|
The 2014 edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) has “exceeded the expectations of everyone”, according to Snow Comms, organisers of the event. |
The five-day show, which was held at Mourjan Marinas, Lusail City, from November 11th to 15th, under the auspices of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, attracted more than 12,000 visitors, the organisers said in a statement.
There were more than 90 exhibitors and 75 boats on display.
QIBS 2014 was inaugurated by HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani and there were a large number of international exhibitors representing many of the top names in the maritime industry, including many repeat exhibitors from last year.
The bookings reached full capacity, despite the show being double the size it was in 2013. The new upgraded exhibition area comprised shows both on land and in the water with 10,000 square metres of water basin surface, and more than 15,000 square metres of pavilions and outdoor areas.
Attracting a lot of attention was a luxury dhow, which was made in Qatar by Al Mannai Marines which has recently moved its manufacturing base to Al Ruwais shipyard. The 150-tonne dhow is 33m in length and incorporates the latest advancements in technology while maintaining the traditional look of a Qatari dhow.
In addition to the luxury dhow, other large boats included the Gulf Craft Majesty 101 (31m in length); Amer Yachts 92 (28m long); Behnemar 90 (27.5m); Al Omar Marine 88 (27m); and Gulf Craft 88 (27m).
The largest boat on display was a 40m Floating House from Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Waves. The boat took 18 months to build and costs around QR12mn.
Ambassadors, senior diplomats and several government officials were in attendance.
The organisers arranged a tour for the visiting media to Nakilat (NDSQ) shipyard, situated in Ras Laffan. The shipyard covers a total area of 58,000sqm and includes a massive ship construction hall (270m long x 65m wide x 45m high) capable of simultaneously accommodating four vessels completely undercover.
Essa al-Mannai, chairman of SnowComms which organises QIBS said: “QIBS is a showcase for modern Qatar and its ambitions. It is being increasingly recognised around the world as a major shop window for boats and services in the maritime industry, especially in the Gulf Region. The show has without doubt reinforced our view that Qatar has carved out for itself in the international boat show circuit.”
As part of the closing ceremony on Saturday, all boats in the marina at Lusail sounded their horns for a full minute at 9pm.
