Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Dubai International Boat Show on Friday and hailed the emirate as a “global yacht capital".
Sheikh Mohammed was joined on his visit to the five-day extravaganza by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council.
The annual event made its return this week after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic at its vibrant new home at Dubai Harbour.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the UAE's maritime infrastructure, which he said was underpinned by the vision of the nation's founding fathers.
“The country’s rich seafaring heritage and historical strengths combined with the vision of our founding fathers have inspired the development of a world-class maritime infrastructure,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
“This infrastructure has driven many world-class projects and led to the nation becoming a leading player in various global sectors including trade, tourism, leisure and hospitality.
“The organisation of one of the world’s most influential yacht shows is another example of our determination to build Dubai into a global maritime destination and become a hub for excellence in various sectors.
“Dubai today is a global yacht capital and a preferred destination for yacht owners, charters and cruise travellers from across the world.”
The event, now in its 28th year, is about 20 per cent bigger than 2019 in terms of companies and exhibitors, organisers say.
It features 800 brands and vessels from more than 54 countries in a region that is home to 12.6 per cent of the world's superyachts. The show’s “superyacht avenue” will showcase about 50 of the vessels from some of the world’s leading companies such as Feadship, Majesty and Nomad.
Sheikh Mohammed was also joined on the tour by Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, as well as Saeed Mohammed Hareb, secretary general at Dubai Sports Council.
Dubai Boat Show runs at Dubai Harbour until Sunday and is open to the public. Tickets starts at Dh35 for adults. For more information, visit www.boatshowdubai.com
Dubai Boat Show — in pictures
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The 'Moonlight ll' with the Ain Dubai in the background. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
Jacuzzi on the 'Moonlight ll' yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show held at Dubai Harbour. -
Inside view of the Azimut 78 yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
View from the deck of the 'Moonlight ll' yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
A cabin on the Azimut 78 yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
A sitting area on the Azimut 78 yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
Inside view of the BeachClub 660 Flybridge yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
A sitting area on the BeachClub 660 Flybridge yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
Inside view of the Sanlorenzo SX88 yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
Artwork on display at the plastic ocean exhibition at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
A dining area on the Sanlorenzo SX88 yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
Inside view of the Sanlorenzo SX88 yacht at the Dubai International Boat Show. -
Yachts and boats on display at the Dubai International Boat Show at Dubai Harbour. -
A view from 'Moonlight ll', the biggest superyacht at the boat show. -
Visitors attend the boat show. -
Different types of schooners, skiffs and yachts, as well as marine equipment and experts, have been brought to Dubai Harbour for the event. -
A sitting area on the deck of 'Moonlight ll'. -
This year's show features 800 brands and vessels from more than 54 countries, organisers say. -
'Moonlight II' is so large that it dropped anchor outside Dubai Harbour – the venue of the boat show. -
The 91.4-metre superyacht is designed for entertaining on an elite scale and can carry 36 guests in 18 cabins. -
'Moonlight ll' has a cinema, helicopter pad, spa, beach club, lift, Jacuzzi, gym and room for a number of jet skis. -
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of events management at Dubai World Trade Centre attends the boat show. -
It costs as much as €644,000 to rent 'Moonlight II' for a week – and that does not include fuel or food. -
Views from the BeachClub 660 Flybridge yacht. -
The upper deck of the 'Moonlight ll'. -
The five-deck 'Moonlight II' is not for sale and is owned by an Emirati. -
Arni Brzac, captain of the 'Moonlight ll'. -
Inside the BeachClub 660 Flybridge yacht. -
The BeachClub 660 Flybridge is designed to balance indoor and outdoor space. -
Boat engines on display at the show. -
This year's Dubai International Boat Show runs from March 9-13.
