The Third Edition of QIBS 2015 Expects 15,000 visitors, 120 Exhibitors and 85 Yachts

Doha 9 November 2015 - This week’s third edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS), which is being held from 10-14 November at Mourjan Marinas in Lusail City, promises to outperform its two predecessors in both size and scope, the press were told at a special briefing held on board a 30 metre luxury dhow at the Marina.

The show – which once again will be inaugurated by H.E. the Minister of Economy and Trade, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohamed Al Thani, will feature no fewer than 85 boats on display, including seven luxury super-yachts and a host of activities for even the most discerning maritime enthusiasts.

Faysal Mikati, Founder and CEO of SnowComms which is the organizer of the Show, said “QIBS has been at the forefront of attracting interest in the growing maritime sector. This is leading to the continuous and accelerated growth of the country’s manufacturing industry, which means that it is already a worthy competitor to other major countries and manufacturers around the world.

“The expanding scope of the international showcase is having a positive impact on tourism, marine developments and promoting Qatar as an international designation, which is in line with Brand Qatar’s latest campaign. International companies are becoming more aware of the myriad of business opportunities in the country, while the numbers of international exhibitors and international media are also proliferating as they come to this event to network with their peers and to discover the latest advancements in the maritime industry,” continued Mr.  Mikati.

Many of the international exhibitors at QIBS 2015 are household names in the maritime industry, such as Azimut, Sea Ray, Princess, Ferreti, 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: NDSQ (Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar), Halul Boats , Balhambar Boats and Al Udeid Boats.

There are also going to be more side events at the Show this year, including Awards, Cruises, Dedicated exhibitor parties, Evening gatherings, Nautical activities, Sea races and Seminars.

“Many of our visitors will be interested in the many breathtaking firsts at QIBS 2015, from international product launches, VIP water shuttles, Fly boarding displays and a special kids area. These unique showcases are only rivalled by the huge impact within the maritime industry. QIBS has been at the very forefront of successfully facilitating deals between Qatari companies and international agencies, very much 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. In short, Qatar can be said to be rediscovering its ancient maritime traditions,” commented Pantelis Stathis, Boat Show Director.

Abdulaziz Al Zeyara – Director – Strategic & Corporate Planning of Lusail Real Estate Investment Company – said that as Lusail City is a global hub for business, entertainment, education, culture, and sports, it was only fitting that QIBS should once again go with Lusail Marina as a venue. “Lusail Marina – where QIBS is being held – is viewed as one of the top marinas attracting boating aficionados in the region.,” he said. “For this edition of QIBS, we ensured the Marina is ready to accommodate larger boats and yachts by deepening the basin and the entrances to meet the current and future needs of sea life and watersports enthusiasts.

“The people of Qatar have always been known for their great passion for sea activities, and Lusail Marina is a true reflection of that passion. And, by contributing to supporting and sponsoring this global event, we are reaffirming once again our commitment to supporting and sponsoring the prosperous economic activities that help achieve the national vision of our beloved country”, Zeyara concluded.

The Official Inauguration of Qatar International Boat Show 2015 will be given at 4pm on Tuesday November 10th by H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohamed Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Trade. This will be attended by the Minister’s entourage, VIPs, Ambassadors and Exhibitors.

From 6.30 pm until 8 pm on that day, there will also be exclusive Private Yacht Viewings for VIP guests; and that will immediately be followed at 8 pm until 8.30 pm by the Official Opening Ceremony. After that is an official reception, at which exhibitors, VIPs and members of the press can get together to meet with their peers.

To round off the special week, there will be a closing ceremony at 9.30pm on Saturday 14th in which yachts throughout the harbour will sound their horns – much like the tradition of yachts sounding their horns upon completion of the Monaco Boat Show. QIBS 2015 is being held from November 10^th to the 14^th from 2.30pm to 9.30pm for the first three days, and from 12.30pm to 9.30pm on the Friday and Saturday.

Media Contacts:

Hiba Fares hiba.fares@snowcomms.com +974 5551 5382

Brian Salter  brian.salter@snowcomms.com +974 5074 5279

Alexander Wood alex.wood@snowcomms.com +974 3368 8349