Qatar Automotive GIMS International Motor Show 2023
What is happening in Qatar after the 2022 FIFA World Cup? This question is a recurring theme in Doha in 2023. However, there is a quick answer, more sport events. Qatar delivered a very successful, safe, family-oriented 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar Airways, the state-owned flag carrier airline, was voted the best airline in the World in 2022, and Hamad International Airport was also recognized as the number one airport globally.
Now, with a vast transportation infrastructure system, adequate hotel capacity, and entertainment capabilities in place, the country is eager to host more large-scale events. In the short term, Qatar will host the Asian Football Confederation Cup in June 2023. In the long term, Qatar will host the 2030 Asian Games. After the positive World Cup experience, Qatar is now starting a marathon to secure the 2036 Summer Olympics and a place as a leader of world sport.
GIMS Qatar and F-1
Cars, electric vehicles, and the motor industry will also play a big role in bringing visitors and exhibitors to Qatar. In October 2023, the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) will take place for the first time outside of Switzerland, and it will be hosted in Doha. In its original incarnation, GIMS attracted over 600,000 visitors, specialized press, and hundreds of exhibitors to showcase the latest designs, concept-cars, new automotive technology, test-drives and demonstrations, and first-time reveals in all things automotive.
The new show, GIMS Qatar 2023, will be the first in-person edition of the show since 2019, when the show was canceled in 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions. GIMS Qatar will aim to top the pre-pandemic levels of attendance, exhibitors, press, and announcements from the auto industry.
In the past, GIMS had a variety of dedicated show-areas including: motor cars; electric and alternative powered vehicles; customized vehicles; accessories and parts for motor cars; original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); and ancillary products and services for the motor industry. This trade show offers a good opportunity for U.S. auto industry suppliers to showcase new cars and car products and services to a more global audience. Qatar has been growing its Electric Vehicles (EV) footprint, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup offered high exposure and visibility for EVs and hybrid vehicles and buses by providing public transportation for the thousands of visitors during the month-long tournament. GIMS Qatar will also heavily feature EVs and electrification solutions.
To further attract more exhibitors and visitors to GIMS, simultaneously Qatar will host the Formula 1 (F-1) Grand Prix. The F-1 will return to the Losail International Circuit on October 5-8, 2023. While GIMS Qatar will have a central location at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, it will also have decentralized exhibitions and test drive events at the F-1 Circuit.
Next Steps for U.S. Companies
As Qatar continues to position itself as a sport-centric hub in the Middle East, American suppliers and service providers in the automotive sector are encouraged to reach out to the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) in Qatar. The Commercial Service can evaluate a company’s market potential, explore business matchmaking and market opportunities, and conduct market research. CS Doha encourages U.S. companies to participate in GIMS Qatar 2023 to gain exposure, make contacts, and develop a deeper understanding of the market.
For more information about participation of U.S. companies to GIMS Qatar or the Automotive sector, please contact Commercial Assistant Juan Catril at Juan.Catril@trade.gov.