Qatar Classic Cars Exhibition 2026, The Pearl

If you love gleaming chrome, hand-polished paintwork and classic cars from a bygone era, mark your calendar: the Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2026 at The Pearl runs from 17 to 22 November 2026 at Medina Centrale.

Entry for visitors is free, with published opening hours of 11am to 11pm daily. Whether you're a serious collector or simply looking for a family-friendly outing, the exhibition offers a chance to discover rare automobiles and admire some of the craftsmanship behind classic motoring.

Here's everything you need to know before visiting, including the dates, location, visitor admission and details of the classic car competition.

Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2026 at The Pearl — the quick facts

• Dates: 17–22 November 2026 (six days)
• Venue: Medina Centrale, The Pearl Island, Qatar
• Opening hours: 11am to 11pm daily, according to published event listings
• Visitor admission: Free — no admission ticket advertised
• Car registration: Online registration through the Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association; participation fees not independently confirmed
• Original registration deadline: 31 August 2026 (already passed)
• Registration contact: +974 6691 7050
• Organiser: Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association

When and where is it happening?

The exhibition takes place across six days, from Tuesday, 17 November to Sunday, 22 November 2026, at Medina Centrale on The Pearl Island.

Organised by the Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association, the event brings together classic and rare automobiles, giving collectors an opportunity to showcase their vehicles while visitors explore the history and design of luxury cars.

Medina Centrale is known for its open-air piazza, European-inspired architecture, cafés and restaurants, making it a convenient setting for an outdoor car exhibition.

Late November also brings more comfortable weather to Doha, making an evening visit an attractive option for residents and families.

Opening hours

The exhibition is advertised as running daily from 11am to 11pm, according to an event listing published in July and updated in August 2026.

However, some later event listings display midnight as the opening time, creating a discrepancy in the published schedule.

The organiser's official registration page confirms the exhibition dates but does not independently specify the daily public opening hours.

Visitors are therefore advised to confirm the opening time with the organisers before travelling, particularly if planning a morning visit.

An evening visit may also be convenient for families who want to combine the exhibition with dining or other activities at Medina Centrale.

How much does it cost to visit?

Visitor admission is free, according to published event listings.

No general admission ticket or advance visitor-registration requirement has been announced.

You can explore the classic car displays and enjoy the exhibition without purchasing an admission ticket.

However, any spending on food, drinks, parking or other services is separate.

The organisers have not published a complete list of additional activities or their prices, so visitors should check for any charges associated with optional experiences.

Want to enter your car? Here's how to register

If you own a rare or classic automobile, the exhibition also includes a competition where selected vehicles are presented for judging and recognition.

The Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association provides an official online contest registration form for vehicle owners interested in participating.

The registration process requests detailed information about the vehicle, its originality, condition and history, together with supporting photographs.

However, the original registration deadline has already passed. Vehicle owners who have not submitted an application should contact the association to confirm whether late entries are being considered.

Registration deadline

The published deadline for vehicle registration was 31 August 2026.

As of 26 October 2026, this deadline has passed.

Although the official registration form remains accessible online, there has been no independently verified announcement extending the deadline or confirming that additional entries are being accepted.

If you're interested in participating, contact the organiser on +974 6691 7050 before submitting a late application.

The official form also does not clearly state whether vehicle participation is free, so owners should confirm any applicable registration or competition fees directly.

What details you'll need to submit

The official online registration form requests the following vehicle information:

• Manufacturer and vehicle type — The make and model or type of the car
• Construction year — The year the vehicle was manufactured
• Vehicle colour and body style — Information about its appearance and design
• Matching-number status — Whether the car's identifying numbers correspond with its original components
• Horsepower and cylinders — Details about the engine's output and configuration
• Chassis number — The vehicle's identification number
• Engine and body numbers — Additional identification details, where available
• FIVA registration — Information about any applicable registration with the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens
• Vehicle condition and history — A description of the vehicle's condition and any special historical background

The form also asks for the participant's name, country, mobile number, email address and other personal details.

Matching-number status is relevant when evaluating the originality of classic vehicles, but the organiser has not published a complete 2026 scoring framework confirming how each factor will be weighted.

Photos you must upload

The official registration form requires at least four recent, clear photographs of the vehicle:

• Two exterior shots — Showing the bodywork and overall condition
• One interior shot — Showing the cabin and other interior features
• One engine shot — Showing the engine compartment

The organiser specifies that photographs must be clear and recent.

Vehicle owners should also prepare the information requested about the car's special history.

Submitting the required documents does not automatically guarantee selection for the exhibition or competition. Any acceptance criteria, vehicle inspections and final participation arrangements should be confirmed with the organiser.

Who to contact

For questions about vehicle eligibility, registration status, judging procedures or late applications, contact the Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association.

