GIMS Qatar 2023 drew 180,000 visitors

The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) Qatar 2023, which concluded on October 14, drew 180,000 visitors and more than 1,000 journalists from over 50 countries over 10 days, Qatar Tourism (QT) said Wednesday.
GIMS took place outside of Switzerland for the very first time since its inception in 1905.
The mega event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre saw the strong presence of 30 exhibitors who collectively unveiled 29 regional launches and 12 world premieres.
The inaugural edition of GIMS Qatar closed its doors at 10pm on October 14 to the sound of horns honking, a prized GIMS tradition.
In a press statement, QT deputy chairman HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji said: “We are delighted to have led efforts to bring to Qatar one of the most elite exhibitions in the automotive industry and demonstrate Qatar’s ability to host large-scale events. Our state-of-the-art conference facilities as well as eased travel policies and expanded hospitality offering make Qatar an ideal choice for businesses considering an international destination to their events.
“In addition, the celebration of automotive excellence that took place across multiple venues demonstrates the country’s seamless alignment and adherence to one shared vision of propelling Qatar onto the international stage.”
GIMS CEO Sandro Mesquita said: “Our Geneva Salon has for many years allowed the great and good of the automotive industry to connect, share ideas and inspire the future of the sector. It has also been the place to show what we call ‘automotive excellence.’ Whether that’s a luxury brand showing its latest hypercar, a start-up making its entry to the market, or a major global automaker unveiling its electrification strategy; if it’s at Geneva, it tends to be big news.
“This is what Geneva means. But this is also what GIMS means. Wherever and whenever a GIMS event takes place, it brings the same excellence. This first edition of GIMS Qatar is a true testament to that.”
GIMS Qatar will return in November 2025 after the next edition of GIMS at Palexpo, Geneva, from February 26 to March 3, 2024.