DOHA: The third edition of the Qatar Boat Show 2026 officially opened at Old Doha Port on Wednesday under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. The event drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, industry leaders, and marine enthusiasts from around the globe.
Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, highlighted that hosting the boat show aligns with the port’s strategic objective to cement Qatar’s standing as a premier destination for global marine tourism.
Al Mulla noted that the 2026 edition features an expanded international footprint, showcasing 546 top-tier brands from 14 countries.
Gulf participation has registered a 30 percent increase this year, with 70 percent of previous exhibitors renewing their presence—reflecting the event’s growing prestige in the global maritime sector.
Emphasizing the event’s broad appeal, Al Mulla stated that the show extends beyond commercial exhibits to offer visitors an immersive experience. Attractions include a variety of waterfront dining options, floating cafes, and a curated historical exhibition organized in collaboration with Qatar Museums and Qatar Creates.
The curated exhibition traces the historical journey of Old Doha Port from its origins in the 1950s, chronicling its evolution from a vital commercial hub into a world-class maritime tourism enclave.
Highlighting the nation’s rich maritime history alongside the showcase titled “A Maritime Legacy and a Gateway to the World,” a traditional stitched Baggarah dhow was installed at the VIP entrance.
Presented by Qatar Creates from the permanent collection of Qatar Museums, the historic vessel dates back prior to 1899, representing over 125 years of seafaring heritage. Historically deployed for pearl diving and light cargo transport across Gulf waters, the vessel closely resembles the iconic Qatari dhow “Umm Al Hanaya,” symbolizing the shared maritime legacy and historical trade bonds across the Arabian Gulf.
Adding to the cultural offerings, the OSHAR Art Gallery presented an exhibition titled “The Sea in the Memory of Qatari Art,” featuring works by renowned Qatari artist Yousef Ahmad that celebrate the enduring relationship between the Qatari people and the sea.
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