Doha:The Qatar Boat Show is inviting visitors to explore the rich maritime history of Old Doha Port through a newly unveiled exhibition titled "A Tale of the Sea and a Meeting Point of the World." This exhibition, part of the third edition of the event, is being held at the VIP entrance of the Old Doha Port and will run until November 7.

According to Qatar News Agency, the exhibition offers a chronological journey through the history of Old Doha Port, highlighting its transformation from a historic commercial harbor into a prominent tourist destination. It focuses on the deep-rooted relationship between the people of Qatar and the sea, which has significantly influenced the country's identity, heritage, and cultural traditions.

The exhibition features an extensive collection of original documents, photographs, video footage, and archival materials, tracing the port's evolution and its connection to Qatar's economic, urban, and social development. Beginning in the 1950s, it covers the period when the port, then known as Al Fardah, served as the main hub of maritime trade until the 1966 decree regulating Qatar's seaports.

Visitors can learn about the port's transformation during the 1960s and 1970s, including the inauguration of New Doha Port in 1971, which began welcoming commercial vessels and international dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II. The exhibition also highlights the expansion and diversification of the port's facilities from the 1980s to 2015, reflecting its growing importance in supporting Qatar's development.

A significant shift occurred in 2016 when commercial operations moved to Hamad Port, leading to a redevelopment project that reimagined the historic harbor as a vibrant tourism destination. The exhibition illustrates the port's ongoing role in Qatar's development, emphasizing its historical significance and contemporary cultural contributions.

The exhibition is a collaborative effort involving Old Doha Port and various national institutions and organizations, including Qatar Museums, Qatar National Library, Qatar National Archives, and others. Together, they contributed historical information and visual materials to document and animate the port's story.

By celebrating the sea's enduring significance in Qatar's national story, the Qatar Boat Show aims to offer visitors a deeper appreciation of Old Doha Port's evolution while maintaining its central role in the country's maritime heritage.