Hospitality News
World’s Yachting Industry Sets Sail for Dubai International Boat Show 2023
Dubai International Boat Show is getting ready to welcome more than 30,000 visitors to the seafront district Dubai Harbour, when the region’s largest, and most established marine and lifestyle event in the Middle East will get underway from 1-5 March.
More than 175 yachts and watercraft from globally renowned shipyards such as Azimut, Ferretti, Gulf Craft, Princess, San Lorenzo, Sunreef, and Sunseeker Gulf will sail into the shores of Dubai to put on an incredible display over the five days of the show’s 29th edition.
“We are looking forward to welcoming marine enthusiasts, maritime investors and those who are interested in all things ocean to DIBS23,” says Riju George, Group Director, Exhibitions, DWTC. “Dubai has a rich maritime heritage and over the years has created an extensive ecosystem and a sophisticated hub to nurture some of the greatest boat designers and manufacturers in the world; that’s why every year we see an influx of international visitors to the show.”
With more than 12% of the world’s superyachts in the MENA region, it’s no surprise that Dubai has become one of the top-10 nautical hubs of the world within the marine industry – home to several world-class waterfront property developments and many exquisite marinas. Such infrastructure has made DIBS the perfect platform for the more than 1,000 global brands to showcase their wares and launch their latest innovations this year.
Alongside over 50 global and regional launches to be announced at the show, DIBS23 will feature a stunning lineup of yachts, with more than 10 new brands on display including Abeking & Rasmussen, Boutique Yachts, Finnmaster, Greenline Yachts, Nordhavn, SAY Carbon Yachts, Sirena Yachts, and Tecnomar. And that’s not all – for those that enjoy life on the waves and who are looking for a luxury vessel for their next adventure; due to be unveiled at the 2023 edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, is Gulfcraft’s the Majesty 111 – described as ‘anything but an average superyacht’ and will set a design precedent, offering more than ever before in terms of its design, engineering, architecture, and technical features.
“At Gulf Craft, we have always been a staunch supporter of our ‘home show’ since its inception; as an international manufacturer of cutting-edge yachts and boats we are proud to be part of such a prestigious event on our home ground,” said Mohammed Alshaali, Gulf Craft Chairman. “At this year’s edition of Dubai International Boat Show, we are thrilled to introduce our brand-new Majesty 111 superyacht – a vessel that will redefine industry standards and set the precedent for our future Majesty models. We are committed to continue our contribution to the region’s yachting industry and look forward to further supporting the UAE’s reputation as an exceptional global yachting destination.”
Ocean lovers can also explore the ocean with Sunseeker Gulf at its debut as the new regional distributor of Sunseeker Yachts across the GCC; known for exceptional yacht designs and innovative technology, Sunseeker Gulf is poised to impress everyone with its latest offerings.
Explore the latest technology and design within the Equipment, Supplies and Services area, where there is plenty to discover; Elcome, will introduce the Starlink internet connection service, the revolutionary high speed service from Space X, available worldwide, which enables boat owners to connect from the most remote waters across the world to enhance experience and productivity. On the water make sure to stop by Silent-Yachts, the premier ocean-going production yachts in the world which are powered solely by clean energy, with solar panels and batteries feeding electric motors, which will be showcasing a partnership with EV Labs and demonstrating sustainable energy at sea to recharge boats entirely through the sun’s rays.
The Middle East Yachting Conference (MEYC), 28 February brings together senior representatives from around the industry to hear diverse perspectives from across the global landscape, discuss some of the industry’s key trends around technology, geo-politics, investments and debate the industries strategy and policies of the future in a challenging yet optimistic market; DIBS looks forward to welcoming a diverse panel of speakers from across the seas. Make sure you don’t miss Thomas Weigend, Managing Director of Meyer Werft who are building the remarkable Njord yacht, a 948-foot luxury vessel, described as “the world’s largest private residence yacht” with 117 private apartments, who will take about the ambition of scale and elegance – a fitting tribute to the city of Dubai.
Premiering in Dubai, and hosted at DIBS, is the world’s second edition of the Experiential Yachting Forum from 2 to 3 March, bringing investors into the yachting world and exploring alternative uses of superyachts. Investors, industry leads, and marine enthusiasts will gather to tackle pressing concerns like the alternative use of superyachts and yachting to make a positive impact for the communities at sea and on land. Other topics will grapple with the future of yachts beyond relaxation and exploration, including the possibility of medical tourism at sea. Many prominent personalities from the community will give their views.
In the year of sustainability and in the approach to COP28 DIBS pushes forward with their sustainability promise and 2023 will see the launch of the DIBS S.E.A. (Sustainable Environmental Action) Mission to support Dubai’s marine life. The show features a programme of initiatives to promote the sustainability of our oceans – combining community, creativity, and a love for the marine world. Event partners include Dubai Can, Dubai Harbour, trust your Water, GEMS Schools, Ethical Yacht Wear, and the Arabian Ocean Rowing Team, who in January completed the record-breaking Atlantic Row Mission, raising awareness about ocean pollution – look out for the S.E.A logo around the show for more sustainable initiatives and exhibitors.
Hospitality
VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND LAUNCHES KIDS WEEK WITH SHARKY + GEORGE AND FREESTYLE FOOTBALL CHAMPION TOBIAS BECS
Velaa Private Island in the Maldives will host Kids Week from 3rd – 9th August, a week-long family programme delivered in partnership with international children’s entertainment specialists Sharky + George. The programme is designed to help children unlock individual “superpowers,” including curiosity, creativity, focus, energy, rhythm and strategy, through island-inspired games, outdoor adventures and collaborative challenges.
A highlight of the week is a series of interactive football sessions led by Tobias Becs, a world champion freestyle footballer, built around confidence, teamwork and creativity. The week concludes with a grand finale featuring obstacle courses and team challenges celebrating teamwork, confidence and achievement.

