DOHA: The first Qatar International Boat Show, to be held at Lusail Marina from November 12 to 16, has already secured the presence of numerous international shipyards and maritime companies.
One of the participating companies is the Ferretti Group represented in the region by Gulf Yachts and Art Marine, whose most notable customers have included Richard Burton, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren.
Sunseeker International, a UK luxury motor yacht manufacturer, had its boats featured in James Bond films including The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.
Overmarine will be exhibiting the largest boat at this year’s QIBS exhibition. Measuring 50 metres in length and with a top speed of 40 knots, the Mangusta 165 is the fastest composite Maxi Open Yacht ever to be built.
Other prominent companies taking part in the inaugural boat show includes a British motor yacht manufacturer, Princess Yachts International; Turin-based Azimut Yachts; Sea Ray, an independent company founded in 1959 in Detroit, USA; Sanlorenzo, the third shipyard placed in the world rankings of the top 20 builders over 24 metres and 140-year-old Benetti considered the world’s leading builder of Custom Mega Yachts.
Also in the show are FIPA Group, which will be represented at the event by two of their brands — the Maiora and AB Yachts; Sunreef Yachts, a leading designer and builder of luxury sailing boats, power catamarans and super yachts; Istanbul-based Bilgin Shipyard and Cranchi shipyard, which exports to 68 countries.
Faysal Mikati, Vice-President of Snow Comms Conceptual Communications & Events, which is organising the QIBS, says the number and quality of the international companies that have signed up for the show is testament to their confidence in its organisation and execution.
“Snow Comms has visited all the major boat shows around the world for the past two years and we have taken on board many of the lessons learned — both good and bad — about each event,” he said.
“The International Boat Show industry is not a one off event — it literally takes years to become a solid show, which is why we have invested a great deal of time, energy and commitment into relationship building with the key players in the international boating industry.”
The Peninsula
