Following the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is preparing to welcome another global event in October—the inaugural Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar. This first-of-its-kind event in the region will showcase the latest and most advanced automotive technologies and designs to car enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore the exciting new venue for the exhibition and highlight a diverse range of activities and tourist attractions available to visitors throughout the event and beyond.
As a driving force in shaping the future of mobility since 1905, the Geneva International Motor Show should not be missed. To make this event an exceptional experience, Qatar Tourism, the official promoter of GIMS Qatar, and Qatar Airways, the official airline partner, are collaborating to deliver a world-class experience. With over 150 destinations worldwide, Qatar Airways’ latest-generation fleet and premium services will ensure an outstanding travel journey to and from Hamad International Airport in Doha.
The success of GIMS Qatar 2023 will result from collaboration among top execution partners. Qatar Foundation for Business Events (QBEC), the business events arm of Qatar Tourism, leads the organization, management, operation, and oversight of events and venues, including the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), positioning Qatar as a leading destination for international business events. The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), a non-profit government body, promotes safe and fair motorsport culture across Qatar and the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Qatar Museums Authority, Qatar’s premier arts and culture institution, has designed and equipped the upcoming Qatar Automotive Museum, which will house one of the world’s most exceptional car collections, reflecting the cultural significance of automobiles in modern Qatari society.
GIMS Qatar is more than just a conventional car show—it extends far beyond the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre to include museums, districts, and other unique locations. While DECC remains the central venue, offering a sleek and modern exhibition concept within a prestigious facility, the Lusail International Circuit—one of Qatar’s largest stadiums—stands as the premier racing track in the Middle East and will host driving experiences from participating brands at GIMS Qatar. The Qatar Automotive Museum, set to open in 2025, has partnered with GIMS Qatar to present an exclusive display of classic cars, limited editions, supercars, and race vehicles. Meanwhile, Sealine Desert, located just minutes by car from DECC, offers off-road challenges perfect for SUV enthusiasts seeking unforgettable desert adventures. Through extended driving experiences, high-speed circuit drives, and desert motorsports, the festival provides visitors with ample opportunities to take the wheel, creating the most dynamic automotive showcase on Earth.
Qatar stands out as a unique destination blending modernity with deep cultural traditions. The nation boasts cutting-edge landmarks, luxury hotels, and advanced transportation systems, alongside traditional markets, museums, natural deserts, and sand dunes. Located just six hours by air from 80% of the world’s population, Qatar ranks as the safest country globally according to the 2022 NUMBEO Crime Index. The country aims to attract over six million visitors annually by 2030, increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP to 12%. In the automotive sector, Qatar is recognized as a regional hub for luxury goods consumers and hosts the fastest-growing luxury car market worldwide. The state also encourages investment in electric vehicles and is expanding its network of electric vehicle charging stations.
GIMS Qatar
Qatar is now in final preparations to host the first-ever Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar, taking place from October 5 to 14, 2023.
GIMS Qatar is not merely a standard car exhibition; it’s a grand celebration of automotive excellence, as previously mentioned. The festival spans eight days and two weekends, held across multiple venues, offering exhibitors four distinct options to present their offerings.
Here’s a brief overview of these four key events:
- Exhibitions in modern halls at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)
The Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) is a contemporary venue located in the heart of downtown Doha, purposefully designed to host high-level, large-scale events. Since its opening in 2015, DECC has hosted over 250 exhibitions and events. The modern facility features impressive specifications such as 29,000 square meters of space, an 18-meter-high ceiling, 18 exhibition halls, and one VIP hall. Easily accessible—just 24 minutes from the airport—and served by a dedicated metro station, DECC also offers 2,800 parking spaces and is surrounded by 20 conveniently located hotels.
- Hosting driving and riding experiences at the Lusail International Circuit
For the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, the Lusail Circuit is undergoing a complete renovation, including major upgrades to pit garages and spectator areas. This modernized circuit will also offer dedicated driving days and nights, allowing exhibitors to host guests directly from their own garages. The circuit itself boasts remarkable statistics: 5.4 kilometers long, with a capacity for 60,000 spectators, and capable of speeds up to 333 km/h.
- Demonstrating off-road capabilities in the desert
Just a short drive from DECC, Sealine Desert transforms the landscape into a separate world. This distinctive desert terrain, featuring inland seas of sand, delivers thrilling off-road adventures perfect for SUV enthusiasts. During the exhibition period, Sealine Desert will host camps where exhibitors can display their vehicles and demonstrate performance, while also providing hospitality for VIP guests.
