
HE Akbar Al Baker welcomes the world’s media to Doha for inaugural Geneva International Motor Show Qatar

The Geneva International Motor Show Qatar 2023, which kicked off at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on Thursday, will formally open to the public today.
The first-of-its-kind exhibition in Qatar, featuring some of the top auto-makers from around the world, is expected to be a huge draw until its conclusion on October 14.
Media persons got an exclusive look at the exhibition a day before it formally opened to the public. Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Akbar Al Baker, who is also the Qatar Airways Group CEO, addressed the media on Saturday.
Here is the text of his speech in full.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen and thank you for being here today.
On behalf of Qatar Tourism, I’m delighted to welcome you to the launch of this exceptional edition of the Geneva International Motor Show’s 100-year history unfolding here in Qatar.
At the crossroads of East and West, and as a pioneering state that has welcomed innovation and development across diverse sectors, Qatar is a fitting destination for this prestigious motor show’s first foray outside of its home country of Switzerland.
To all our international members of the media, welcome, and we hope that you find yourselves at home in another country that equally prizes and values ingenuity, the pursuit of bold visions and excellence at every touch point.
Over the coming days, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, where we sit, will present to the world ground-breaking reveals, and the latest innovations by 30 renowned automotive brands.
The launch of the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar is a testimony to Qatar’s rising global prominence as a prime destination for large-scale, internationally important events.
Going forward, GIMS Qatar will be hosted every two years in Doha, providing an unrivalled opportunity for brands to present their latest technologies, most innovative ideas and concepts, as well as inspire the next generation of automotive talent.
At Qatar Tourism, we’re proud to organise and host successful exhibitions in the areas of business, technology, wellness, finance, healthcare, transport, and many others, all of which signal Qatar’s ability to leverage its innovative infrastructure and create a productive, safe, and exciting environment for all kinds of travellers.
In addition to the country’s investment in building premium conference venues, the overarching development of the country’s tourism sector over the past decade has been nothing short of exceptional.
Qatar has dynamically pursued a strong and ambitious strategy that has seen investment into the sector to create new tourism assets, strengthen the country’s infrastructure and diversify the tourism offering to include business, sports, cruise, and other important tourism pillars.
With its futuristic skyline, traditional souqs and pristine beaches, Qatar offers everything from desert adventures to immersive art exhibitions, exquisite dining experiences, and much more.
Much of these will be directly experienced by you as esteemed members of the media, as well as by visitors to the Geneva International Motor Show.
Alongside the main exhibition, immersive experiences will take place at multiple destinations including the naturally beautiful Sealine coastal area, the striking National Museum of Qatar, the newly renovated Lusail International Circuit, and the family-friendly Lusail Boulevard.
We trust that our visitors will experience Qatar’s warm, authentic hospitality and its incredible fusion of history and modernity.
Once again, I welcome you all and I congratulate our esteemed colleagues and partners in creating this ground-breaking event that everyone can enjoy.
Thank you for your time.
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