HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari opened the seventh edition of Qatar International Boat Show (Qawarib 2020) at Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar, yesterday.
The event, held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, features world-class yachts and various marine accessories.
It will run until November 20.
Qawarib is a solo show that has been organised in the country since 2013 by Al Mannai Plus Events.
HE al-Kuwari, who was accompanied by Al Mannai Plus Events chairman Khalid bin Issa al-Mannai, toured different booths at the exhibition.


A number of diplomats and other dignitaries also attended the opening ceremony.
Al-Mannai said that some 18 brand-new boats, mostly made in Qatar, are being exhibited at the event.
"The boats are showcased for sale, but the main purpose is to promote the products,” he said, adding that a total of 33 companies, mostly local, and 158 international brands with local dealers are participating in the show.
Exhibitors are showcasing a large display of boats and new models, marine products and the latest in marine technology at Qawarib 2020.
A number of luxury sports cars and other vehicles are also on display.
According to the organiser, Qawarib serves as “an ideal maritime industry networking platform and a key business driver for the marine sector, boosting the regional marine industry.
“Each year, this event brings the entire recreational boating industry together – manufacturers, dealers and boating consumers”.
Health and safety measures have been put in place at the event in accordance with the Ministry of Public Health’s instructions, such as the mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing practices, in addition to putting more entrances and exits.
According to al-Mannai, this year’s Qawarib, dubbed as one of the premier luxury events in Qatar, is witnessing a large number of local participation compared to previous editions.
Top-notch locally-manufactured boats are taking the centre-stage at the annual show, which was rescheduled from March to November due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Al-Mannai lauded the event’s sponsors, including United Development Company – UDC (strategic partner), The Pearl-Qatar and Ronautica Middle East (host), the Ministry of Interior, and the Coast Guard for their co-operation and support.
Qawarib 2020 will be open from 2.30pm-9.30pm daily until November 20.
At a recent press conference, representatives of companies participating in or supporting the event lauded Qawarib 2020 and its organisers, while highlighting the importance of the premier boat show.
They included UDC Retail and Office Management director Adel Salem, Ronautica Middle East general manager Abdel Bomuttar al-Muhannadi, Milaha Qatar executive vice-president (Support Services)
Saleh Abdulla al-Harooni, Qatar Airways senior vice-president Ehab Amin, Qatar Free Zones Authority chief corporate support officer and acting chief operating officer Fahad Zainal, Vodafone Qatar head of Public Sector Mohamed Mohsen Alyafei, and Bentley Qatar sales manager Wasim al-Omar.

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