CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Qatar

Qatar Motor Show 2017 set to showcase automotive innovation next month

Published: 21 Mar 2017 - 04:40 pm | Last Updated: 21 Nov 2021 - 01:48 pm
Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director Exhibitions department Qatar tourism authority (left) and Ahmed Al Mulla COO- Entertainment Elan Group posing front of luxury cars after the Press conference of Qatar Motor Show 2017 in Doha Pic: Abdul Basit

Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director Exhibitions department Qatar tourism authority (left) and Ahmed Al Mulla COO- Entertainment Elan Group posing front of luxury cars after the Press conference of Qatar Motor Show 2017 in Doha Pic: Abdul Basit

QNA

Doha: The Qatar Motor Show (QMS) will be organized from 18-22 April at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), organizers announced Tuesday, adding that the event will be held under the theme ‘Driving to Innovation'.

Director of Exhibitions at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) Ahmed Al Obaidli commented, "QMS continues to build on its position as a prominent regional automotive event which has played a significant role in reinforcing Qatar as a premium business events destination. In its seventh edition, we are very proud to see the show continue to evolve to match the needs and developments of both the local and international automotive sector."

He added, "The choice of dates for this year’s edition and the decision to organize the event on a biennial basis come in line with our efforts to create synergies with the global industry while responding to the needs of local retailers and brand owners."

"QMS returns with a renewed focus on reflecting trends in the global automotive industry, and catering to the needs of the local industry, working closely with Qatar’s automotive industry, and evolving the show based on the feedback received from previous editions." He added. 

Allowing brands to bring to the QMS the latest from the international brand launches, and showcase for the first time in the region their newest automotive innovations it was decided to shift the event to take place after the Geneva Motor Show and to shift the event to a biennial show starting from the 2018 edition, he stated

Al Obaidli said, "The biennial editions of the QMS will take place in November to align with the global automotive industry. As it will maintain the theme "Driving to Innovation" for the coming three editions reflecting the show’s strategy to highlight the technological advancements shaping the industry today."

"In line with Qatar’s appreciation for classic cars, the show will feature a showcase of rare and vintage cars. It will also feature local automotive associations, who in turn attract collectors and enthusiasts from the region." Al Obaidli added. 

The five-day exhibition, organized by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Fira Qatar, a joint venture between Elan Entertainment Group and Fira Barcelona, will feature the latest automotive trends and innovations with a particular focus on creating exceptional visitor experiences. Offering brand manufacturers and retailers a platform to host the most exclusive regional reveals, the Show is expected to host several 2017 model debuts in the Middle East. 

Bringing the theme ‘Driving to Innovation’ to life, automotive retailers will showcase their latest hybrid and tech-advanced vehicles that are paving the way of the future of the automotive industry.

Chief Operating Officer of Elan Entertainment Ahmed Al Mulla said: "The exhibition remains among the biggest consumer events in Qatar, capturing great interest from residents and car enthusiasts from around the region. The Show’s format evolution from a traditional exhibition to an experiential show is meant to engage more exhibitors and bring automotive enthusiasts closer to their favorite brands." He added, "The automotive industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies being integrated into the automotive industry every day. QMS’s ‘Driving to Innovation’ theme, which will guide the show’s direction for the upcoming three editions, will play an integral role in evolving the show and reinforcing its position in the GCC."

QMS brings under one roof automotive industry brands, car retailers, accessories providers, auto-service related providers and automotive enthusiast and fans. The show will feature more than 20 exhibitors including leading international automotive brands that will exhibit top sports, luxury and mid-range automotive models including futuristic concepts and innovative models. Show exhibitors will also include auto lifestyle goods and car-tuners, showcasing the latest car-related merchandise and auto-services. Regarded as a prime regional event in the automotive industry, QMS is expected to draw automotive enthusiasts from around the MENA region.

The show dates have been moved to the month of April, taking place after the biggest international automotive show, to give the opportunity for brands to showcase their latest launches in Qatar after their worldwide unveiling. 

This year’s edition of QMS will also feature an outdoor fan zone offering visitors a variety of performances and interactive activities to be enjoyed in the pleasant spring weather. Over the five days of the show, the capital city will experience a parade of unique and exciting cars in West Bay including a range of impressive classical cars and the fastest race cars on the road. 

The event will also feature a first of its kind showcase of classic cars displaying some of the rarest car collectables in the world.