The 2025 edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) is just around the corner, and Daily Nautica will be there as the event’s media partner to tell you all the most exciting industry news.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. Until Sunday, Feb. 23, Dubai Harbour, one of the most exclusive districts in the world, is set to host more than 200 yachts and boats on display and more than 1,000 maritime industry brands from more than 60 different countries. We interviewed Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, who has been in charge of organizing the international nautical kermesse for several years, to get a preview of some interesting facts.

 The 2025 Dubai International Boat Show is starting soon: what’s new this year?

“This year DIBS has also evolved into a key stage for luxury real estate, showcasing stunning waterfront projects from well-known developers such as Damac, Sobha Realty, and Omniyat reflecting a growing demand for bespoke marina living. The Innovation Hub, which launches at the 2025 edition, expects to provide a platform for the industry’s newest SMEs and further underscores the show’s position as a supporter of driving the sector as a whole by providing space for innovative products and services to reach key audiences. This year will also see the introduction of a dedicated brokerage section for premium pre-owned yachts, highlighting luxury waterfront real estate, unveiling the latest in marine technology, and fostering new business connections within a reimagined hospitality experience with leading international yacht brokers Bush & Noble explaining its services. With a focus on sustainability that’s continuing to evolve across both Dubai in general as well as the industry – DIBS is the ideal global platform to raise awareness around participants efforts in adhering to a more environmentally friendly marine sector, directly aligning with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030″.

How many vessels are participating in the event, and how many exhibitors? What countries do they from?

“In this year’s edition we’re set to host more than 1,000 brands from across the maritime industry, with 200+ yachts and watercrafts on display. This year, DIBS will welcome exhibitors from 60+ countries, including, new exhibitors Croatia, Japan, Luxembourg, Romania, Singapore, and Slovenia.  And renowned global brands such as Azimut, Ferretti, Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, and Yachts One. The international mix of brands and number of participators really is a testament to the show’s legacy and its success since its inception 31 years ago. We envision this reputation will only increase moving forward as it continues for many more years to come”.

You have been curating this event for many years, how has it grown over the years?

“In 1992, the inaugural show was held indoors at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), where over 50 exhibitors representing both the local and regional market. The show’s progression developed quicky over the years that followed, and in 2004 moved to Dubai International Marina Club, Mina Seyahi. This was a move that really helped position the show as a must-attend maritime event to international audiences, catapulting DIBS to a global platform for exhibitors and visitors alike to attend, participate and enjoy. Dubai as a destination is attractive for investors, and with earnings in the city non-taxable – it incentivises wealthy individuals, particularly millionaires to both invest and work here. With a steady influx of millionaires continuing to locate and invest in the city, it has a direct impact on luxury segments such as the yachting, super yachting and luxury maritime sector.  With DIBS being one of the world’s largest and more opulent lifestyle shows, the quality of exhibitors and products on display bring a host of UHNWIs to the show to experience these offerings. Now on its 31^st edition & held at Dubai Harbour – the show has bolstered the maritime and tourism segment within Dubai, further underpinning the aim to increase foreign direct investment into the market and directly aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, (D33)”.

Dubai is constantly changing. How does this affect events like the Dubai International Boat Show?

“Due to the longevity of the event, I think it’s a great representation of the progression Dubai has experienced over the years. Once a fishing village, Dubai’s foundation was built upon the maritime industry so to see how many global brands and talent now participate, truly is remarkable – each year we become more and more excited for the event’s future. The evolution of the city only further supports DIBs, and as the emirate continues to expand, develop and attract more visitors each year, so does the show. From just a local exhibition all those years ago to now an important international date, is reflective of the journey Dubai has experienced to become the must-visit destination it stands as today. According to a report by Henley Partners in 2024, Dubai was declared as the place with the highest number of millionaires per population in the Middle East – with 72,500 millionaires residing in the emirate and increasing, a growth of 78% in the past 10 years. The city also houses 212 centi-millionaires and 15 billionaires, because of this ever-increasing figure, in addition to an already expanding population and as the scale of wealth continues to grow, so do events such as DIBS which cater to this specific audience”.

In your profession, have you encountered difficulty in progressing in your career as a woman, or do you feel we have reached gender equality?

“As a female leader in the industry, there is undoubtedly more pressure to succeed. Bias is very complex but historically high-level roles are predominantly attributed to males, there are often stereotypes that follow the belief women are more suited to certain positions. It’s important to note that there are employers out there who form judgement based off ability and skill as opposed to gender, enabling women to succeed and progress within their career. The onus is on the employer to ensure gender-bias does not exist within the workplace, helping to diminish any institutionalised wrong-judgement towards people’s abilities. Personally, I think it’s imperative to be strong-minded in the industry, especially as a female leader – people respect confidence and determination to succeed and despite people potentially forming an initial bias towards you, as long as you work hard, stay motivated and aim for success, it’s hard to fault”.

What advice would you give to young women interested in your career?

“Find something you’re good at and stick at it, engage in as many opportunities as you can and work hard to achieve your dreams. I strongly believe in having a great support network around you to provide encouragement and uplift you – whilst also cultivating a mindset within yourself to help recognise your ability, providing you with confidence and determination to succeed”.