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Monday, February 09, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "exhibition" (33 articles)

The annual exhibition offers residents and visitors free access to high-quality dates and date-based products at competitive prices. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam
Qatar

Souq Waqif Dates exhibition brings regional flavours to Doha ahead of Ramadan

The Souq Waqif International Dates Exhibition 2026 has returned to Eastern Square, uniting 57 companies from six Arab countries in a vibrant pre-Ramadan showcase of premium dates and heritage products.Running from February 5-16 at Eastern Square in Souq Waqif, the annual exhibition offers residents and visitors free access to high-quality dates and date-based products at competitive prices, just weeks before Ramadan.**media[414654]**According to Souq Waqif supervisor Mohammed Abdullah al-Saleem, the exhibition features 57 companies from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Algeria, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Sudan.The event highlights both traditional dates and innovative date products.For many visitors, the timing is ideal.“It has been an amazing experience,” said Sarah, a visitor at the exhibition. “Especially with Ramadan happening in the next one or two weeks, [there is] a huge collection of dates – Majdoul, ajwa, a lot of varieties, syrups, vinegar.”She added that the venue enhances the experience.“I think this is a very good venue for such kind of events... it gives a lot of exposure,” Sarah said. “We tell all the guests to come to Souq Waqif, look at the culture and heritage of Qatar.”**media[414655]**Vendors echoed the sentiment, highlighting both commercial and cultural benefits.Rahma Hassini, a Tunisian exhibitor whose products originate from Sudan, said: “Sudan is special. They make from date many, many products for skincare routine and for the eating.”Hassini’s stand features a range of items, including “moisturiser, face soaps, creams for hair with honey and date, lip balm, bokhoor with date”, alongside edible varieties such as Simsim, Mamoul and coconut dates.“In 2025, in the previous exhibition, we took the second best product – date and honey products,” she noted.Reflecting on the exhibition’s impact, Hassini said: “The exhibition encourages us to create more things with the date and the honey and encourages people to know our traditions and to know more about our culture.”As Ramadan approaches, the exhibition once again positions Souq Waqif not only as a marketplace, but as a space where heritage, commerce and community meet. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

HH the Amir opens LNG conference

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised the opening of the 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Monday.The opening ceremony featured a documentary highlighting the history of Qatar and the stages of development of the liquefied natural gas and clean energy industry. His Excellency Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi delivered a speech on the occasion.HH the Amir then toured the exhibition pavilions, during which he exchanged views with senior officials from international companies and reviewed the latest energy-sector technologies and innovations showcased by participating local and international firms.The opening ceremony and exhibition were attended by a number of Their Excellencies the ministers, chief executives, and senior officials, as well as Their Excellencies the guests of the conference from sisterly and friendly countries.  

Gulf Times
Qatar

HH the Amir visits Web Summit Qatar 2026

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited the Web Summit Qatar 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) Sunday.  Having toured the booths of the participating national and international companies, His Highness the Amir was apprised of the latest innovations and cutting-edge technological systems in the areas of technology and artificial intelligence as well as entrepreneurship and digital transformation.  His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani listened to an explanation about the position of this summit as a global forum to share expertise through holding panel discussions and specialised workshops, representing solution platforms and modern technologies, in addition to public and private sector initiatives supporting the technology sector, with the participation of a contingent of keynote speakers and decision makers in this sector.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Sheikha Moza, PM to take part in Web Summit Qatar 2026

The Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee announced that Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, will participate in the 3rd edition of Web Summit Qatar 2026, taking place from February 1-4 February at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. In a statement Thursday, the Committee said:" The participation of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser will advance the Summit's discussions, particularly around the role of technology in serving society, strengthening education systems through innovation, and empowering communities amid rapid digital transformation". The Committee also confirmed the participation of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani in Web Summit Qatar 2026, the region's largest and fastest-growing technology event. The Committee mentioned: "Web Summit Qatar 2026 will also feature Qatari industry leaders, including Her Excellency Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani; His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa al-Hassan al-Mohannadi; and His Excellency President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau and Secretary General of the National Planning Council Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa". The statement added: "Qatari senior executives will also participate in the Summit's programme, including His Excellency Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan bin Abdullah al-Thawadi; CEO of Invest Qatar Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed al-Thani; Chairman of Qai Abdulla bin Hamad al-Misnad; Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal bin Khalifa al-Thani; and Secretary General of the Qatar Research and Development (QRDI) Council Eng Omar Ali al-Ansari". Web Summit Qatar 2026 is expected to host 30,000 participants, more than 1,600 startups, over 800 investors, over 180 global partners, and more than 400 speakers from around the world. The Summit will also receive extensive international media coverage, with over 600 media professionals attending, making it the largest edition of the global event to be hosted in Qatar. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Souq Waqif honey exhibition unites producers, consumers

