Used boat exhibition in Dubai attracts 5,000 visitors

The Used Boat Exhibition in Dubai, organized by Via Marine, a subsidiary of Dubai Golf, at Dubai Creek Marina, concluded its 11th session the day before yesterday evening, recording a remarkable success in terms of turnout and sales.

Over the course of three days, the exhibition attracted more than 5,000 visitors from sea lovers, investors and those interested in acquiring luxury boats and yachts, which strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading center for boat manufacturing and trade in the region.

The 11th edition, which was organized under the slogan “A Boat for Every Person,” witnessed the participation of more than 50 local, regional and international brands, displaying more than 64 yachts and boats, an increase of about 20%, compared to the previous edition, while the displays varied between luxury yachts and recreational and fast boats to suit different categories and budgets.

The exhibition attracted visitors’ interest in a group of rare and innovative yachts, most notably the “Riva Gucci” yacht, which is one of only 10 yachts in the world and whose price is about three million dirhams, and the “Greenline 40 Hybrid” yacht equipped with solar energy systems to operate its equipment, in an embodiment of the market’s trend towards sustainability solutions and innovation in the boat and yacht sector.

Prices varied to meet different segments, as the 2024 Riva 82 Diva yacht topped the list of exhibits at a price of 30 million dirhams, while the price of the American “Chaparrel” boat reached about 68 thousand dirhams.

The exhibition also featured comprehensive financing, insurance and maintenance offers, and a retail area that included the latest marine equipment, smart navigation systems and hybrid propulsion technologies.

This success comes in light of the continued growth of the maritime sector in Dubai, as the number of marine vessels registered in the emirate reached 7,738 vessels in 2024, an increase of 14.4% over the previous year, while the UAE accounts for about 50% of the market for boat and yacht marinas in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East thanks to its advanced infrastructure, which includes more than 22 marinas, with a capacity of more than 4,000 yachts and boats.

Abdullah Ali Al Noon, director of special projects at Dubai Golf and official of Via Marine, confirmed that “the current session once again highlighted Dubai’s pioneering role in supporting the growth of the boat and yacht industry,” noting that the large demand for the exhibition reflects the confidence of international partners in the integrated investment environment provided by the emirate.

He explained that the success of the exhibition represents an incentive to continue developing it, attracting new brands, and expanding the categories of boats offered to keep pace with the increasing demand in regional and global markets.

The exhibition formed a strategic platform for concluding deals and exploring investment and commercial opportunities, and contributed to supporting the objectives of Dubai’s “D33” economic agenda, which aims to strengthen its position as the best city in the world to live, work and invest.