• Phone: +974 6691 7050
• Email: info@classiccars.org
• Website: classiccars.org
• Registration form: Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2026

The association's office is located on the 24th floor of the Marriott Marquis City Center Hotel building in Doha.

No separate Ministry of Interior or Metrash registration procedure is advertised for entering the competition.

What to expect at the exhibition

The Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition brings together rare and historic automobiles, offering visitors a chance to explore classic automotive design and the stories behind individual vehicles.

The event is more than a display. Registered classic vehicles compete for recognition and awards, with the organisers promoting the opportunity to showcase exceptional automobiles before a judging panel.

The Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association has held similar competitions in previous years, with vehicles assessed across different historical categories.

For the 2026 edition, the association has announced five main competition categories covering cars manufactured before 1947 through to 1996.

However, the complete judging criteria, participating vehicle list and prize details for this edition have not been independently confirmed.

Visitors can expect:

• Classic and vintage automobiles — A display of rare and historically significant vehicles
• Collector-owned cars — An opportunity to see automobiles maintained and preserved by enthusiasts
• Competition and awards — Selected vehicles competing for titles and recognition
• Automotive history — A chance to appreciate changes in vehicle design, technology and craftsmanship over the decades
• A family-friendly atmosphere — An outdoor exhibition within Medina Centrale, surrounded by cafés and restaurants

Because the event takes place in a public shopping and dining area, visitors can combine the exhibition with an evening out at The Pearl.

Getting to Medina Centrale, The Pearl

The Pearl Island is accessible by car, Doha Metro connections and taxi services.

Medina Centrale is located within the island's central shopping and dining district, and visitors can follow the road signs or map directions to reach it.

• By car: Drive towards The Pearl Island via the main access roads from Lusail Expressway. Parking facilities are available around the island, although specific parking arrangements and charges during the exhibition have not been confirmed.
• By Metro + feeder: Take the Doha Metro Red Line to Legtaifiya Station, then use the free Metrolink service connecting the station with The Pearl Island. Check the current bus route and stops to find the most convenient connection to Medina Centrale.
• By taxi or ride-hailing: Karwa taxis and ride-hailing services can take visitors directly to Medina Centrale, avoiding the need to find parking during busy periods.

The Pearl Island also operates internal transport services, including air-conditioned buses, which may be useful for getting around the island.

For the latest transport options, visit The Pearl Island's official visitor guide.

Tips to make the most of your visit

• Check the opening time before visiting, especially if you're planning to arrive in the morning, as published schedules differ.
• Go on a weekday if you prefer a quieter visit. Crowd levels may vary, but weekday visits can be more convenient for visitors looking to spend time photographing individual cars.
• Dress comfortably — The exhibition takes place outdoors, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring the family — With free admission and several dining options nearby, it's an accessible outing for different age groups.
• Respect the vehicles — Avoid touching, opening doors or entering display cars unless their owners or the organisers specifically allow it.
• Talk to the owners when possible — Classic car collectors may be able to share the restoration stories and histories behind their vehicles.
• Plan your transport — Consider using the Metro, Metrolink or a taxi if you prefer to avoid parking.

Looking for more things to do around town? Explore more events in Doha on Qatar Living and discover upcoming exhibitions, activities and family outings across Qatar.

FAQs

Is the Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2026 free to attend?

Yes. Published event listings confirm that visitor admission is free, with no general admission ticket advertised.

Visitors may still need to pay for optional purchases or services, such as food and parking.

When and where does the exhibition take place?

The exhibition runs from 17 to 22 November 2026 at Medina Centrale on The Pearl Island, Qatar.

Published opening hours are 11am to 11pm, although some event listings contain conflicting times. Visitors should confirm the schedule with the organisers before travelling.

How do I register my classic car for the contest?

Vehicle owners can refer to the official online registration form provided by the Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association.

However, the published deadline of 31 August 2026 has passed. Contact +974 6691 7050 to confirm whether any late applications are being accepted.

What information do I need to register a vehicle?

The official form requests vehicle details including manufacturer, type, construction year, colour, body style, matching-number status, horsepower, cylinders and chassis number.

Applicants must also provide information about the vehicle's history and upload at least four clear, recent photographs — two exterior, one interior and one engine shot.

How do I get to Medina Centrale at The Pearl?

Drive via Lusail Expressway, take a Karwa taxi or ride-hailing service directly to Medina Centrale, or use the Doha Metro Red Line to Legtaifiya Station and continue by Metrolink.

The Pearl Island also provides internal transport services.

Is the event suitable for families?

Yes. The exhibition takes place in Medina Centrale, an open-air shopping and dining district, and features displays that can appeal to visitors of different ages.

With free admission and several restaurants and cafés nearby, families can combine the classic car exhibition with a meal or an evening outing.

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