Souq Waqif has once again become a hub of flavour and tradition, as the 7th International Honey Exhibition brings producers and visitors together through taste, trust and cultural exchange. The latest edition of the event opened at Eastern Square Thursday, welcoming visitors to a diverse showcase of honey varieties and bee products from Qatar and across the region. Running until January 31, the exhibition brings together around 100 local and international honey producers, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore a wide range of honey types — including Sidr, Manuka and Stingless Bee honey — alongside related products such as beeswax and pollen.**media[407958]**Entry to the event is free, making it accessible to families, culinary enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Beyond the tasting stalls, the exhibition places a strong focus on education and consumer confidence. An on-site honey-testing laboratory enables quality checks, while a specialist doctor is available to treat bee stings, enhancing both safety and the visitor experience.**media[407957]**For long-standing participants, the exhibition represents more than just a sales platform. Representatives from Wataniya Apiaries, participating for the third time, described the festival as a celebration of creativity and excellence. Operating since 1995, Wataniya Apiaries showcased a selection of honey sourced from the Arabian Peninsula, including Samar, Sidr, Talh, Mangrove and Ashkhar honey, alongside beeswax and specialised blends.**media[407956]**The company highlighted the growing diversity of the exhibition, noting the presence of producers from Pakistan, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. “This exhibition is exceptional because it gathers everything under one roof,” a representative said, adding that Qatar’s honey market is both distinguished and appreciative of quality. “Each year, we see new faces, new countries and new products.”**media[407955]**For first-time participants, the event offers valuable exposure and direct customer engagement. Muhammad Muzamil Baig, representing a Pakistani trading company, said the exhibition provided an ideal space to introduce products such as cedar honey, white honey, honeycomb, and honey blended with dry fruits. “This is a very good place to meet people and let them try our honey,” he said. “The customers benefit, the vendors benefit, and even children enjoy the atmosphere.**media[407966]**It helps people understand the value of natural honey.” Local producers also continue to play a central role. A Qatari vendor from Ibn Moshaiqah honey shop showcased honey sourced from farms in northern Qatar, alongside Yemeni, Pakistani, Iranian and Russian varieties.**media[407963]**The vendor noted that participation has become a yearly commitment, reflecting both consumer demand and trust in the exhibition.**media[407961]**Held in the historic setting of Souq Waqif, the exhibition blends commerce with culture, turning a traditional marketplace into a space for learning, tasting and exchange. Visitors are encouraged to sample different varieties, speak directly with producers and gain insight into honey quality and origin.

Visitors look at an artwork titled “Water Lilies” by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei displayed during his first solo exhibition in India, at the Nature Morte gallery in New Delhi Thursday.
International

Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei debuts in India

The first solo exhibition in India by Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei opened Thursday, featuring sculpture, installation and mixed media spanning his career, as well as his “homage” to the country. The son of a revered poet, 68-year-old Ai is perhaps China’s best-known modern artist. He helped design the famous “Bird’s Nest” stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics but fell out of favour after criticising the Chinese government and was imprisoned for 81 days in 2011. He eventually left for Germany four years later. His show at New Delhi’s Nature Morte gallery comes as India’s relations ease with neighbouring China, although the world’s two most populous nations remain strategic rivals in the region. “This is my first exhibition in India... although there are only a dozen of my artworks, it covers several key points that trace more than 20 years,” the artist, who did not attend the opening, said in a statement. Gallery co-director Aparajita Jain said the show aimed to broaden understanding and artistic exchange. “We’re simply a space for expression - a place for conversation where we can learn about art practices from around the world and share histories,” she said. The exhibition includes Ai’s large-scale Lego compositions “Surfing” and “Water Lilies”, alongside works made from porcelain, stone and even buttons. The exhibition includes three pieces made “as a homage to India”, Jain added - toy-brick works based on historic Indian paintings. Visual arts student Disha Sharma, 20, travelled 90kms from the city of Rohtak to see the opening. “It’s not art that you immediately understand,” said Sharma. “It makes you think.”Srishti Rana Menon, an artist based at Nature Morte, said that seeing the work in India was exciting. 

