Superyachts and water sports on the menu at the 2018 Dubai International Boat Show

Sponsored: Canals, harbours, marinas, huge new manmade islands and glamorous beachfront resorts, plus much, much more is in store at the 2018 Dubai International Boat Show, from February 27 to March 3.

The announcement of the Dubai Harbour mega project meant the 26th edition of Dubai International Boat Show – of one of the most important events on the global marine industry calendar – had to set sail to a new location at the mouth of the incredible Dubai Canal.

Set close to the Dubai Ladies Club in the trendy Jumeirah neighbourhood, the new site will be easier to get to and right in the heart of one of the most popular areas of the city.

It’s also fitting that the canal is the new home for the Dubai International Boat Show, which will see some of the world’s biggest and best superyachts and leisure boats sail the same waterways as the traditional merchant dhows anchored just a few short kilometres away.

Alongside the multi-million-dollar yachts, there’s also a healthy dose of high-octane, heart-pumping water sports fun to be had.

Younger visitors looking for thrills and spills will find it with surfing, jet skiing, diving and much more on offer during the event.

Not all water sports require an ignition key. Some can help you get into great shape as you have great fun. Paddle boarding is probably the best workout for your body’s core, or if that’s not enough why not try some Pilates on a paddleboard.

With miles of golden sandy beaches, warm water, and year-round sunshine, the UAE is a water sport paradise, with lots of kayaking and surfing opportunities and the host exhibitors at this year’s show will be able to kit you out with all the gear you need to hit the waves.

It’s also the perfect place to get a taste of life below the water thanks to the Dubai Middle East Exhibition (DMEX), with the country’s best diving schools and instructors on hand to offer expert advice on how to get started.

More than 150,000 people in the UAE dive regularly, drawn to some of the best dive spots in the region with sunken ships, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life to discover.

To take a break from the action, head to The Beach, the dedicated food, beverage and entertainment hub where you can take a break from the extreme sports with a well-deserved snack.

DJs from Dubai’s newest uber-trendy beach club, Nikki Beach, will get visitors in the mood for a sundowner by playing the latest tunes and coolest bites at the Nikki Beach lounge.

An outdoor event in Dubai wouldn’t be the same without the latest F&B craze – food trucks, with everything from burgers to local Arabic favourites on offer, you’re sure not to leave the show hungry.

There’s so much to see and do on dry land, you could easily miss some of the thrilling water-based activities on offer.

The incredible and futuristic Seabreacher will be put through its paces on, under and above the water with a stunt show in the Dubai Canal, and adrenaline junkies can also get their kicks in the SeaKart speedboat Time Attack Experience. Not for the faint-hearted, expect to hit some serious speeds in these nimble little stunt boats. We don’t stop there we have the super star Red Bull athlete Alex Mason the number 1 slack liner in the world plus if that was enough Bo Crook the Dutch champion Fly Boarder and locally grown talent UAE champion Manea Al Mazooqi

For those of us who prefer their sailing to be a little bit smoother, there will be an opportunity to climb on board a sailboat with a few friends and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the calm waters of the ocean.

There’s so much to see and do on land and on the water at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show – just make sure you bring an appetite for fun with you, and your sea legs oh and don’t forget we have parking for more than 4,000 cars!

Dubai International Boat Show will take place from February 27 – March 3, 2018 at the Dubai Canal. The event will be open daily from 3:00pm – 9:30pm with one day passes at Dhs65. Get your ticket online until February 26 and get 15 per cent off on your ticket. To learn more about the event and register your attendance, please visit: http://www.boatshowdubai.com/