Kids Week sits within Lha Velaa Kids Club, one of the Maldives’ most comprehensive children’s facilities, giving parents a genuine reason to bring the whole family. The Club spans an energy studio for active play, sensory spaces, cooking and experiment classes, indoor climbing and quiet reading nooks, alongside outdoor water play, island quests and treasure hunts. Regular additions, from Maldivian baseball on the sand to a talent show under the stars, are led by the Club’s mascot, Tokey the Turtle, so no two visits look the same.
Validated by Worldwide Kids and the Luxury Childcare Association, the Club’s team pairs professional childcare standards with imaginative, hands-on care – reinforcing Velaa’s position as a leading destination for multi-generational luxury travel.
Details Below:
What: Velaa Kids Week
When: 3rd – 9th August
Where: Lha Velaa Kids Club, Velaa Private Island
Hospitality
HOW SUN SIYAM VILU REEF KEEPS MALDIVIAN ROOTS ALIVE THROUGH RICH TRADITIONS
How Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Is Keeping Maldivian Culture Alive: The smell reaches you before anything else: warm coconut oil, faintly sweet, drifting from a low-roofed beach house. Inside, a woman works patiently with her hands, pressing, turning and drawing the oil slowly from the flesh, just as it has been done for generations on these islands. Standing on a tiny coral island in the South Nilandhe Atoll, time seems to lose its importance.
This is Athireege, the cultural heart of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within Sun Siyam. It is not a museum, nor a demonstration staged for the camera. It is a living sanctuary where the crafts, rituals and flavours of traditional Maldivian life are practised by hand, by voice and by fire. Here, an immersive cultural journey invites guests to discover the traditions, flavours and stories that continue to shape island life, offering a deeper connection to the Maldives beyond its postcard-perfect beaches.
Once a week, guests are invited to experience Maldivian Roots Day, a journey that reveals the customs, skills and traditions that have shaped island life for generations. Visitors leave with more than memories of turquoise waters they leave with a deeper understanding of the place they have called home, even if only for a few days.
The experience begins with a hands-on coconut oil making class, uncovering traditional crafting techniques first-hand at Athireege. Authenticity is the soul of this space, where traditional island living is brought to life using real, handcrafted tools. Guests can run their fingers over the very techniques that Maldivians have used to sustain island life for centuries whether witnessing the intricate art of palm weaving known as Fangi Vinun, trying their hand at coir rope making, known in Dhivehi as Roanu Veshun or playing traditional mancala style games like Ohvalhu Gondi Kulhun.

