The sixth edition of Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) will be held at The Pearl-Qatar from March 12 to 16 under the auspices of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, it has been announced.
The event will take place at 25-29 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar.
QIBS 2019 will play host to “top-quality boats highlighting the art of craftsmanship” from a number of countries, including Qatar, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, Turkey, France, India, the US and Kuwait, the organisers have said. It will also introduce the region’s boat enthusiasts to the latest technological advancements.
This year, the show expects to attract over 30 impressive motorboats and luxury yachts, according to the organisers. These will be displayed both on land and water, complemented by exhibitor chalets, representing many of the top names in the maritime industry - both local and international - along the marine walkway.
The details of the event were announced at a press conference in Doha yesterday. Present on the occasion were Khalid Issa al-Mannai, chairman of Al Mannai Plus Events, the organiser of QIBS; Loay Dalis, CEO of Al Mannai Plus Events; Abdulrahim al-Ibrahim, United Development Company executive director - Commercial; Adel al-Mohannadi, Ronautica Middle East general manager; Fahad al-Mislamani, General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security, Ministry of Interior; Captain Mohamed Ali Abdel Rahim, executive director of QIG Marine Services; and Sara Teubner, Morsa ITC.
Speaking on the occasion, al-Mannai noted that QIBS seeks to play a big role in promoting and supporting the tourism and exhibitions industry in Qatar. “We are grateful to the directions provided by our wise leadership and the endless support of the State,” he said. “Thousands of visitors from within and outside Qatar have visited the sole marine exhibition of Qatar in large numbers.”
Noting that previous marine events organised by Al Mannai Plus Events with the support of its valued sponsors witnessed deals worth millions of Qatari riyals, he said QIBS has encouraged and attracted the private sector to invest in the marine industry.
On his part, Dalis said: “It is for exactly one year and nine months that our wonderful country and its people are facing the unjust land, airspace and trade blockade imposed by some of our neighbours. We are fortunate that we are blessed with a wise and strong leadership, which has given us - the business community - confidence and all-out support to stand on our feet and not to be discouraged by any outside threats and the negative attitudes of others.
“Our chairman and his team have a dream to see Qatar being recognised in the marine and tourism sectors similar to other areas such as energy and sports.”
Officials at the QIBS 2019 press conference yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen
