Doha, November 05, 2026 : The Qatar Boat Show is taking visitors through the maritime history of Old Doha Port with a special exhibition titled “A Tale of the Sea and a Meeting Point of the World,” unveiled for the first time at the VIP entrance of the event's third edition.
Running from November 4 to 7 at Old Doha Port, the exhibition traces the historic harbour's transformation from a major centre of maritime trade into a prominent tourism destination and Qatar's official maritime gateway.
Through original documents, photographs, video footage and archival materials, visitors can explore the port's development and its longstanding connection to Qatar's economic, urban and social growth, as well as the country's relationship with the sea.
The historical journey begins in the 1950s, when the port was known as Al Fardah and its Merchants' Wharf served as a key centre for maritime trade. This period extended to 1966, when a decree regulating Qatar's seaports marked a significant step in organizing the country's maritime infrastructure.
The exhibition then covers the port's development during the 1960s and 1970s, including the inauguration of New Doha Port in 1971. The facility subsequently welcomed commercial vessels and international dignitaries, among them Queen Elizabeth II, who arrived aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in the late 1970s.
Another section documents the period from the 1980s to 2015, when the port's facilities expanded and its operations diversified alongside Qatar's economic and urban development.
A major transition took place in 2016, when commercial operations moved to Hamad Port, allowing Old Doha Port to undergo an extensive redevelopment. The project transformed the historic harbour into a destination offering cultural, leisure and tourism experiences while retaining its maritime character.
The exhibition highlights how the redevelopment has preserved the port's historical identity while introducing modern facilities and visitor attractions, reflecting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The project was developed through cooperation between Old Doha Port and several national institutions and organizations that provided historical records, archival documents and visual materials. These included Qatar Museums, Qatar National Library, Qatar National Archives, the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar Navigation Company (Milaha), Al Kass Sports Channels, Atlas Bookstore and Qatar Creates.
Through this historical presentation, the Qatar Boat Show offers visitors more than a showcase of boats and maritime experiences, highlighting the enduring role of the sea and Old Doha Port in shaping Qatar's national identity and international connections.
Source: QNA
