With just hours to go before the launch of the second edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) that is being held from 11-15 November 2014 at Mourjan Marinas in Lusail City.
The show – which is due to be inaugurated by H.E. the Minister of Economy and Trade, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohamed Al Thani – will feature a number of large luxury yachts on display. In addition to the luxury dhow, there will be a Gulf Craft Majesty 101 (31m in length); Amer Yachts 92 (28m long); Behnemar 90 (27.5m); Al Omar Marine 88 (27m); and Gulf Craft 88 (27m).
The luxury show, which is currently awaiting a name following its sale to an unspecified buyer, was made in Qatar by Al Mannai Marine at the Al Khor Shipyard. Al Mannai Marine has since moved its manufacturing to Al Ruwais shipyard, as it has a much larger manufacturing capability.
The 150 tonne dhow is 30m in length and incorporates the latest advancements in technology while maintaining the traditional look of a Qatari dhow. As such, it is the very first of its kind in a luxury dhow category with yacht specifications. The entire build of this design takes from 18 months to 2 years, and currently Al Mannai Marine has 6 dhows in production.
Its exterior is made of solid teak wood, while the interiors have been designed and made in Italy. It contains five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms of Onyx and marble, and the interior fit-out cost in excess of QR 2million ($550,000).
The crew quarters are at the back to ensure maximum privacy for the guests; and to ensure low noise levels, there are two 540 HP engines at the back (not in the middle as is normal with traditional dhows).
Another first for a dhow is that thrusters have been installed; in this case there are three – two at the back and one at the front. There are two generators – a main and a backup, and full satellite navigation and a communication system with auto pilot.
In addition there is a modern chiller-duct air-conditioning system, special fire-fighting mechanisms for the engines, as well as engine sensors.
Essa Al Mannai, Chairman of SnowComms which is organising QIBS, and founder of Al Mannai Marine, introduced the dhow and took the media on a tour of the boat. "The Qatar International Boat Show is not just a boat show held in Qatar but an event of national importance," he said.
"It showcases modern Qatar and its ambitions, and QIBS has been supported by the Qatari government as well as establishing blue-chip Qatari corporate brands to stage a truly world class event. This dhow from Al Mannai Marine showcases the very best of Qatar's maritime capabilities."
In total, there will be over 75 boats on display, with brands as celebrated as Azimut, Sea Ray, Princess, Ferreti, Riva, Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, Prestige, Itama, Al Shaali Marine, San Lorenzo, Benetti, Sunreef, Esen Yachts, Ares, Lagoon, Amer Yachts, Cranchi, Everglades and more.
Other exhibitors of note include Lurssen and Blohm + Voss – the two largest shipbuilders in the world; Palmer Johnson, Tan Services, Al Badi, Alfardan, Al Omar Marine, Art Marine, Concept Marine, Cranchi, Gulf Craft, Gulf Yachts, Kaldari Marine, Lingawi, QMSF, Royal Marine, Seas & Deserts, Shrao, Speed Marine, Sunseeker, YCO and many more.
Sure to be of special interest to many of the visitors will be a tour (by special invitation only) of the Nakilat (NDSQ) shipyard, situated in Ras Laffan on the morning of Wednesday, November 12th.
The shipyard covers a total area of 58,000sqm and includes a massive ship construction hall (270m long x 65m wide x 45m high), which is capable of simultaneously accommodating four vessels completely undercover.
The visit will showcase the massive potential that Qatar has among international shipyards, together with Qatar's vision in the maritime industry.
Ali Bin Ali, the official distributor of Ulysse Nardin watches for the past nine years, will also be exhibiting at QIBS for the second year in a row, unveiling new watch models for 2014/2015. Ulysse Nardin, which was founded in 1846, produces around 25,000 timepieces a year and the brand is instantly recognized with boating globally.
Other events taking place will include a repeat of last year's popular Fly boarding demonstration, which wowed audiences with the skilful dexterity of the performer; a drive through of more than 30 classic Harley Davidson bikes – guaranteed to make a lot of noise; a demonstration of Kitesurfing, and QSUP – which stands for Qatar Stand Up Paddling!
APP QIBS 2014
An app that can be downloaded from the Google Play store and Apple's iTunes. Esenyacht – a contemporary superyacht yard based in Bodrum, Turkey – has developed this augmented reality app in association with Swedish new media agency 3D Interactive, that allows users to 'fly' over and through both the 50m sailing yacht Troy, currently in build, and the new 50m composite motoryacht Project Taurus, that was revealed for the first time at September's Monaco Yacht Show.
The app uses two dimensional drawings to trigger 3D images on the screen; and the user can then move the tablet from side to side to move along the yacht, and up and down to zoom in and out to see details of the deck and interiors. Spontaneous animations highlight specific aspects of the yachts.
Over time, Esenyacht will add more information to the apps, giving ever greater levels of detail on these and future projects to its customers and followers.
Faysal Mikati, Vice President of QIBS organiser Snow Comms, said "QIBS is being increasingly recognised around the world as a major shop window for boats and services in the maritime industry, especially in the Gulf Region. We have no doubt that this week's Show will be even more successful than that of last year, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to witness firsthand the special role that Qatar has carved out for itself in the international boat show circuit."
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