Tribune News Network
DOHA
The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) Qatar organised by Qatar Tourism saw over180,000 visitors and more than 1,000 journalists from more than 50 countries over 10 days.
The premier exhibition took place outside of Switzerland for the first time since its inception in 1905.
Set at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), the celebrated motor show ran from October 5 to 14 and saw the strong presence of 30 exhibitors who collectively unveiled 29 regional launches and 12 world premieres.
The inaugural edition in Qatar closed its doors at 10pm on October 14 to the sound of horns honking, a prized Geneva International Motor Show tradition.
Speaking on the resounding success of the exhibition, Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, deputy chairman at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are delighted to have led efforts to bring to Qatar one of the most elite exhibitions in the automotive industry and demonstrate Qatar’s ability to host large-scale events. Our state-of-the-art conference facilities as well as eased travel policies and expanded hospitality offering make Qatar an ideal choice for businesses considering an international destination for their events. In addition, the celebration of automotive excellence that took place across multiple venues demonstrates the country’s seamless alignment and adherence to one shared vision of propelling Qatar onto the international stage.”
Sandro Mesquita, CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, said: “Our Geneva Salon has for many years allowed the great and good of the automotive industry to connect, share ideas and inspire the future of the sector. It has also been the place to show what we call automotive excellence. Whether that’s a luxury brand showing its latest hypercar, a start-up making its entry to the market, or a major global automaker unveiling its electrification strategy; if it’s at Geneva, it tends to be big news. Wherever and whenever a GIMS event takes place, it brings the same excellence. This first edition of GIMS Qatar is a true testament to that.”
Spread over 10,000 squaremetres at the DECC, the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar offered a unique platform for automotive experts to present cutting-edge technologies, designs and concepts. Beyond the exhibition halls, the motor show extended to a country-wide festival of automotive excellence with a Future Design Forum held at the National Museum of Qatar, the Track Days at the newly renovated Lusail International Circuit, off-roading experiences at the Sealine Adventure Hub and a Parade of Excellence at the Urban Playground created in the family-friendly Lusail Boulevard.
The organisers and founding partners of GIMS Qatar expressed their profound satisfaction with the results and the overwhelming attendance. Exhibitors were equally delighted with the exceptional set-up, logistics and significant footfall.
GIMS Qatar will return in November 2025. Prior to that, automotive enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to the next edition of GIMS at Palexpo, Geneva, from February 26 to March 3, 2024.
