The 2016 edition of Dubai International Boat Show will expand into an experiential lifestyle event which is set to delight its fans, according to its organisers Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC.)

The 24th running of the Dubai International Boat Show, 1 – 5 March 2016, will showcaase a new visitor experience to include not only the most spectacular superyachts but to now also include a host of active offerings – from saiiling and fishing trips to water sport stunts, taster sessions of stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing, as well as first-time-ever beach access and even on-yacht dining experiences.

In line with Dubais global reputation as a destination for world-class events and entertainment, the shows new activity-based offerings will move the regions leading event for the marine leisure industry to an all-new level.

Great events become truly exceptional when they become experiential in nature. Dubai, as an Emirate, has long spearheaded this trend and has developed an international reputation for being a must-visit global lifestyle destination, and the Dubai International Boat Show aims to embody this reputation as we continue to expand on our world class features, said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, DWTC, organiser of Dubai International Boat Show.

In our almost two and a half decades of history, the show has clearly witnessed a shift in the way visitors want to participate and how exhibitors want to showcase their products. Increasingly, marine enthusiasts who attend our show are looking for an on-water experience which encourages more buyers of boats, marine accessories and water sports equipment  – which furtther boosts the regional industry, LohMirmand added.

More than 30,000 visitors from 120 countries, are expected to attend over the five days of the show, and scheduled to view more than 430 boats on land and water, as well as products from over 800 exhibitors and brands from 51 countries.

More and more, the region’s residents are becoming maritime leisure enthusiasts. They seek more than just yachts and boats, but a 360 degree experience encompassing all aspects of a luxury lifestyle. The full scale marine sector offering targeting those that want to bring their own lifestyle to the water is an area that the industry must tap into, and this is where the Dubai International Boat Show shines. There is no better way to reach this unique market segment than by being at the best lifestyle event on the maritime calendar, said Gregor Stinner, CEO of ART MARINE.

2015 Show Sectors and New Features

New to this edition of the Dubai International Boat Show are a host of interactive and free activities sure to draw in the crowds, including daily daredevil jetpack, flyboard and fly bike stunts in associated with yacht and watersports provider Day & Night Dubai. Also new this year is a thrice-daily Hands on Boating Experience in conjunction with Marine Concept Sea School and Yacht Charter where participants can learn the basics of owning and driving a boat, while a unique Fishing Trip Experience – also taking place three tiimes a day – will give participants a chance to learn quick fishing and trolling activities in partnership with Boat Pilot UAE.

For the first time ever, organisers have opened up the beach for visitors to take part in even more activities. In association with watersports centre Watercooled UAE, catamaran taster sessions, stand up paddle boarding sessions, windsurfing manoeuvres and kayaking adventures are all on offer on the water, giving enthusiasts and newcomers a taste of the marine leisure lifestyle. Kite surfing kit displays and technique discussions will also be available for viewing.

We know how keen both residents and international visitors alike are to get out on the water here because its what we do every single day. Bringing this experiential element to the Dubai International Boat Show will definitely attract more crowds and bring a new energy to the show. This is a fantastic showcase for the range of activities available here, really highlighting the growing leisure marine community. This is a reflection of how much is on offer here, not just in terms of activities but also certified training and development, said Barry Conlon, General Manager, Watercooled UAE.

Show sectors for this year include: Marina Display, Outdoor Display, Luxury and Lifestyle (LSS), Equipment Services and Supplies (ESS), and Diving. Returning again this year is the Superyacht Life area, bringing together the world’s leading Superyacht builders under the banner of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), as well as show favourites Supercar Promenade, Dive Middle East Exhibition (DMEX) and the Retail Village, rounding out an even more expanded show lineup – including the arrival of Sahtein, a gourmet food event from Dubai Food Carnival.

Following their successful launch in 2015, returning this year are the much heralded DIBS Sailing, DIBS Fishing, and DIBS Water Sports sectors. The 2015 DIBS Visitor Survey noted that 28%, 50% and 41% of visitors regularly participated in watersports, sailing and fishing respectively, and so these dedicated sectors have been further developed for this year’s show as enthusiasts continue to enter, and grow within, the marine lifestyle at all entry points.

Education plays a key focus at Dubai International Boat show with a collection of talks, conferences and seminars catering to a community hungry for knowledge. Supported by Outdoor UAE, the Marine Talks feature experts in the field of fishing, diving, sailing and watersports in interactive sessions. The Middle East Yachting Conference will again bring together global experts and industry authorities, as well as boating enthusiasts, to address the latest trends, technologies, plans and regulations affecting the marine leisure sector in Dubai and beyond.

The 24th Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm – 9.30pm dailly from 1 – 5 March 2016, with a single entry ticket cost of AED 60..