Join us and be an active member and benefit from our services
Qatar Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025
Successful conclusion of the 6th edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025
- The event attracted unprecedented public turnout over five days
- A Successful Conclusion Crowns 20 Winners
Doha, Qatar | 24 November 2025
The Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association concluded the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition, which ran for five days at The Pearl Island and featured wide participation from across the GCC for the second consecutive year.
Twenty winners were honored across the competition’s various categories, in the presence of an exceptional audience turnout from inside Qatar and abroad.
An Exceptional Edition Filled with Competitive Spirit
His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Association’s Board, expressed his pride in the success of this year’s edition, saying: “This year’s edition was defined by competitive energy among participants, giving it a truly exceptional character. It succeeded in attracting visitors from all GCC countries, creating a celebration that combines luxury with the heritage of automotive history.”
He noted that the exhibition witnessed significant expansion in both area and number of participating cars, reaching 65 vehicles, the largest display since the exhibition’s inception.
Reviving Authenticity and Inspiring Creativity
Mr. Omar Hussein Alfardan Vice Chairman of the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association said: “The remarkable turnout at this year’s edition affirms the strong stature of this event and its growing role in enriching classic car culture in Qatar and the region. The extraordinary audience engagement reflected a genuine passion for this historic world, reinforcing the exhibition’s position as an elegant platform that brings together car enthusiasts, experts, and designers. At the association, we remain committed to organizing this event to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading cultural and tourism destination, and to inspire the next generation with a spirit of authenticity and creativity.”
A Prestigious Reputation Beyond Qatar’s Borders
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Board Member, praised the prestigious status the exhibition has earned among classic car lovers in Qatar and the GCC, which was evident in the diverse participation from all GCC countries and in the unprecedented audience turnout, the largest ever recorded for a classic car event in the region.
He congratulated the winners and expressed his appreciation to all participants from inside and outside Qatar.
Strategic Partnerships Strengthen the Success
“We were delighted to host the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition on The Pearl Island, where the event welcomed distinctive attendance and wide engagement from classic car enthusiasts and visitors from across the region. This exceptional turnout added a unique spirit to the event and highlighted the beauty of this rich heritage.”
“The success of this edition reflects the importance of The Pearl and Gewan Islands as premier destinations for prestigious events. It also underscores United Development Company’s commitment to offering community experiences that enrich lifestyle and support cultural vibrancy in the State of Qatar. We thank our partners, participants, and visitors, and we look forward to welcoming them in future events.”
Community Support from Daam (Sports & Social Activities Support Fund)
The successful conclusion of the Contest & Exhibition came with support from the Sports and Social Activities Support Fund (Daam), which aims to enhance the presence of cultural and community activities that preserve heritage and celebrate the passion of classic car collectors and enthusiasts.
This aligns with Daam’s mission of supporting initiatives that strengthen societal culture, raise awareness about heritage-driven community events, enhance participation, and contribute to sustainable social development in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Cultural and Heritage Support from Qatar Museums
Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums, said: “The tremendous success of this prestigious exhibition reaffirms its role as a dynamic cultural platform that continues elevating appreciation for automotive culture in Qatar.” He added: “Through our strategic partnership with the Qatari Gulf Association for Classic Cars, the exhibition has evolved from a refined competition into a vibrant public space of creativity and interaction. Our institution ensures that practical workshops are inspiring for the next generation, from aspiring car designers to engineers, by bridging arts and design with essential STEM skills. This initiative supports our vision for the Qatar Auto Museum as a leading institution dedicated to automotive history and culture, innovation, research, and technical skill development that will shape the future of mobility in the region.”
