The activities of the inaugural edition of the Qatar Boat Show kicked off yesterday, with wide local and international participation and the presence of leaders and pioneers of the sector around the world. The first day witnessed a large turnout in terms of the number of visitors and VIPs, who learned about the divisions and diversity of the participating companies, yachts and various marine vehicles.
The exhibition welcomes a diverse audience that includes boat and yacht owners, water sports enthusiasts, captains, sailors, divers, and visitors of all categories. This distinguished event indicates the growing position of the State of Qatar in organizing global events, and provides an exciting and unprecedented experience for visitors and exhibitors alike.
The first day of the Qatar Boat Show highlighted the richness and prosperity of the maritime sector in the State of Qatar, as visitors enjoyed amazing performances, including a military band orchestra, and a fireworks display that lit up the sky of the exhibition at night, giving the first edition of this first-of-its-kind maritime event an atmosphere Exceptional and unforgettable.
Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mulla, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Qatar Boat Show, said: “We are pleased with the great turnout witnessed on the first day, which reflects the passion of the masses and visitors to the exhibition for the maritime sector and marine sports, as the exhibition embodies our commitment to strengthening the maritime sector in the country by organizing one of the maritime events that we aspire to It is one of the main marine exhibitions in the yachting exhibition calendar in the region and the Middle East, and the organization of the exhibition comes in line with the strategy established for the port. As we continue to move towards sustainable development, we affirm our commitment to employing all the capabilities and infrastructure available at the port to celebrate the maritime heritage, to enhance innovation and enhance the position of the port and the country on the maritime tourism map.”
He added: “We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors for their continued support that contributed to the establishment of this exceptional exhibition, and we invite all lovers of the sea and marine sports to join us in celebrating our ancient maritime heritage, learning about the latest developments in the maritime sector, and enjoying a unique maritime experience during the coming days.”
Qatar Boat Show invites its visitors to discover various events and activities that meet all tastes. The beach display area includes a wide range of the latest recreational boats and speedboats on display from more than 450 marine brands, including Aldar Marine, Doha Craft Marine, and Jassim Ahmed Al-Lingawi Trading. While the water show area provides an exceptional opportunity to explore yachts made with the highest levels of craftsmanship and innovation on the water, by companies such as Al Dhaen Boats, Al Fajr Marine, Gulf Craft, Princess Yachts, San Lorenzo Yachts, Sunseeker, Crunchy, and Serena Yachts. The Qatar Boat Show also attracts leading brands in the world of luxury yachts, such as Benetti, Feedship, Oceano, and Turquoise Yachts.
As for the water sports area, visitors are treated to a group of dazzling shows, such as stand-up paddle, kayak, canoe, water bikes, paddleboard, and dragon boat shows. Visitors can also enjoy dancing fountain shows and fireworks, and explore more than 100 brands of fishing and water sports equipment. To dive deeper into the world of the sea, visitors can wander between the exhibition’s pavilions to explore the latest technologies and advanced equipment in the maritime sector.
Visitors can enjoy the activities of the Qatar Boat Show 2024, until Saturday, November 9, from 3 pm to 8 pm, and on the weekend from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Al-Shaali to “Al-Arab”: A distinguished participation by “Gulf Craft” with a fleet of 13 yachts and boats
Mr. Mohammed Hussein Al-Shaali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Boat Manufacturing Company “Gulf Craft”, confirmed that hosting the Old Doha Port of the Qatar Boat Show in its first edition represents a unique opportunity for the prosperity of the yachting industry in the region and in Qatar, especially with the many multiple aspects it provides to exhibitors and visitors. He said: “I wish the exhibition a success in its first edition, and I am confident that the good organization contributed to attracting many international companies, and I invite all those interested to visit our pavilion at the exhibition to see the latest innovations in the sector.” Enjoy a high-level hospitality experience and explore a group of exceptional yachts.”
Al-Shaali said in statements to Al-Arab that Gulf Craft is not new to the Qatari market, as there is an extended historical relationship with the company over the years, as the number of our customers in Qatar reached about 50% of the sales volume in some periods, which is confirmed by our wide presence to participate in the exhibition through A fleet of more than 13 yachts and boats of the company’s most luxurious productions, which combine distinctive design, quality and the latest technologies used in the industry.
Al-Shaali added that this exhibition is an opportunity that Gulf Craft has been waiting for for years due to its qualitative importance in the region, in addition to the global participation of major companies specialized in this sector, which confirms the interest in the Qatari market and the confidence it enjoys in global markets. This step witnesses the return of Gulf Craft to the Qatari market, which enjoys a distinguished position in the company’s history, and is considered a pivotal stage in its future journey.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf Craft pointed out that the company’s offerings vary between luxury yachts and boats, which range in size from 40 feet up to 120 feet, of the various models produced by the company under its five brands: “Majesty,” “Nomad,” and “Oryx.” “, “Silvercraft”, “Silvercat”. In addition, Gulf Craft will display the “Silvercat 46WA,” “Silvercat 40CC,” and “Silvercat 40LUX” yachts, designed to provide diverse and unique experiences that satisfy all tastes and budgets as well.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Shaali explained that Gulf Craft’s participation in the exhibition includes a distinctive combination of the company’s most luxurious production with an estimated value of about 200 million Qatari riyals, expressing his optimism about the volume of expected sales, especially with the large turnout during the first day of the exhibition, which extends for another three days, which will be sufficient to attract those interested in yachts. The maritime sector in general will, of course, be reflected in the sales of exhibiting companies.
Al-Shaali also revealed that the Qatari market represents special importance to the company, as it used to account for about 40% to 50% of sales, and we look forward to returning to our market share and the same level of sales.
Regarding the use of modern technology in the yacht industry, he said: “We are always in a state of development and we are keen to use the latest innovations in maritime navigation equipment and safety equipment, in addition to using clean energy in yachts. All the machines that are installed are environmentally friendly and have exhaust insulation, etc., and we have also begun to use energy.” More electricity, especially for the internal needs of yachts, as well as solar energy, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on traditional fuels as much as possible.”
Regarding the activities of Gulf Craft and the most important markets in which it is spread, he said that the company enjoys a distinguished international reputation, and its activities are not limited to the Gulf region only, but rather extend to various parts of the world through its participation in international exhibitions, the most recent of which was an exhibition in the United States of America, and before that there was participation in the Monaco exhibition. Today he was in Qatar and then we will head to Germany to participate in the Dusseldorf exhibition in January, and the month of February will witness our participation in the Dubai Boat Show, and there is a keenness to participate in international forums in appreciation of his journey. It extends to about 42 years of the company’s history.
Al-Shaali also explained that Gulf Craft’s productions vary to meet various needs, some of which are designated for transportation, fishing, or hobby work, in addition to yachts of various sizes and capabilities. This is due to the company’s keenness to use the best materials and components that are compatible with the environment in terms of temperature, humidity, and other natural factors. According to the geographical region, he pointed out that what also distinguishes the company is the presence of 5 affiliated factories that manufacture all supplies, including mattresses, furniture, etc., which enhances efficiency and quality and supports competition with international companies.
Regarding yacht maintenance, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf Craft said that work is currently underway to establish the largest yacht maintenance center in the region in the UAE, which can receive yachts up to 80 meters in size, which reflects the company’s interest in after-sales service. We also have maintenance teams that can Go anywhere in the world.