Organisers of the boat show at their briefing on Sunday. Hamad al-Marri, Abdul Aziz al-Zeyara and Essa al-Mannai are seen.

A number of acclaimed boat makers are exhibiting their expertise and showcasing their products at the 3rd Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) to be held between November 10 and 14 at Mourjan Marinas in Lusail City.

The event is held under the auspices of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.

The organisers have said more than 120 brands and 85 boats will be arriving for the five-day event.

The QIBS 2015 has already received confirmation on the participation of such international exhibitors such as Azimut, Sea Ray, Princess, Ferreti, Riva, Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, Prestige, Itama, Benetti, Sunreef, Silver Yachts, Heesen Yachts, Hullsquared, Lagoon, Amer Yachts, Cranchi, Everglades, Sealine, Fountaine-Pajot, Scarab, Riviera, Monto Marine, Regal, and many more.

The Qatari maritime industry will be represented by such companies as NDSQ Nakilat Damen Shipyard Qatar, Halul Boats, Balhambar Boats and Al Udeid Boats among others.

Informing this at a meeting on Sunday, chairman of the board of directors of the QIBS Essa al-Mannai said “the outstanding growth witnessed in the QIBS adds to Qatar’s rich nautical history and it is made possible by countless support from the governmental authorities. Qataris make up a significant proportion of all Gulf state buyers of yachts and maritime companies and investment opportunities are growing on account of the enormous local interest''.

Al-Mannai said the mandate of the QIBS is to play a pivotal role in promoting and fostering continued growth in the maritime industry in Qatar and throughout the region.

“Last year’s edition of the QIBS was extremely successful from a business perspective with sales of more than QR80mn and further prospective orders.

The third edition will be no exception as we have expanded the shows’ international presence through promotions around the globe, said Faysal Mikati, founder and CEO of Snow Comms and conceptualiser of the Qatar International Boat Show.

There are tie-ups between local firms and internationally acclaimed firms this year, it is learnt.

Ventura, a British yacht charter company, has signed up with Ali Misnad, who is a member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. Similarly Blohm and Voss superyacht shipyard have signed up with Doha's Art Marine.

Balhembar founded only two years ago has also tied up with a well-known player in the field.

Director - strategic and organisation planning, development – Lusail City Abdulaziz al Zeyara said '‘with the event Lusail City has succeeded in attracting various segments of residents and visitors to enjoy the event. Lusail Marina which hosts the exhibition is currently considered to be one of the best marinas to attract fans of the boats and yacht sports in the region.''

Administration director NDSQ (Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar) Rashid Hamad al-Marri said '‘last year was another exciting year with 26 vessels successfully delivered, 14 vessels under construction and 20 yacht refits completed since the start of operations in 2010.''

Chief operating officer of Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Automobiles Bengt Schultz, chief operating officer (luxury division) Ali Bin Ali Awn Zureikat, CEO of Gulf Craft (UAE) Erwin Bamps, country manager of Azadea Group, Ara Artin and Boat Show director Pantelis Stathis also spoke, representing the sponsors.

Besides Lusail City and Mourjan Marinas, Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism Authority and Coast Guard are also involved in the conduct of the show.

The boat show will be open on the weekdays between 2.30 and 9.30 pm and on the weekends between 12.30 and 9.30 pm.