As many as 120 brands and 85 boats both on land and water will be showcased at next month’s Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS).

Now in its third edition, the QIBS is to be held from November 10 to 14, under the auspices of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani at Mourjan Marinas in Lusail City. 

International exhibitors at the event will include Azimut, Sea Ray, Princess, Ferretti, Riva, Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, Prestige, Itama, Benetti, Sunreef, Silver Yachts, Heesen Yachts, Hullsquared, Lagoon, Amer Yachts, Cranchi, Everglades, Sealine, Fountaine-Pajot, Scarab, Riviera, Monto Marine, Regal, and more. 

In addition, the Qatari maritime industry will showcase companies such as Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ), Halul Boats, Balhambar Boats and Al Udeid Boats. 

“The outstanding growth seen by QIBS adds to Qatar’s rich nautical history and is made possible by countless governmental authorities. Qataris make up a significant proportion of all Gulf state buyers of yachts and maritime companies and investment opportunities are growing as a result. Ultimately, the mandate of QIBS is to play a pivotal role in promoting and fostering continued growth in the maritime industry in Qatar and throughout the region,” says Essa Al Mannai, QIBS Board Chairman. 

“Last year’s edition of QIBS was extremely successful from a business perspective with sales of more than QR80 million, and further prospective orders. The third edition will be no exception as we have expanded the shows’ international presence through promotions around the globe. We have every confidence that we will be able to create another show of the highest standard,’’ adds Faysal Mikati, Founder and CEO of Snow Comms and conceptualiser of the Qatar International Boat Show. 

Mikati continues: ‘Within the nation we have many Qataris signing deals with prominent yacht brands to be their agents in Qatar. For instance, Ventura, a British yacht charter company, has signed with Ali Misnad, a member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. The internationally renowned Blohm and Voss superyacht shipyard has signed up with Art Marine.’’

“Balhembar, another Qatari shipyard, was founded only two years ago and very recently the company Gais Speargun opened for business. QIBS has been at the very forefront of facilitating successful deals between Qatari companies and international agencies, which is in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 to position the country as a world class tourism hub for business, leisure, culture, education and sport.”

The 2015 show has received strong support from a number of high-profile companies and government entities. These include Lusail City, Qatari Diar, Mourjan Marinas – the venue for the show, the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), the Ministry of Interior and Coast Guard, Infiniti, Boggi, Ulysse Nardin, Al Mannai Marine, Gulf Craft, NDSQ, Qatar Airways, Peters & May, NBJ Group, Qvision,  ‘World of Yachts and Boats’, ‘Sur La Terre’, Uber, Nano, Marina Mall, 8:56, Ali Bin Ali Luxury and Fashion division, Brand Expression, Quintessentially Lifestyle, Yachts XL, Fotoarabia, Chrystal Caviar, Business France, and the Arab Marine Industries Association. 

Lusail City Director for Strategic and Organisation Planning, Development, Abdulaziz Al Zeyara says: By hosting this exhibition, Lusail City succeeds in attracting various segments of residents and visitors to enjoy the event. It has turned into an icon of the sustainable and green cities in Qatar and the region; particularly as Lusail Marina, which hosts the exhibition, is considered to be one of the best marinas to attract fans of the boats and yachts sports in the region.” 

NDSQ Administration Director Rashid Hamad Al Marri says: ‘We are very happy to be present again during this years QIBS. 2015 was another exciting year with 26 vessels successfully delivered, 14 vessels under construction and 20 yacht refits completed since the start of operations in 2010. We look forward to the future in developing the local industry and we keep supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030.’

Bengt Schultz, Chief Operating Officer of Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Automobiles, says: ‘Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana, the exclusive agent of Infiniti in Qatar, is proud to support for a second year in a row the Qatar International Boat Show 2015, a premier yachting event matching Infiniti’s premium positioning, luxury and cutting edge technology through innovative thinking.”

Awn Zureikat, COO Luxury & Fashion division, Ali Bin Ali, says: “Since the inception of the boat show Ali Bin Ali has as been a proud sponsor and supporter of this evolving international event. As a renowned luxury brand in the Middle East, our organisation continues to seek out innovative event and initiatives like QIBS. 

Pantelis Stathis, Boat Show Director, says: “The scope and focus of the boat show has grown to include awards ceremonies, nautical activities  and exclusive gatherings for exhibitors. Now entering our third year allows us to expand the reach of the QIBS and become strong international player in the evolving marine industry. “ 

QIBS also boasts a family friendly environment with a children’s playground and a dedicated food and beverage area.  The show will be open weekdays from 2.30 to 9:30 pm and on the weekends 12.30 to 9.30 pm.