Dubai doesn’t do understated. The words small and discreet, don’t spring to mind when you think of the luxury travel destination either, so why would the Dubai International Yacht Show 2022 be any different?
This year, after a two-year break, the Dubai boat show is back and it promises to be better than ever.
Running from 9-13 March 2022, this year marks the 28th instalment of the five-day Dubai international Yacht Show, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and held for the first time this year in its new home of Dubai Harbour, which looks set to become the biggest marina in the region.
Alongside exclusive yacht launches, many of the world’s biggest shipyards – Amels, Feadship, Princess, Gulf Craft and Sanlorenzo – will be here, and popular Dubai boat show features, such as Superyacht Avenue will be back.
If you’re planning to visit the Dubai boat show this year, whether to look for a new yacht, or to hear about charter possibilities in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, then look no further: we have all the essentials right here.
Yachts at the Dubai International Yacht Show 2022
This year’s Dubai yacht show will see several international debuts, including the 24m Sunreef Eco Line 80, an eco-responsible catamaran that uses electric propulsion and solar panels built into the hull, superstructure, and carbon mast, to provide a reliable sailing performance, while still providing the luxurious experience of a superyacht.
Other exciting yachts on display include the Damen Yachting Seaxplorer 60, the new ice-class expedition yacht from the yard behind LA DATCHA, which is available for delivery in 2024.
Guests can also step aboard the 27m Sanlorenzo SX88, which comes with an impressive beach club.
At the bigger end of the market, the Alloy sailing yacht TIARA, with its Bedouin tent set-up and helipad, will be on show, as will Benetti’s 40m yacht FREE DAY.
Highlights of the Dubai Yacht show
Aside from the best-in-show yachts described above, there are also numerous areas to enjoy at the show.
Superyacht Avenue will be home to 50 tempting yachts, and will no doubt be the hub for many visitors, whether they are looking to charter or buy – and VIP tours can be arranged prior to your visit.
In the VIP Lounge, sponsored by Tanishq, visitors can mingle, network or even just unwind in a comfortable setting, with music, food, and drinks.
The Marine Art Gallery, sponsored by Feadship, is an exclusive area of the show where you can enjoy works inspired by the sea from some of the most renowned international artists and sculptors.
Down in the Watersports Village, you can listen to inspiring talks from expert divers on everything, from discovering shipwrecks to overcoming disabilities to achieve record-breaking feats and try out some of the many water toys on display at the show.
Guests at the Dubai yacht show can also step aboard the 27m Sanlorenzo SX88, which comes with a seriously impressive beach club for her class.
At the bigger end of the market, the Alloy sailing yacht TIARA, with its Bedouin tent set-up and helipad, will be on show, as will Benetti’s 40m yacht FREE DAY.
For charter guests, MOONLIGHT II, the 91.4m Neorion Syros yacht brings the wow factor, with space for up to 36 guests on board.
Dubai Yacht Show 2022: events and activities outside the show
Home to almost 200 nationalities, Dubai is a diverse, exciting metropolis, where you can breakfast at the top of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, stroll through at a traditional souk, take a buggy ride through beautiful desert landscapes, and dine underwater, all in the space of 24 hours.
Dubai never stops, it’s constantly evolving, and this year between yacht viewings, you can visit the highly-anticipated Museum of the Future – one of the city’s most striking new landmarks, which promises to explore both the threats and opportunities of our time.
Running alongside the Dubai boat show, Alserkal Art Week (which runs for closer to three weeks), brings over 20 free exhibitions and installations to the cultural district of Alserkal Avenue, and is a great way to view contemporary art.
For a night out, book tickets for the Dresden Opera Ball, which comes to Dubai for one night on 14 March, with classical musical, beautiful costumes, dancing, and a gala dinner.
Towards the end of the show, the Dubai Challenge Cup polo competition will be held from 12-19 March, one of the most prestigious events in the international sport.
And if you can extend your visit – perhaps with a charter aboard SAVANNAH Feadship’s first hybrid yacht, or DXB – an elegant motor yacht with wonderful craftsman and a clean modern edge – then you won’t want to miss the first edition of Middle East Fashion Week, taking place in Dubai Media City for five days from 26 March. And finally, the Dubai World Cup, the annual horseracing meet, which takes place on 26 March, is also a must-visit.
Buying tickets for the Dubai Yacht Show
Yacht owners attending the Dubai yacht show don’t have to pay, though you’ll still need a ticket to access to the full show (including the VIP lounge and Marine Art Gallery), plus a complimentary B2B matchmaking service, though proof of boat ownership may be required.
Free tickets are also offered to those working in the marine industry, including captains and divers.
If you are not currently a yacht owner but would still like to attend, tickets are less than $10, and give you the opportunity to take part in lots of fun games, enjoy music, food and shopping.
See here for all ticket options for the Dubai yacht show
Getting to the Dubai Yacht Show
Emirates Airlines is the official partner airline for the Dubai International Boat show and offers connections to over 95 destinations across the world. If you are planning to fly with Emirates to the show between now and 17 March 2022, quote the promotion code EVE6DBT for special rates.
Once here, though you can drive to Dubai Harbour, it’s just as easy to get a taxi, or even arrive by water taxi.
See all options for travelling to Dubai Harbour.
Covid-safe travel at the Dubai International Boat show 2022 – All visitors to the boat show must always wear a mask unless they are exempt.
Visitors arriving into Dubai must have a negative PCR test certificate taken no more than 48 or 72 hours of departure (check rules from origin country), however, there is no need to show a certificate to be granted entry to the show.