Being self-taught, Dr Padmanabhan’s artistic evolution has been shaped by observation, curiosity and constant experimentation.
Qatar

From clinic to canvas: Meet the doctor who paints life through art

At Art Factory Lusail, Fox Hills, a quiet exhibition space is currently drawing visitors into a world of unspoken emotions, fleeting moments and deeply personal reflections. The reason is Soul in Strokes, the latest solo exhibition by Dr Sreekumar Padmanabhan, a medical professional whose paintbrush has become as powerful a tool of healing as his stethoscope.The week-long exhibition, which was kicked off on 2 January, features a compelling series of realistic oil and acrylic works that explore everyday life, human expressions and the subtle emotions often overlooked in modern routines.“From the name Soul in Strokes, I wanted to capture emotions, the very essence of the soul, through my brush,” Dr Padmanabhan explains. “In our busy lives, we forget to appreciate the beauty in small moments. These paintings give those moments a space to be seen.”Each artwork is accompanied by a short narrative describing what inspired its creation, encouraging visitors to not only observe but also reflect. The result is an immersive viewing experience where art becomes conversation between the canvas and the viewer, and often within the viewer’s own memories.Dr Padmanabhan has spent more than 18 years in Qatar, building a medical career rooted in discipline, service and continuous learning. He arrived in Doha in 2007 after a decade of medical practice in the UAE and currently serves as a doctor in the government sector. His professional journey includes advanced qualifications such as MRCGP and specialised diplomas in Occupational Health, Diving Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. He also conducts multiple training programmes at the Hamad International Training Center.Yet, alongside this structured medical path runs a parallel life shaped by creativity.“I paint whenever I get free time. It is not something I have to plan; it just happens,” he says. “Painting keeps me grounded.”What makes Soul in Strokes especially distinctive is the way it mirrors Dr Padmanabhan’s multicultural life journey. His Indian roots, professional life in Qatar, interactions across the Middle East and travels abroad all quietly surface through the faces, settings and emotions portrayed in his paintings.Being self-taught, his artistic evolution has been shaped by observation, curiosity and constant experimentation.“I learn by watching people, their expressions, their silences, their stories,” he shares. “I hope people can see my growth through my paintings.”His works often focus on people, not as posed subjects, but as carriers of stories, emotions and lived realities. Viewers frequently find themselves emotionally drawn to his canvases, connecting the scenes to their own personal experiences.“Art is not just about technique,” he reflects. “It is about making people feel something.”A member of the Katara Fine Arts Society, Dr Padmanabhan has participated in nearly 60 exhibitions in Qatar, including about 15 solo shows and more than 17 group exhibitions at Katara alone. He is also a familiar face as a jury member for children’s art competitions, quietly nurturing young creative talent.Despite this extensive artistic footprint, he remains humble, introducing himself first as a doctor, and letting his paintings speak for him.For him, artistic success is not measured in sales, but in emotional connection.“When someone stands in front of a painting and sees their own story in it, that is my real reward,” he says.A cultural connectorLiving in Qatar has further shaped his belief in multicultural harmony. He speaks warmly of working alongside colleagues from across the world and of the natural closeness that grows within Qatar’s compact and diverse society.He is currently also part of the Katara group exhibition ‘From Qatar’, which brings together artists of different nationalities, reflecting the country’s cultural mosaic.At the heart of his philosophy lies the Indian principle Atithi Devo Bhava (The guest is God), a value that influences both his medical practice and his artistic interactions.“As a doctor, I always ask myself how I would like to be treated if I were the patient. That is how I treat people,” he says.While realism remains the foundation of his work, Dr Padmanabhan plans to explore simplified styles, mixed media, story-driven compositions and larger-format works in future exhibitions — signalling a new creative chapter ahead.In his world, healing does not end in the clinic.It continues — quietly and beautifully — on canvas.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Doha to host first edition of ROBOTECH in October 2026

