DOHA: The first Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) 2013, which opens today, is surpassing expectations with bookings already made for the 2014 edition of the show.
Three major international ship yards have already signed up for next year’s show in addition to a number of enquiries received by organisers.
The inaugural show runs until Saturday at Lusail Marina in Lusail City. Of the 24 international exhibitors at this year’s show, the largest contingent is from Italy, with no fewer than nine major ship yards represented.
Two days before the start of QIBS 2013, exhibitors of prestigious brands such as Porsche, Bentley Lamborghini and McLaren were still signing up for the Show.
Plans are already under way to initiate Qatar’s own Marine Association. Following a press conference announcement by Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, President of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation, a roundtable meeting of maritime stakeholders will be held during the Show in which the Qatar Marine Association will be created.
Faysal Mikati, Vice President of Snow Conceptual Communications, which is organising the Show, says the international boating community is coming to experience ‘Brand Qatar’.
“They have come to meet and explore this new market. The local market, on the other hand, has very high expectations of QIBS 2013. But for this to happen, the local market and people in the region need to show their support in equal measure,” said Mikati.
“Qataris are proud of their country and proud of their heritage. The very first Qatar International Boat Show is something else they will be able to add to their long list of things to be proud of. We look forward to welcoming as many as possible to Lusail Marina over the next few days where I have no doubt that QIBS 2013 will be beyond their expectations,” he concluded.
The Peninsula
