• AI and automation are transforming yacht navigation, safety, and efficiency.
  • Sustainability takes center stage with rising demand for eco-friendly yachts.
  • Billionaire boom fuels luxury yachting, shifting focus to exclusive experiences.
  • Dubai International Boat Show to showcase 200+ yachts and 1,000 brands.

As the maritime industry sails into a new era, the Annual Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference has once again set the course for the future. Held at The Westin Mina Seyahi, this year’s conference gathered over 300 global industry leaders under the theme ‘The New Nautical Code: Innovation, Influence and Experience.’ From cutting-edge AI in navigation to the rising demand for sustainable luxury, the discussions revealed the forces shaping the next wave of yachting.

Yachting is no longer just about opulence—it’s about intelligence. AI and automation are transforming the industry, redefining navigation, safety, and overall onboard experiences. Officials explored how AI-driven systems optimize sailing routes, improve energy efficiency, and enhance cybersecurity. Sunreef Yachts’ Co-Founder, Nicolas Lapp, highlighted the growing demand for fully sustainable yachts, emphasizing how AI is helping design lighter, more efficient vessels. As technology advances, the industry is moving towards a seamless blend of innovation and environmental responsibility.

The conversation around sustainability has shifted from aspiration to action. Luxury yacht buyers are now prioritizing eco-friendly solutions, with increasing interest in hybrid propulsion systems, solar-powered catamarans, and energy-efficient designs. Dubai’s maritime sector is responding with a commitment to a greener future, reinforcing its role as a global yachting hub that balances luxury with environmental consciousness.

The UAE’s billionaire population surged by 39.5% in 2024, and with it, the demand for high-end yachting experiences has skyrocketed. The conference delved into evolving ownership trends, highlighting the shift from size to experience-driven purchases. Today’s yacht buyers—many in their 40s—seek more than just grandeur; they crave immersive, personalized journeys. This has led to an increase in off-market transactions, where exclusivity, privacy, and speed drive deals.

With the industry’s pulse on technology, sustainability, and luxury redefined, all eyes are now on the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) from February 19-23. As the Middle East’s premier maritime and lifestyle event, DIBS will bring together 1,000 brands and over 200 yachts, offering a firsthand look at the future of leisure yachting.

The tides are changing, and Dubai is at the forefront, steering the industry into uncharted waters where innovation, sustainability, and elite experiences converge. Will you be on board?

To purchase tickets, please visit here.