Qatar Chamber hosted a press conference at its headquarters yesterday to announce the first edition of the International Exhibition on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence technologies (ROBOTECH), which will be held from Oct. 27-29 of 2026 in Doha, with official support from Qatar Chamber.The press conference was attended by HE First Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Mohamed bin Twar Al Kuwari, Acting General Manager Ali Bu Sherbak Al Mansori, General Manager of the organising company Stallion Haitham Shehab, and the Exhibition Manager Ling Li.ROBOTECH is a specialized exhibition that aligns with Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030, which emphasizes the importance of the Information Technology and digital transformation as a fundamental sector for developing the digital economy and enhancing long-term capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and emerging technologies.The exhibition is expected to attract leading companies specializing in advanced artificial intelligence systems and robotics across various sectors, including healthcare, smart transportation, logistics, education, cybersecurity, food security, fintech, Industrial technologies, smart cities, and environmental conservation.In his speech at the press conference, HE First Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Al Kuwari, who is also the Vice-Chairman and General Secretary of The Qatar Business Council emphasized that Qatar is witnessing rapid development in the information technology sector and is among the top 20 countries globally in the 2025 Digital Competitiveness Index issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). This continuous progress reflects the country's commitment to building a competitive, knowledge-based, and innovation-driven economy, and underscores the ongoing development the country is experiencing under Qatar National Vision 2030, which places digital transformation and innovation at the heart of the nation's sustainable development."Qatar Chamber's support for this exhibition is part of its strategy and is one of the activities of the Qatari Business Council after its restructuring. The exhibition also contributes to strengthening the integrated partnership between the public and private sectors", he added.The QC First Vice-Chairman said that the Business Council will invite Qatari business owners and companies to participate in the conference accompanying the exhibition, enabling them to benefit from dialogue sessions and panel discussions. In addition, the Council will organise a seminar and several workshops bringing together Qatari business leaders with heads and representatives of participating international companies, with the aim of enhancing trade and investment cooperation opportunities and building strategic partnerships that serve the interests of all parties.For his part, Acting General Manager of the Qatar Chamber Al Mansori said that the Chamber is keen to support this important exhibition, noting that innovation and artificial intelligence are considered engines of the economy, pointing out that the exhibition represents a valuable opportunity to conclude deals and partnerships between Qatari and international companies in these fields.General Manager of Stallion, noted that ROBOTECH 26 will occupy 15,000 square meters facilitating extensive international participation. It is designed as the premier platform to discover cutting-edge technologies and catalyze public-private partnerships in this high-growth sector. He also commended Qatar Chamber's pivotal role: "We highly value Qatar Chamber's official support. Its renowned advocacy for the private sector is instrumental in advancing Qatar's business and investment climate, making it the ideal partner for this landmark exhibition."The global artificial intelligence market reached approximately $136.55 billion in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 37.3%. This growth is linked to continuous research and innovation by technology giants, in addition to the adoption of this technology by industrial, commercial, and governmental companies in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, retail, and finance.According to Market Research, the market size is expected to reach $826.73 billion by 2030, up from $93.27 billion in 2020, reflecting an unprecedented investment boom in modern technological history. Robots will also be applied to improve the efficiency of key industries such as healthcare and automation, with the global robotics market expected to reach $189.36 billion by 2027.

