Amidst a flurry of flashing cameras and dashing cars, HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani officially inaugurated Qatar’s single-most awaited event of the season, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show, yesterday evening at the Doha Exhibition Centre.
The six day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon.
Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, HE Sheikh Hamad did a traditional walking tour of the exhibition. Joining him were Mr. Ahmed Al-Nuaimi, Chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority and Sheikh Al Hussein bin Ali bin Ahmed Al-Thani, CEO of Q.media.
Present on the occasion were the Kuwaiti, Iranian and Iraqi ambassadors to Qatar, Ali Sulaiman Al-Haifi, Abdullah Sohrabi and Jawad Kazim Jawad respectively, in addition to more members of the diplomatic corps, while high-ranking guests included prominent businessmen, senior officials of participating vehicle distributorships, and representatives of the event sponsors, Ahmed Al-Sayed, CEO of Qatar Holding, and Andy Brown, CEO of Qatar Shell, as well as who’s who of the society.
Global presidents and CEOs of participating brands received the troupe and guided it to their prized models. With an expanded exhibition schedule and itinerary, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show not only highlights Qatar’s emergence in recent years as a world-class MICE destination but also reflects the automotive industry’s capacity for innovation. Revealed for the first time in the Middle East were Volkswagen’s 2012 Passat luxurious four-door family sedan and the design jewel of 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS four-door sports coupe.
Also making their debut in the Middle East were four vehicles by Audi; the 2012 S7 and S8 sports sedans of the S models, the magnificent RS 5 sports coupe from the A5 model range, and the limited-edition R8 GT Spyder super-sport car, which belongs to a worldwide family of only 333 vehicles. In more stunning regional launches, Alfardan Sports Motors revealed the highly-anticipated Ferrari 458 Spider.
The company also introduced Maserati’s awe-inspiring GranCabrio Sport sports car. Separately, Alfardan Automobiles revealed the latest style icon from BMW, an all-new 3 Series, while the company also the beauty-meets-beast 2012 Mini Coupe Roadster.
A number of outstanding vehicles also saw a local premier after eliciting appreciation from around the world. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles revealed the distinctive 2012 ML, a luxury SUV, while Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company put forward the popular 2012 Nissan Sunny and a diamond edition of the über-cool 2012 Nissan Patrol. In other heart-stopping local reveals, Al Wajba Motors laid out such exquisite design achievements as Bugatti’s Grand Sport, Bentley’ Continental GTC and Lamborghini’s Aventador. A concept car, Mission L by Skoda, also made the waves.
Meanwhile, at the first day of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show, Qatar Shell showcased a string of activities ranging from interactive games to fun challenges. Williams F1 introduced its locally-designed, locally-engineered immersive formula simulator. Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motor bikes and prototypes.
The main sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC. The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences. Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show being the official VIP transporter.
The 2012 Qatar Motor Show’s will have another trade and press day today (Tuesday, January 24), and will be open to the general public from January 25 (Wednesday) until January 28 (Saturday).
