Qatar Tourism inaugurated the first edition of the long-awaited Geneva International Motor Show Qatar – GIMS Qatar, drawing in more than 1,000 journalists from over 50 countries and 180,000 visitors over ten days. The Geneva International Motor Show took place outside of Switzerland for the very first time since its inception in 1905.
Set at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), the celebrated motor show ran from 5 to 14 October and saw at least 30 exhibitors who collectively unveiled 29 regional launches and 12 world premieres. The inaugural edition closed its doors at 10 pm on 14 October to the sound of horns honking, a prized Geneva International Motor Show tradition.
Speaking on the resounding success of the exhibition, Qatar Tourism Deputy Chairman HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji said they are delighted to have led efforts to bring to Qatar one of the most elite exhibitions in the automotive industry.
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 to their events.
In addition, Al Kharji said the celebration of automotive excellence that took place across multiple venues demonstrates the country’s seamless alignment and adherence to the shared vision of propelling Qatar onto the international stage.
According to Geneva International Motor Show CEO Sandro Mesquita their 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. He added that it has been a place to show ‘automotive excellence’.
Whether that’s a luxury brand showing its latest hypercar, a start-up making its entry into the market, or a major global automaker unveiling its electrification strategy, if it’s at Geneva, it tends to be big news.
Mesquita said that this is what Geneva means and this is also what GIMS means. Wherever and whenever a GIMS event takes place, it brings the same excellence, and the first edition of GIMS Qatar is a true testament to that.
GIMS Qatar 2023
Spread over 10,000 sqm at the DECC, GIMS 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 at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), the Track Days at the newly renovated Lusail International Circuit, off-roading experiences at the Sealine Adventure Hub and the Parade of Excellence at the Urban Playground created in the family-friendly Lusail Boulevard.
The organisers and founding partners of GIMS Qatar expressed their satisfaction with the results of the exhibition 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 26 February to 3 March 2024.
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