 BMW at Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025
Qatar

Alfardan Automobiles supports Qatar’s classic car community

Alfardan Automotive, through Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive importer and official BMW Group distributor in Qatar, participated as the main sponsor in the sixth edition of the Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025, held at The Pearl Island.Across five days, 65 exceptional classic cars were on display, underscoring Qatar’s status as a regional hub for automotive heritage and luxury.As the main sponsor, Alfardan Automotive helped in transforming the event into an immersive journey through automotive history against the stunning backdrop of The Pearl Island. The event attracted the general public and passionate collections from both Qatar and the wider GCC, offering a rare glimpse of meticulously selected vehicles exemplifying timeless design and engineering excellence.Featuring an expanded lineup of classics, paired with an increase in participation from across the GCC, this year’s edition was the largest to date, further strengthening Qatar’s reputation amongst the region’s enthusiasts and collectors.The exhibition highlighted Qatar’s cultural identity and automotive heritage, demonstrating how classic vehicles have the unique ability to connect generations through craftsmanship and storytelling.A highlight during the event was the exclusive Alfardan Automobiles BMW Classics Club display, featuring rare and historically significant BMWs. The display showcased two iconic models, the BMW E30 M3 (1991) and the BMW 2000cs (1968), and highlighted the rich heritage of the GCC, attracting significant interest from visitors and classic car enthusiasts alike.Showcasing the BMW Classics Club at the event underlined its role in growing a dedicated community of classic BMW owners and enthusiasts in Qatar, while strengthening their connection with Alfardan Automobiles as the Middle East’s first Certified BMW Classic Partner. Through exclusive drives, curated exhibitions and educational sessions, the club aims to keep these iconic models on the road, preserve their heritage for future generations and reinforce Qatar’s position as a key destination for classic car culture.Ayman Berjawi, general manager of Alfardan Automobiles, said: “Supporting the sixth Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025 underscores our commitment to Qatar’s automotive scene and passion for classics. With 65 outstanding vehicles and the BMW Classics Club’s engagement, Qatar’s growing stature as a destination for collectors and enthusiasts is clear.”Hussain Omar Alfardan, Chief Marketing Officer of Alfardan Automotive, said: “This year’s show aimed to engage families, first-time visitors, and collectors alike. From the BMW Classics Club to the broader exhibition, our goal was to share stories and highlight what makes each vehicle unique. The strong response encourages us to continue nurturing Qatar’s classic car culture.”The Pearl Island also hosted a lively, family-friendly event with interactive zones on restoration and a children’s area. Artistic performances kept visitors energised.Twenty winners were recognised across a variety of categories, with awards in cash and prizes for excellence in restoration, preservation, and presentation. The event set a benchmark for quality and dedication.Organisers aim to enhance future editions by blending authenticity with modernity, expanding experiences, and further establishing Qatar as a key player in classic car culture. Alfardan Automobiles remains dedicated to celebrating automotive heritage, luxury, and community. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

MWC makes region debut in Doha today

Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the inaugural MWC25 Doha will kick off today.Organized by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the event comes to the Middle East and North Africa for the first time and will take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center on November 25-26.MWC25 Doha will host a distinguished gathering of global digital leaders, policymakers, experts, innovators, exhibitors, and investors from around the world. It provides an international platform for exchanging insights, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and identifying new opportunities to advance digital infrastructure and knowledge-based economies.It will feature a strong Qatari presence, with national speakers and senior representatives from various government entities presenting strategic perspectives on the future of digital infrastructure, national talent development, and the adoption of advanced technologies across priority sectors. Leading Qatari companies and innovative startups will also showcase digital solutions that reflect the rapid growth of the country's digital economy.In parallel, MWC25 Doha will welcome official delegations and experts from around the world, along with international organizations and regional bodies, reinforcing its role as a platform that brings together leaders and decision-makers to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration. The international participation includes country pavilions from Korea, Turkiye, and Palestine, each presenting their flagship digital initiatives and national technology projects.Qatar Pavilion will bring together 17 government entities presenting 32 innovative digital projects covering a broad range of future-oriented technologies, from smart aerial mobility solutions such as air taxis and surveillance drones, to electric vehicle charging innovations, interactive experiences showcasing the evolution of telecommunications, and accessibility-focused innovations designed to support persons with disabilities, in addition to advanced applications in AI.This edition's programme is built around three core themes: AI Nexus, Intelligent Economies, and Connected Industries. Across these pillars, nearly 300 global and local speakers and experts will present insights on the future of connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, next-generation networks, fintech innovation, satellite and non-terrestrial networks, and emerging technologies across multiple sectors.The GSMA Ministerial Programme will convene ministers and regulatory authorities from around the world to discuss digital governance, spectrum policy, and investment in advanced mobile networks. At the same time, the GSMA Digital Leaders Programme will be held for the first time in the MENA region, gathering senior executives from ICT sectors to explore the role of AI in building future-ready digital infrastructure and enabling sustainable growth.The fourth edition of Smart City Expo Doha 2025, organized by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology under the theme "Beyond connectivity: a digital solutions pathway to a smarter, thriving future", will bring together more than 30 speakers and experts.The accompanying exhibition will host over 250 exhibitors and sponsors representing leading global, regional, and local companies showcasing the latest innovations in connectivity, 5G Future, AI, advanced computing, smart cities, data solutions, and digital finance technologies.The event will also feature a diverse set of specialized programmes, including the regional debut of 4YFN, with participation from over 100 local and international startups, including 40 Qatar startups incubated by MCIT.MWC25 Doha marks a pivotal opportunity to accelerate digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa. MWC25 Doha provides a unique platform to shape the future of connectivity and emerging technologies, enabling governments and industry leaders to exchange expertise, explore next-generation innovations, and build more agile and future-ready digital ecosystems. This inaugural edition stands as a significant step toward advancing a resilient and integrated digital future for the MENA region.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025 opens at The Pearl Island

