Qatar Classic Cars Contest concludes

The fifth edition of the Qatar Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition concluded at Medina Centrale - The Pearl Island on Monday after featuring an exquisite array of rare automobiles spanning several decades.The six-day event witnessed a wider participation from classic car owners across the Gulf region and a great turnout of enthusiasts from Qatar and outside, a statement said Tuesday.A grand ceremony marked the valediction in the presence of dignitaries including Omar Hussein Alfardan, vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Gulf Classic Cars Association.HE the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani expressed his elation with the success of an exceptional edition that witnessed wide participation across the Gulf region. "The exhibition, held in conjunction with the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix, was a great success and attracted visitors from inside and outside the country," he said.Omar Alfardan praised the spirit of competition among the participants. "The association continues to work on the development of the exhibitions and events it organises in Qatar. It is also working to participate in international events to develop its expertise. It has succeeded in achieving this through the previous exhibition editions, which strengthened the position of the association in the Gulf region as a sponsor and a supporter of classic car collectors," he noted.Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman Fakhro, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of the United Development Company (UDC), the main developer of The Pearl and Giwan Islands, praised the great turnout witnessed by this year's edition.Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar chairman HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji praised the success of the fifth edition in attracting foreign tourism, both for participants for the first time as well as classic car enthusiasts, locally and internationally. He also noted the Gulf participation in the exhibition reflects the distinguished status of the exhibition among the events hosted by the country.In his statement on the sidelines of the closing ceremony, Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums (QM), said the event, held under the patronage of QM chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, was an exceptional version and witnessed great success making it a prominent annual event that attracts all car lovers to highlight the history of classic cars in Qatar and promote the culture of their acquisition as community heritage.Hassan bin Yousef al-Obaidli, director of Programmes at DAAM, described the support for the event as a confirmation of the leading role played by DAAM and the participating companies in Qatar Exchange in supporting cultural events and initiatives that contribute to achieving community development in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030.Nasser Matar al-Kuwari, CEO of Katara Hospitality, said the event allowed visitors to appreciate these priceless possessions, an important event that attracts local and regional attention.Dr Maan al-Hamwi, CEO of Alfardan Automotive of Alfardan Group, expressed his elation with the great success achieved by the event. "We are proud to be partners in the success of this special event. The large turnout for the exhibition reflects the outstanding success achieved by this year's edition,” he said.Engineer Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, member of the Board of Directors and secretary general, announced during his speech at the closing ceremony, that the Qatar Gulf Classic Car Association, in strategic partnership with the UDC, will sponsor the Tuwaiq International Rally, host its the last stage and the final coronation ceremony at Gewan Island on February 23, 2024. He also called on all classic car enthusiasts to participate in the rally, in particular the last stage of the rally, which will be held in Qatar.The jury, composed of a host of members with vast expertise in the field of evaluation and inspection of classic cars, and are members of the International Classical Automobiles Federation (FIVA), announced the winners.In the Pre 1947 category, Letbelah won the first and second prizes while Mubarak Ahmed al-Sulaiti came in third place. In the 1948-1958 category, Letbelah secured first place while Dr. Osama Alshuibi and Ribhi Deeb won the second and third prizes respectively.In the 1959-1969 category, Abdulla Khalifa al-Subaiai won the first prize while Hanadi Mohammed Haider and Fahad Abdulrahman Abdelwahed won the second and third prizes. Ebrahim Tabriz, Sara Mohammed Haider and Abelraouf Al Youssef won the first, second and third prizes, respectively in the 1970-1980 category while Ayad Abdelmohsen al-Thouini won the first and second prizes in the 1981-1994 category. Letbelah won the third prize in this category.Eissa Youssef Fakhro won the prize in the Youth Initiative category while the Faisal Bin Qassim Museum won the prize in the Best Local Heritage category. In the Most Representative Vehicle category, Ayad Abdelmohsen al-Thouini won the award. Fahad Abdulrahman Abdelwahed won the award in the Best Preserved Vehicle category. The Best Extraordinary Luxury Vehicle award went to Letbelah while Abdulla Khalifa al-Subaiai won the Best of Show award.