A showcase for the imagination of auto designers

The Qatar Motor Show (QMS), which concludes today, has raised the country’s profile as the next go-to destination for major public events. As in the previous two editions of this event, this year’s show has also had its share of “bling” announcements.

Most notably, the show marked the debut of the Arab “supercar” Lykan Hypersport 2013 from W Motors and Brabus 800 Widestar G 65 AMG off-roader. With price tags of QR13mn for the Lykan and QR1.9mn for the Brabus 800, it is more than clear that the market for ultra-luxury automobiles is well and flourishing in Qatar.

The Lykan, for instance, is full of high-end specifications (including diamond-encrusted LED lights and a 24/7 concierge service) and making it even more exclusive is the fact that there are only seven of the cars on offer, with a gift of a QR730,000 special-edition designer watch awaiting the buyer. The first one is reported to have already been snapped up.

Six new brands joined the show this year, while world-famous Italian car designer Bertone, known for its handcrafted models, celebrated its centennial at QMS with an exhibition of prototypes of its Bertone Nuccio, Bertone Pickster, Bertone Aston Martin Jet2, and the Bertone Jaguar B99 cars.

Cars of all sizes, shapes and budgets are an integral part of life in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), and events such as the QMS prove to be a showcase for the fertile imagination of automotive designers.

Yet another proud moment

Yesterday was another proud moment for Qatar as The Shard, touted as western Europe’s highest skyscraper at 310m (1,017ft) opened its doors to the public in London with a viewing deck.

The tower, designed by award-winning architect Renzo Piano, has been financed 95% by Qatar, and is being heralded as a major sign of the redevelopment of London’s long-neglected south bank of the River Thames.

Historically a prosperous area during Roman times, the south bank’s fortunes sank after the decline in the shipping trade from the 1960s to the 1980s. In recent years, there has been a slow regeneration of the real estate market with many luxury developments finding a spot here. Millions of square metres of office space have been constructed in cathedrals of glass across the river from the Tower of London, including Norman Foster’s City Hall and Terence Conran’s Design Museum.

The Shard is a symbol of economic opportunity for the area, according to Peter John, leader of the local Southwark council.

Already, 130,000 tickets were sold ahead of the opening of the viewing galleries, which are set at 244m above the ground.

Irrespective of the viewpoints of people for and against the building, The Shard is surely one building with a view to beat all views.