One of Qatar’s 2013 highlights: Qatar International Boat Show

qibs

The construction sites that fleeted past were a complete contrast to the splendor and grandeur of the newly constructed Lusail Marina and the Qatar International Boat Show 2013. Doha, Qatar circa 2013. And it may as well be likened to London circa 1900 when the city was being re-developed and construction sites were a plenty to give rise to the new London. This is Qatar’s turn to shine. And Qatar International Boat Show 2013 was the newly added gem to the glistening shine of Qatar’s crown.

The event was held from November 12th – 16th, with the opening ceremony on 12th November attended by the crème de la crème of Qatari socialites and yacht enthusiasts.   It was a week-long affair hosted both on land and water and 39 boats afloat and 7 on shore. All the boats exhibited there with their proud owners were in their prime. Proudly showing off their possessions, the yachts were up to par with the reputation of the guests attending the event. The affluent and chic location of Lusail Marina attracted an entire community of boat enthusiasts and the Who’s Who of the boating world was present there from the world over.

Pritan Ambroase, Emporio Vogue Ambassador and CDCLifestyle’s Global Brand Ambassador, was invited to the launch party of Qatar International Boat Show 2013. “I am impressed with the caliber QIBS 2013 has achieved,” he said, “I am thoroughly impressed with every specimen of luxury boats here and they deservedly belong on the top league. The first event itself has set a high standard and will prove tough competition for the Dubai Boat Show or any other boat show in the world. Judging by the first QIBS, I can say that the future shows will be even better. QIBS will be another jewel on Qatar’s crown. I wish QIBS complete success going forward.

Sharq – the Yacht,  Mangusta 165 exhibited for the first time in this boat show is a sight to behold. 50 meters in length and also the fastest composite Maxi open yacht that is ever built to date. Mangusta 165 is the perfect amalgamation of shape, pure lines, as well as sporty profile. In terms of comfort, superyacht Mangusta 165 is a complete cushion: her onboard spaces can be compared to a three deck yacht of the same size, entirely unimaginable from the outside given her sporty lines.

As Qatar is surrounded by water, boating is one of the activities of the day – it’s either an evening getaway or a way to pass a weekend. Youngsters are into adventurous water sports which were also displayed in this boat show. Apart from the Qatari splendor, other international exhibitors mainly from Italy, Germany and UK also showed off their prized possessions.

The show was organized by Snow Communications, a company with extensive experience in international events and shows.

Faysal Mikati, Vice President of Snow Communications commented;

Qatar is the perfect location for a new boat show in the region because of its fast growing leisure and marine industry. The significant increase in the number of yachts and boats in Qatar along with new marina developments, new shipyards and supporting services, signals that this is the right time for such an event that will take place annually. Our target is to generate a platform for all the relevant stakeholders to communicate and promote their products and services, create solid opportunities, raise the awareness in the local and international markets and support the growth of the marine ecosystem in Qatar for the years to come.

This can only mean one thing, there will be a QIBS 2014 and we are definitely looking forward to it. Here’s to wishing Qatar the best of luck in 2014.