By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: Eighty-five local and international luxury boats will be on display at the third edition of Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS), which promises a 20 percent expansion in all aspects from the previous year, according to organisers.
The annual marine event from November 10 to 14 will be held under the auspices of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani at Mourjan Marinas in Lusail City.
It will showcase more than 120 brands from 18 countries.
The Qatari maritime industry will showcase companies such as NDSQ (Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar), Halul Boats, Balhambar Boats and Al Udeid Boats.
Qataris make up a significant part of all Gulf state buyers of yachts and maritime companies and investment opportunities are growing as a result. Ultimately, the mandate of the exhibition is to play a pivotal role in promoting and fostering continued growth in the maritime industry in Qatar and the region,” Essa Al Mannai, Chairman, QIBS Board of Directors, told a press conference yesterday.
International exhibitors include Azimut, Sea Ray, Princess, Ferreti, Riva, Gulf Craft, Sun seeker, Prestige, Itama, Benetti, Sunreef, Silver Yachts, Heesen Yachts, Hullsquared, Lagoon, Amer Yachts, Cranchi, Everglades, Sealine, Fountaine-Pajot and Scarab, Riviera.
Luxury boats will be displayed on land and at seven stands in water. The event expects to attract around 15,000 visitors, an increase by 3,000 from last year.
“Last year’s show was successful from a business perspective with sales of over QR80m and further prospective orders. The third edition will be no exception as we have expanded its international presence through promotions around the globe, said Faysal Mikati, Founder and CEO, Snow Comms, who conceptualised the event.
“We have many Qataris signing deals with prominent yacht brands to be their agents here.
“For instance, Ventura, a British yacht charter company, has signed with Ali Misnad, a member of Qatar Chamber of Commerce.
“The internationally renowned Blohm and Voss superyacht shipyard has signed up with Art Marine.
“Another Qatari shipyard – Balhambar – was founded two years ago and very recently Gais Speargun opened for business,” he added. The show will be open on weekdays from 2.30pm to 9.30pm and during weekends between 12.30pm and 9.30pm.
The Peninsula
