This week, from October 5-14, Qatar is poised to host the prestigious Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), marking a historic first as the event steps outside Switzerland since its inception in 1905.
The show is set to be a grand spectacle, featuring the latest innovations, thrilling performances, and adventurous experiences from the automotive industry.
Spanning a vast 10,000 m2, the GIMS Qatar edition is expected to be an unprecedented showcase of luxury, sports, exotics, and classics, featuring 31 eminent automotive brands including Toyota, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Lamborghini, BMW, KIA, Audi, McLaren, and Mercedes-Benz.
A Symbolic Journey
The event is not just a showcase but a symbol of enduring excellence and innovation. The Tour d’Excellence, a journey from the Alps of Switzerland to the sand dunes of Qatar, commenced on August 28 and concluded on September 11. This journey, covering 6,500 km from Geneva to Doha and crossing 12 countries and two seas, was undertaken on Volkswagen ID Buzz cars, forming a symbolic link between the two host cities and proving the feasibility of long-distance trips with electric vehicles under challenging circumstances.
A Vision of Excellence and Innovation
Sandro Mesquita, CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show, expressed pride and optimism about organizing an edition outside of Switzerland for the first time since 1905. “This is a great opportunity for us,” he said, highlighting the ten-year partnership and the biennial presence in Doha, making GIMS a brand with dual platforms; one in Geneva and one in Doha.
Boosting Tourism and Business
Berthold Trenkel, Chief of Qatar Tourism, emphasized the significance of GIMS as a global exhibition brand, stating, “GIMS is super important for tourism.” He outlined the four pillars of tourism, with leisure being the predominant one, followed by business, which includes exhibitions. GIMS plays a crucial role in enhancing tourism and fostering business travel, contributing to the growth of the destination.
Anticipation and Expectations
With over 200,000 visitors and 1,000 journalists expected over the ten-day span, GIMS Qatar promises state-of-the-art exhibitions, exhilarating rides and drives, and off-road adventures. The event is a testament to GIMS’s long-standing values of excellence, innovation, and pioneering spirit, and it aims to offer an unparalleled experience to visitors and exhibitors alike.
In conclusion, the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar is not just an automotive exhibition but a celebration of innovation, a symbol of excellence, and a catalyst for tourism and business growth. The event, with its array of renowned automotive brands and exciting offerings, is set to leave an indelible mark, fostering a spirit of adventure and discovery among the attendees and strengthening the symbolic link between Geneva and Doha.
