Doha — Qatar has emerged as a prime location for significant international events and activities, stated Chairman of Qatar Tourism and CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker. He emphasized that the inauguration of the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar underscores the global recognition the nation has achieved.
“Qatar is an ideal venue for this show, which is being hosted outside its native Switzerland for the first time,” he remarked. He further noted that Doha will host the exhibition biennially, offering a robust platform for brands to display their cutting-edge technologies, ideas, and innovative concepts.
On the exhibition’s second day at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, Al Baker revealed that the event showcases the latest innovations from approximately 31 automotive brands.
He highlighted that Qatar Tourism takes pride in organizing and hosting successful exhibitions across diverse sectors, including business, technology, health, fitness, transportation, and more. These events underscore Qatar’s capacity to harness its state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering a secure, efficient, and vibrant community while delivering a captivating experience for travelers.
Al Baker elaborated on the significant growth the Qatari tourism sector has experienced over the past decade, with aspirations to become the Middle East’s fastest-growing destination by 2030.
Beyond investing in premier convention centers, Qatar actively pursues a bold strategy, channeling resources into sectors that birth new tourism assets, enhance infrastructure, diversify offerings, and fortify tourism pillars.
He added, “Qatar offers a diverse range of experiences, from desert escapades to art showcases. Visitors to the exhibition will firsthand witness these exhilarating experiences at various locales, including Sealine, the Qatar National Museum, the Lusail International Circuit, and Lusail Boulevard.”
Sandro Mesquita, CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, lauded the efforts of Qatar Tourism over the past two years in preparing to host the exhibition. He expressed pride in celebrating the event in Doha and confirmed its return in 2025.
Mesquita reflected on the exhibition’s rich history since 1905 as a platform unveiling automotive futures and providing car companies with promotional opportunities. “It’s the perfect stage for showcasing excellence, whether it’s a brand launching its latest hypercar, a startup making its debut, or a major manufacturer revealing its electric vehicle strategy,” he said.
He emphasized that the exhibition epitomizes excellence wherever it’s hosted, and Qatar has validated this sentiment, ushering in a new chapter for the show. The expansion now provides two platforms in Doha and Geneva to spotlight this excellence.
Describing the Geneva International Motor Show, Mesquita said, “It’s the ultimate festival for automotive excellence, a celebration unlike any other with thrilling activations throughout this year’s show. This includes over 30 brands presenting 10 world and 20+ regional premieres.”
The exhibition will remain open to the public from October 7 through October 14.