As the afternoon softens into evening, pandan-infused tea is served alongside sweet and savoury local delicacies. As daylight fades, stories take their place. History of Maldives, real experiences with island tales and memories of life before tourism are shared aloud, reviving a tradition that once passed history from one generation to the next.
The centre of this cultural journey is the Malaafaih, a magnificent, traditional Maldivian banquet. Translating roughly to “abundance,” the Malaafaih was historically prepared for grand celebrations, weddings, and community gatherings. This carefully curated feast invites guests to gather, share, and experience authentic local flavours in a deeply communal setting, honouring the true spirit of island hospitality.


At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the Malaafaih is celebrated both at sunrise, as a traditional breakfast, and beneath the stars as an evening feast. The menu changes with the season and the day’s catch, but its spirit remains the same, dishes are shared, conversations unfold naturally, and strangers often leave the table feeling like friends. Whether beginning the day with a traditional breakfast or gathering beneath the stars for an evening feast, guests can completely immerse themselves in this rare culinary ritual, tailored exclusively to their stay.


At a time when travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections with the places they visit, Athireege offers something becoming increasingly rare: traditions that are still lived rather than performed. Long after the final stories have been told and the feast has ended, it is often these moments not simply the beaches or the villas that guests remember most. At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, space has always been made for the culture that made these islands worth travelling to in the first place.
Hospitality
NEW SIGNATURE BRUNCH EXPERIENCE LAUNCHES ACROSS DUBAI AND ABU DHABI
Society UAE, the premier lifestyle dining destination, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated new Brunch offer, going live across both its Dubai and Abu Dhabi locations on August 15th.

Society Unveils A Signature Brunch Across Dubai And Abu Dhabi
Served exclusively on Society’s signature wooden brunch board, the new offering is a meticulously curated feast crafted from the finest, freshest ingredients. Each board is designed to deliver a complete and balanced culinary experience, featuring one hearty main course, one freshly baked pastry, one savoury side dish, and one indulgent dessert. The selections of main dishes include a creamy roasted chicken and mushroom pie, truffle soft scramble on a warm croffle, and huevos rancheros. Desserts include a range of Society’s classic French Toast, Syrniki and creamy dessert cups by MAD Hospitality’s nostaligc dessert concept, HAZE. Fresh pastries include mini garlic bread, mini shio pan and almond croissant while guests can indulge in their favorite side dishes including french fries, chicken sausage or arugula salad. To complement the meal, guests can select one classic beverage of their choice, featuring premium coffee or fresh juice to savour throughout the brunch.


The wooden board concept is designed to be the ultimate centerpiece for social gatherings. Whether it is a relaxed weekend morning with the family or a long catch-up with friends, Society’ Brunch offers a communal, high-quality dining experience tailored for sharing and savoring.
Offer Details:
- Launch Date: August 15, 2026
- Locations: Society Dubai, Jumeirah 1 and Society Abu Dhabi, Al Mamsha, Al Saadiyat
- The Menu: The signature wooden brunch board includes 1 Main, 1 Pastry, 1 Side Dish, 1 Dessert, plus 1 Classic Drink.
- Pricing: AED 120 per board (including drink)
- Availability: Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM until 2:00PM
- For reservations and more information, please call: +971 56 408 7099 for Society Abu Dhabi, and +97150 210 0096 for Society Dubai.
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