QIBS 2019 organisers anticipate the show to be another success with a number of new participants and features.

“Last year, 50 exhibitors from ten countries participated and 5,344 visitors were recorded.  The event generated over QR320m in sales.  What is most important for us is exhibitors’ satisfaction rate which stood at 98 percent and which we hope to maintain this year and in the coming years,” said Loay Dalis, Chief Executive Officer of Al Mannai Plus Events and organisers of the show.

Organisers expect between 7,000 to 10,000 people to visit the five-day show which will be held at 25-29 La Croisette, Porto Arabia at The Pearl-Qatar. The show is set to witness over 30 impressive motorboats, luxury yachts and unique dhows which will be displayed both on land and water and complemented by exhibitor chalets, representing many of the top names in the maritime industry, both local and international, along the marina walkway. Dalis praised the strong and wise leadership of the country and its robust support to the business community amid the blockade.

“It is exactly one year and nine months that our wonderful country and its people are passing through unjust blockade imposed by our neighbors. However, we are fortunate that we are blessed with the wise and strong leadership, which has given us – the business community – confidence and all out support to stand on our feet and not to discouraged,” he said.

Among the new local entities joining the show is Qatar Free Zones Authority to which Loay Dalis expressed optimism attracting more investors to the marine industry.
“I believe that with the new facilities to the investors in recently established Qatar Free Zones Authority by the government, we expect to attract local and foreign investors towards the marine industry and services relating to it,” he said.

He stressed that the boat show has been a passion project of Al Mannai Plus Events Chairman Khalid Issa Al Mannai.

“It is his passion to preserve centuries old marine life of Qatar and contribute his share towards promoting tourism and investments in marine industry,” he said.