The third edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) gets under way at Mourjan Marinas, Lusail City, today.
To be held until November 14, the event “promises to outperform its two predecessors in both size and scope,” the organisers told reporters at a special briefing held on board a 30m luxury dhow at the marina.
The show, which will once again be inaugurated by HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, will feature 85 boats, including seven luxury super-yachts and a host of activities for visitors.
Faysal Mikati, founder and CEO of SnowComms, the organiser of the show, said: “QIBS has been at the forefront of attracting interest in the growing maritime sector. This is leading to the continuous and accelerated growth of the country’s manufacturing industry, which means it is already a worthy competitor to other major countries and manufacturers around the world.”
Many of the international exhibitors at QIBS 2015 are well-known names in the maritime industry, 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 others.
In addition, the Qatari maritime industry will showcase companies such as NDSQ (Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar), Halul Boats, Balhambar Boats and Al Udeid Boats.
There will also be more side events at the show this year, including awards, cruises, dedicated exhibitor parties, evening gatherings, nautical activities, sea races and seminars.
“Many of our visitors will be interested in the many breathtaking firsts at QIBS 2015, from international product launches and VIP water shuttles to fly-boarding displays and a special kids’ area. These unique showcases are only rivalled by the huge impact within the maritime industry,” said Pantelis Stathis, the boat show director.
Abdulaziz al-Zeyara, director of strategic and corporate planning at Lusail Real Estate Investment Company, noted: “For this edition of QIBS, we ensured that the marina is ready to accommodate larger boats and yachts by deepening the basin and the entrances to meet the current and future needs of sea life and watersports enthusiasts.”
The event is expected to draw 15,000 visitors and feature some 120 exhibitors in addition to the 85 boats, according to the organisers.
QIBS 2015 will be officially inaugurated by HE Sheikh Ahmed at 4pm today. Also present will be the minister’s entourage, VIPs, ambassadors besides the exhibitors.
From 6.30pm to 8pm, there will be exclusive private yacht viewings for VIP guests, which will be followed from 8pm to 8.30pm by the official opening ceremony. An official reception, where exhibitors and VIPs can get together to meet with their peers, will be held after that.
The event is being held from 2.30pm to 9.30pm on the first three days and from 12.30pm to 9.30pm on the last two days.
The closing ceremony will be held at 9.30pm on November 14.