The Gulf-Qatari Classic Car Association launched the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025 at The Pearl Island yesterday, featuring some of the world’s rarest vintage vehicles.The expanded showcase, held under the honorary patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, was inaugurated by prominent Qatari businessman and philanthropist HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani. He is also the chairman of Al Faisal Holding, and the founder of the Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge. He was joined by Ahmed al-Hammadi, director general of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority and Chairman of United Development Company (UDC).Running until November 23 at Medina Centrale, the event is held under the direct supervision of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) and displays an array of classic vehicles from Qatar and across the GCC.HE Sheikh Faisal lauded the exhibition as a major milestone, driven by record-breaking regional participation for the second year running. He stressed that the extensive national support highlights Qatar’s resolve to protect its engineering history.“We are proud of the distinguished status this event has achieved regionally and globally. It has become a platform that brings together classic car enthusiasts, supporting institutions, and audiences passionate about industrial and engineering heritage. These events are not just about displaying cars — they tell stories of innovation, design, and history, enriching Qatar’s cultural identity,” he said in a press statement.Organisers noted that a competition will select the top cars across five categories, covering models from pre-1947 to 1995, with three winners in each category. Additional awards will recognise standout vehicles for authenticity, heritage preservation, and overall excellence. For the first time, winners will receive both financial and in-kind prizes.Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khalid al-Thani, Board Member of the association, stated that every edition aims to deliver added value by selecting the finest classic cars for display.Engineer Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, secretary-general and Board Member, added: “The sixth edition of the event has witnessed broad participation from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, representing 40% of the total participating vehicles.”Qatar Museums CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi noted that this marks the first official presence of the Qatar Auto Museum in the exhibition, highlighting the institution’s role in showcasing cultural history and the artistic value of automobiles. This includes a remarkable display of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, linking the exhibition to the origins of the modern automotive era.UDC CEO Yasser al-Jaidah stated that hosting the event at The Pearl Island adds a prestigious dimension to the island’s lineup of high-profile cultural and luxury experiences. He stressed that the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to view some of the world’s rarest classic vehicles in an environment that blends heritage with elegance.Hussain Omar Alfardan, CMO of Alfardan Automotive, stressed that sponsoring the event aligns with the group’s strategy to support Qatar’s growing passion for classic cars. He noted that this interest represents an appreciation of artistic and historical value. He also highlighted the aim of building a community around this passion and contributing to the economic and tourism sectors through sustainable events.Meanwhile, organisers added that Daam’s sponsorship of the exhibition underlines its dedication to preserving national heritage and cultivating cultural awareness. By supporting such initiatives, the fund seeks to deepen community engagement and foster intergenerational connections that honour Qatar’s enduring legacy.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Classic cars exhibition 2025 opens

Qatari businessman and philanthropist His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani led the inauguration of the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025 at The Pearl Island Wednesday.He was joined by officials of the Gulf-Qatari Classic Car Association. Running until November 23 at Medina Centrale, the event displays an array of classic vehicles from Qatar and across the GCC.