- Participation in the Doha Excellence Parade
During the second weekend of GIMS Qatar, the Doha Excellence Parade will take place along the waterfront, bringing excitement and energy directly onto the streets. As the sun sets and evening falls, the parade becomes a unifying celebration for both locals and visitors, honoring every aspect of the automotive industry in a passionate display. This event offers brands a unique opportunity to entertain current and potential customers.
Additionally, on the evening of October 8, GIMS Qatar will launch alongside the Formula 1 Grand Prix in a thrilling dual event. Car enthusiasts can take advantage of bundled packages combining the F1 GP and the GIMS Qatar experience, offering a unique chance to witness the race while exploring everything else the GIMS Qatar exhibition has to offer.
Now, let’s explore some of the activities visitors can enjoy during their stay in Qatar. Guests can explore Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace featuring antiques, Qatari restaurants, and cafes. They can also take a sunset boat ride along the seven-kilometer-long Corniche of Doha. Two notable museums—the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art—offer exhibitions on Qatar’s history and the broader Islamic world, respectively. Other nearby museums include the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 3-2-1, the Museum of Modern Arab Art, the Fire Station Museum, and the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. Education City is home to the International Library of Qatar, designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the Heritage Library. Katara Cultural Village, situated along the Katara Beach waterfront, features art exhibitions, workshops, galleries, and exceptional dining experiences. Finally, the Mirbat project in the heart of Doha—a pioneering sustainable urban renewal initiative—offers an architectural marvel to stroll through, complete with cafes, restaurants, and free museums.
One of Qatar’s most iconic attractions is the recently opened Stadium 974, a standout venue that combines innovation and sustainability. The stadium’s unique design uses standardized shipping containers and prefabricated steel elements. Its smart modular design requires less construction material than traditional stadiums, reducing building costs. It is the first FIFA-licensed stadium ever built to be fully dismantled and reconfigured after the event, offering maximum flexibility—whether rebuilding the same capacity elsewhere or constructing several smaller stadiums using the same materials. Visitors can reach the venue via the Doha Metro and it has achieved a 5-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) for both design and construction. The seating area avoids air conditioning thanks to natural ventilation, reduces water usage by 40% compared to conventional stadiums, and was constructed by HBK Construction and operated by TiME Qatar.
Here are some essential facts about Qatar:
- Qatar’s population is approximately 3 million
- Qatar enjoys over 320 sunny days per year
- The coastline of Qatar stretches 563 kilometers
- Qatar is the first country in the Middle East to host the FIFA World Cup
- Over 100 nationalities reside in Qatar
- Qatar is ranked as the safest country in the world based on the 2022 NUMBEO Crime Index
- More than 95 countries have visa-free access to Qatar
- Qatar Airways is ranked as the best airline and airport in the world according to SKYTRAX
- The longest distance between World Cup stadiums in Qatar is 75 km, the shortest is 5 km
- The emergency number in Qatar is 999
- The Arabian oryx is the national animal of Qatar
- Cash is rarely needed for most transactions in Qatar, and electronic payment services are available in all retail outlets
- Driving in Qatar is on the right side of the road
- Arabic is the official language of Qatar, though English is widely used in public spaces
- The Doha Metro is one of the easiest ways to navigate around Qatar
- Winter weather in Qatar is ideal for outdoor adventures, with minimum temperatures around 14°C and highs reaching about 25°C.
What about experiencing live horses instead of mechanical ones? Visitors can explore Al Shabab, a multidimensional equestrian center:
Al Shabab, based in Qatar, was established by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 1992 with the mission to preserve, enhance, and promote Arabian horse breeding through the highest standards of training, exhibition, equestrian arts, and welfare, while encouraging community involvement. Over time, Al Shabab has evolved into a multifunctional organization with departments covering equestrian education, a riding academy, and community events.
In conclusion, GIMS Qatar 2023 promises to be a grand celebration of automotive excellence, offering visitors the chance to experience the latest and most advanced automotive technologies and designs. The festival will extend beyond the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre to include museums, districts, and Sealine Desert. With support from Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways, QBEC, QMMF, and Qatar Museums, GIMS Qatar 2023 is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.
