus Superyacht Avenue which displays scale models of some of the latest projects from big-name shipyards like Lurssen.
If you are considering visiting Dubai Harbour for DIBS 2021, start planning your trip by viewing all of the available new and used yachts for sale.