Alfardan Automotive achieves Outstanding Success
Dr. Maan Al-Hamawi, CEO of Alfardan Automotive, expressed his pride in partnering with the Association to organize the exhibition, stating:
“The massive public turnout is clear proof of the exceptional success of this year’s edition. Our partnership with the Qatari Gulf Association for Classic Cars reflects our commitment to supporting events that combine luxury, heritage, and engineering excellence. This year’s turnout was not merely attendance, it was a vivid ex
“This event opened new horizons of excellence and created an interactive space that brought together car enthusiasts, experts, and designers in a refined atmosphere reflecting the spirit of innovation and distinctiveness that Alfardan Automotive is committed to promoting. We will continue supporting initiatives that elevate public taste and strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional hub for high-end events.”
Alfardan Hospitality
Mr. Wissam Suleiman, Chief Operating Officer at Alfardan Hospitality, said:
“We were pleased to serve as the exclusive hospitality partner for this event, offering visitors the opportunity to explore priceless automotive treasures. We are proud to be part of this distinguished event that merges luxury, heritage, and excellence in the world of classic cars.”
“We ensured the highest standards of service and luxury to deliver an exceptional guest experience that reflects the essence of Qatari hospitality. Our participation stems from our commitment to supporting high-end events that enhance Qatar’s standing as a global destination for cultural and tourism events. We consider this event an ideal platform for engaging with a diverse audience and offering a comprehensive experience worthy of its international stature.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa: The Bentley Continental 1959 is One of Only Ten Cars in the World
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, participating in the 2025 Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Exhibition and Contest while showcasing his rare 1959 Bentley Continental, said: “This car is a rare artistic piece in every detail. It is one of only ten units ever produced by Bentley. What sets it apart is the presence of distinctive rear-light fins, a design feature that was popular among American manufacturers during that era. Even the car’s front is entirely different from other Bentley models, making it truly unique.”
He added: “What further enhances the historical value of this car is that its first owner was the famous British actor Peter Sellers. I still have all the original documents—including the address of his home, which gives the car a remarkable historical and cultural dimension.”
He continued: “This is the first time this car has ever been displayed in any exhibition or competition, and it is my second personal participation in this major event. I am proud to be here among an exceptional collection of rare cars that embody the history of automotive manufacturing, showcased in a venue that truly reflects the prestige of this event.”
Hassan Al-Bairami: Winning at the Qatar Classic Cars Contest Is the Result of a Full Year of Work and Passion
Mr. Hassan Al-Bairami, winner of the Best Classic Car Restoration Project award for his 1968 Mercedes 230S and a participant from the sister State of Kuwait, said:
“This is our first participation in the Qatar Classic Luxury Cars Contest, and winning this prestigious award is the culmination of a full year of preparation and dedicated work. We began this project with the goal of presenting a classic car that reflects authenticity and beauty, and thank God, we achieved that.”
He added: “We shipped 10 cars from Kuwait specifically to take part in this edition. It was a major challenge in terms of logistics and preparations, but the outcome was exceptional, we received three awards, which truly reflects the level of effort made by the entire team.”
He continued: “Last year, we participated prominently in the National Day parade, and since then, we had our sights set on being part of this major event in Qatar. The organization was outstanding and the experience exceeded our expectations in terms of competition level and attention to detail.”
Al-Bairami concluded: “This participation has strengthened our passion for the world of classic cars, and we will certainly return next year with an even higher level and greater ambitions. These events are not only about competition; they are a platform for communication and knowledge exchange among classic-car enthusiasts across the region.”
Ali Hussein: The Peugeot 201D is a Rare Masterpiece that tells a Historical Story
Mr. Ali Hussein, who participated in the competition with a rare Peugeot 201D, said:
“This car is not just a means of transportation; it is a historical piece in every detail. The Peugeot 201D was the first car I ever owned, and it is the only one of its kind in the Gulf. Fewer than 50 of these cars still exist worldwide, and that makes it extremely special.”
He added: “Every part in this car is original, not a single component has been replaced with non-original parts. I also keep a complete archive documenting the car’s history since I acquired it, including all maintenance and restoration work and even old photos. This archive is of great value to me because it preserves the car’s authenticity.”
