Qatar Boat Show 2026: A Doha Debut, Benetti's Oasis and Gulf Craft's Giants

Doha's waterfront has its yachts back. The third Qatar Boat Show opened on Wednesday, 4 November, at Old Doha Port and runs until Saturday, 7 November, Marhaba Qatar reports, under the patronage of Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Exhibitors from the Gulf states are up 30% on the last edition, and about 70% of exhibitors are returning, according to Gulf Times.

Day one: a debut and two big names

Opening day belonged to three builders, according to The Peninsula and Marhaba Qatar. Al Shaali Marine cut the ribbon on the ASMARATY G77, shown in Qatar for the first time. Gulf Craft held a press conference with chairman Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, CEO Erwin Bamps and group CEO Ghassan AlBinali on its Majesty range. Benetti, led on stage by Azimut Benetti CEO Marco Valle, presented new work on its Oasis range and its plan to grow in the Middle East. YachtBuyer lists these models on the water:

• Gulf Craft: Majesty 120 (37.51 m), Nomad 101 (30.34 m), Majesty 65 and Majesty 60.
• Pershing 8X (25.55 m).
• Sunreef: the electric 80 Sunreef Power Eco (23.8 m) and the hybrid Ultima 55 power catamaran (16.6 m).
• Azimut: Fly 68 (20.98 m) and Seadeck 6 (17.25 m).

The 70-metre idea on the agenda

The Peninsula's preview also named Clear Waves, a 70-metre Benetti concept. Boat International reported its launch at the Monaco Yacht Show in September: designed by Luca Dini with wellness specialist The Longevity Suite, it has a 400 sqm glass dome across two decks, more than 250 sqm of solar panels and hybrid propulsion that can run on HVO biofuel or methanol. It is a concept; no order has been announced.

A boat show in the Gulf is no longer a sideshow. It is where the next order for a European yard may be signed.

If you go

• Hours: 4 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday and Saturday, 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursday and Friday.
• Tickets: QAR50 a day, QAR160 for four days, QAR450 a day for the Hospitality Pass with VIP lounge and parking.
• Fireworks and drone shows at 6 pm and 8 pm on Thursday and Friday, and a closing show at 7:30 pm on Saturday.
• Marhaba lists Oceanco and Feadship among the international names; Sunreef takes viewing appointments at berth OD-04.

Our advice: if you are seriously looking at a boat, book a viewing with the builder or broker before you arrive, as appointments are easier than walk-ins on the busiest nights. Line-ups can change during a show, so check boatshowqatar.com before you go.