Qatar Tourism and the Geneva International Motor Show (GIM) have welcomed 30 of the world’s most famous automotive brands to participate in the first edition of the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar, scheduled to take place in Doha from 5 to 14 October 2023. This is the first edition of the renowned international exhibition to be held outside his native Switzerland, hosted by Qatar in conjunction with the 2023 Formula Qatar Airways Grand Prix.
This turnout from exhibitors reflects the appeal of the innovative concept and new format of the Geneva International Motor Show, which sets new standards for international motor shows and represents the natural evolution of the marketing strategies of the leading original manufacturers and suppliers of automotive equipment and components.
During the show, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see for the first time 10 flagship new cars and models scheduled to be unveiled at the show. The exhibiting companies’ pavilions are expected to cover an area of more than 10,000 square meters within the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The exhibition will also dedicate five locations to provide enjoyable and enriching experiences for visitors and guests of the exhibition. Organisers of the Geneva International Motor Show will now begin allocating exhibition spaces for participating brands, following the close of registration at the end of June. The identity of the participating car brands will be revealed through the show’s social media channels in the coming weeks.
Bertold Trenkel, Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar is the ideal destination to host the first edition of the Geneva International Motor Show outside its home country, thanks to its many attractions such as the range of magnificent hotels, leading tourist attractions and experiences. Qatar has so far maintained the impressive levels of momentum that accompanied the FIFA World Cup at the end of last year, welcoming international visitors and continuing to build on its sporting legacy by hosting several international sporting tournaments and competitions during the first half of this year. We are currently preparing to present a rich calendar of mass events and festivals in the coming months and are delighted to see Qatar move forward on its path to becoming the fastest growing tourism destination in the Middle East by 2030.”
Sandro Mesquita, CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, said: “There is growing enthusiasm for the launch of the first edition of the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar, which is now only a few months away. We are on our way to making the show the premier motor show in the Middle East and bridging the gap between East and West in terms of the global automotive industry. That’s why we at the Geneva International Motor Show, Qatar Tourism and our other partners are delighted with the outstanding turnout we have seen from international brands. We see this as an indication of the high levels of trust and loyalty enjoyed by the Geneva International Motor Show and the model it represents. For example, there is one exhibitor who has been participating in all editions of the Geneva International Motor Show since 1924 and still retains the same enthusiasm to join us in Doha.”
The Geneva International Motor Show Qatar is set to kick off with an exclusive opening ceremony on 5 October, while international media will be welcomed on 6 October, before the show opens to the public from 7 to 14 October. The show will coincide with the 2023 Qatar Airways Grand Prix, which will also be hosted in Doha from 6 to 8 October.
The full programme of the show, which will include a forum on the future of automotive design, will soon be unveiled at the National Museum of Qatar. The show will also include off-road driving experiences and adventures in the famous Sealine area, horse riding and driving at the Losail International Circuit and a visit to the Qatar Motor Museum, which features an impressive collection of classic and exclusive cars.
Qatar has a proven track record of hosting major conferences and exhibitions, with Qatar Tourism hosting the ninth annual Wedding Planners Conference in March, the world’s largest one-stop wedding business platform. Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, the only event of its kind in the region that brings together brands, companies and customers, saw more than 500 leading jewellery and watch brands participate in February at Doha Centre. For exhibitions and conferences it is the same venue that will host the Geneva International Motor Show – Qatar.
Qatar has become an ideal destination for hosting major international events and tournaments thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, having the world’s best airline, Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport, the best in the world for two consecutive years, a well-developed public transport network, smooth visa procedures and a vital strategic location.