Doha, November 04 (QNA) - The third edition of the Qatar Boat Show 2026 opened Wednesday at Old Doha Port under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, drawing a large audience, including dignitaries, guests and marine industry enthusiasts from around the world. 
CEO of Old Doha Port and Chairman of the Show's Organizing Committee Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mulla told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Qatar Boat Show is one of the strategic objectives and pillars of Old Doha Port, aimed at strengthening the port's and Qatar's position on the marine tourism map.
He noted that the third edition stands out for the number of participating companies and brands, with 546 brands from 14 countries on display. 
Gulf participation has increased by 30 percent this year, while 70 percent of exhibitors have renewed their participation. 
The Qatar Boat Show also continues to build strong partnerships with leading figures in the global marine industry. 
He stressed that the show is not limited to marine industry professionals. 
Efforts have been made to enrich the experience of participants and visitors through a variety of activities, several permanent cafes and floating cafes, as well as collaboration with Qatar Museums and Qatar Creates on a comprehensive art exhibition. 
The exhibition highlights the historical significance of Old Doha Port in the 1950s, traces its development through various stages, and documents its transformation from a commercial port into a tourism destination. 
As part of efforts to highlight Qatar's maritime heritage, and alongside the exhibition "A Maritime Legacy and a Gateway to the World," which recounts the port's journey from its early beginnings, the traditional stitched Baggarah dhow was displayed at the VIP entrance.
Presented by the Qatar Creates initiative and part of Qatar Museums' collection, the vessel is believed to date back to before 1899, representing more than 125 years of history.
It was used for pearl diving and transporting light cargo between Gulf ports. This Baggarah closely resembles the traditional Qatari stitched Baggarah known as "Umm Al Hanaya" and embodies the shared maritime heritage of Qatar and the Gulf countries. 
For centuries, such dhows helped strengthen commercial and cultural ties among the peoples of the region. 
The OSHAR Art Gallery also presented a show titled "The Sea in the Memory of Qatari Art," featuring works by Qatari artist Yousef Ahmad celebrating the deep-rooted relationship between the people of Qatar and the sea. (QNA)