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Each November, the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) transforms Marina Hall at ADNEC and its adjacent waterfront into a refined celebration of marine design and innovation. Set against the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, it attracts yacht owners, builders, and enthusiasts eager to explore the latest in craftsmanship, performance, and coastal living.
A Showcase of Yachting Excellence
Hosted at Marina Hall, ADNEC, ADIBS features an impressive display of yachts, leisure boats, and marine equipment from leading shipyards and regional manufacturers. The show spans both indoor and marina display areas, creating a seamless experience that highlights the industry’s most advanced designs and technologies.
Visitors can expect to see leading names such as Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, Princess, and Sanlorenzo, alongside an array of performance tenders, sustainable propulsion systems, and innovative navigation solutions. The event is structured across key zones – including the Marina Display, Watersports Zone, Fishing Zone, and Innovation Zone – each dedicated to a different facet of the marine lifestyle.
Interactive elements such as sea trials and the immersive “Into the Deep” VR experience add to the appeal, giving guests the chance to witness the artistry of yacht design and the beauty of the underwater world firsthand.
A VIP & Hospitality Experience
For discerning guests, ADIBS offers a tiered hospitality programme designed for comfort and exclusivity. Premium visitors enjoy early or private access to selected yachts, priority boarding for sea trials, and entry to reserved lounges with refined catering. Networking opportunities with designers, brokers, and builders allow for meaningful connections in a relaxed, upscale setting.
The Galley, ADIBS’s waterfront dining area, brings together regional and international cuisine in a sophisticated yet informal environment – an ideal spot for business discussions or leisurely dining between showcases.
Evenings often feature private yacht receptions and exhibitor-hosted gatherings, set against the illuminated marina backdrop – understated, elegant, and unmistakably Abu Dhabi.
Where Style Meets Practicality
While ADIBS is centred on marine lifestyle, its luxury is reflected in precision, craftsmanship, and design innovation. Exhibitors range from superyacht builders and naval architects to suppliers of high-performance engines, navigation systems, and bespoke marine furnishings. The focus remains on elevating life at sea through smarter, more sustainable technology and superior comfort onboard.
Stay & Explore
Many of Abu Dhabi’s finest hotels lie within easy reach of the ADNEC precinct, making the show part of a seamless luxury escape. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi remain preferred stays for exhibitors and visitors seeking service and serenity. For those seeking a quieter interlude, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas offer beachfront calm within a short drive of the venue.
Beyond the marina, visitors often extend their stay to experience Abu Dhabi’s wider cultural landscape – from private tours at Louvre Abu Dhabi to sunset rounds at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club or the grandeur of Qasr Al Watan. The city’s balance of innovation and tradition complements the show’s refined maritime atmosphere.
Dining & Evenings
As the day concludes, the city’s culinary scene takes centre stage. Zuma Abu Dhabi, LPM Restaurant & Bar, and Hakkasan Abu Dhabi are enduring favourites among visiting yacht owners and exhibitors, offering refined dining and an effortlessly stylish atmosphere. Talea by Antonio Guida at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, as well as Coya Abu Dhabi, also draw an elegant international crowd with their exceptional cuisine and service.
While ADIBS itself maintains a professional focus, private dinners and brand-hosted receptions across Abu Dhabi’s finest venues add a subtle glamour to the social calendar, where conversations often continue long after the marina lights dim.
A Celebration of Maritime Elegance
The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show is more than a marine exhibition – it is a reflection of the region’s craftsmanship, ambition, and connection to the sea. From pioneering yacht debuts to refined networking and cultural exploration, the event embodies the essence of modern maritime luxury in the Gulf. For those who navigate the world through style and innovation, this is where Abu Dhabi’s coastal sophistication truly comes to life.
