The fifth edition of the Qatar Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition opened Wednesday under the patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Being held until December 2 at Medina Centrale - The Pearl Island, the 2024 edition of the event features an exquisite array of luxury classic cars spanning several decades with a wider participation from Qatar and the other Gulf countries.
The event is under the supervision of the International Federation of Classic Cars (FIVA) and in partnership with the United Development Company (UDC), the main developer of The Pearl and Giwan Islands and the main sponsorship of Qatar Tourism. Alfardan Classic Cars, DAAM and Katara Hospitality are among the other partners.
The Qatar Gulf Classic Cars Association chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim al-Thani said the active participation of national companies in the event reflects its importance.
Vice chairman Omar Hussein Alfardan said the exhibition will witness various surprises as the space has expanded. "The Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition offers the collectors of this category of cars an opportunity to display their cars to the public and provide a platform through which enthusiasts can admire their favourite classic cars," he explained.
UDC CEO and board member Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman Fakhro said UDC looks forward to a special edition this year with a much bigger exhibition space and a wider participation from other Gulf countries.
Qatar Tourism president and Visit Qatar chairman HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji stressed the importance of the exhibition and the wide success it has achieved in attracting foreign tourism, both for first-time participants and admirers of classic cars.
Katara Hospitality CEO Nasser Matar al-Kuwari said the exhibition allows visitors to admire these priceless cars, and described the event as an important event that attracts local and regional attention.
Alfardan Automotive CEO Dr Moin al-Hamwi said the event will propel the Qatar Gulf Classic Cars Association towards new horizons of excellence.
While addressing the opening session, Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, board member and general secretary of the association, said the latest edition is exceptional as it features broad participation from GCC countries and has doubled its exhibition space to showcase a stunning and rare collection of luxury classic cars representing various historical categories.
The inaugural session also marked the honouring of the sponsors. A contest on the sidelines of the exhibition will see a specialised jury selecting the best cars. The winners will receive monetary prizes for the very first time.
The competition includes five categories of classic cars, with three winners from each category. A photography competition open until November 30 will honour the best images of the classic cars in the exhibition.
Dignitaries at the opening of the exhibition Wednesday. PICTURES: Thajudheen