He continued: “I am the fourth owner of this car, and I consider myself responsible for preserving its rich heritage. My passion lies in searching for rare cars that carry historical significance, and I plan to participate in the next edition with other cars of similar distinction. These events are a wonderful opportunity to showcase such treasures and promote a culture of preserving mechanical heritage.”
Mansour Attallah: A Memorable Experience and Appreciation for the Organizers
Mr. Mansour Attallah from Kuwait, who participated with a 1979 Mercedes 450 in the sixth edition of the competition, said:
“This is my third participation in the Qatar Classic Luxury Cars Contest. This year, we made sure to participate strongly with 12 classic cars that represent true icons in the automotive world, including the 1979 Mercedes 450, which holds special historical value.”
He added: “I extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this distinguished competition, as well as to the Qatari Gulf Classic Car Association, for their tremendous efforts in making this event a success. It has become a leading platform for classic-car enthusiasts across the region.”
He continued: “For us, this participation is an opportunity to exchange expertise and display rare masterpieces before a wide audience that appreciates the value of these vehicles. We certainly plan to return next year with even rarer and more remarkable cars, continuing to present true icons of the classic-car world.”
Closing Remarks
The Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association extended its gratitude to all supporting and sponsoring organizations for contributing to this outstanding event, which showcased the strong alignment between public and private institutions and their commitment to hosting major events at the highest standards.
The Association also thanked the distinguished public for their attendance and social-media engagement. It pledged to continue developing the exhibition year after year, promising that next year’s edition will offer a unique experience that blends authenticity with modernity, highlighting the beauty and history of classic cars in a dynamic cultural and entertaining atmosphere
The winners were as follows:
Category 1: Convertibles and Sedans from 1947 to 1947:
First Place: Peugeot 201D, 1936, owned by Mr. Ali Hussein from Qatar
Second Place: Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Continental, 1931, owned by the Letbelah Museum - Qatar
Third Place: Cadillac LaSalle Series 52, 1940, owned by the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum - Qatar
Category 2: Convertibles and Sedans from 1948 to 1959:
First Place: Bentley Continental, 1959, owned by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ali Al Khalifa from the Kingdom of Bahrain
Second Place: Mercedes-Benz 220s, 1957, owned by Mr. Basel Al-Hudaib from Kuwait.
Third Place: Buick Roadmaster, 1949, owned by Mr. Abdullah Al-Amer from Kuwait.
Category Three: Convertibles and Sedans from 1960-1970:
First Place: Mercedes-Benz 280SL, 1969, owned by Mr. Bader Al-Saeed from Kuwait.
Second Place: Porsche 912, 1967, owned by Mr. Mohammed Haider from Qatar.
Third Place: Mercedes-Benz 190SL, 1960, owned by Mr. Adel Haider from Qatar.
Category Four: Convertibles and Sedans from 1971-1998:
First Place: Chevrolet Corvette, 1978, owned by Mr. Fahd Abdulwahed from Saudi Arabia.
Second Place: Rolls-Royce Camargue, 1980, owned by Letbelah Museum, Qatar.
Third Place: Mercedes-Benz SLC450, 1979, owned by Mr. Mansour Attallah from Kuwait.
Category Five: Convertibles and Sedans from 1982-1995:
First Place: Porsche 964 3.6 Turbo, 1992, owned by Mr. Mansour Ashour from Qatar.
Second Place: Porsche Carrera 3.2, 1986, owned by Mr. Lahdan Ali Al-Mohannadi from Qatar.
Third Place: Nissan ZX280, 1982, owned by Mr. Jassim Mohammed Ayoub from Bahrain.
Awards of Excellence:
Best Local Heritage Award: Chrysler Corporation Dodge Polara 880, 1964, owned by the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Qatar.
Most Deserving Restoration Project Award: Mercedes-Benz 230S, 1968, owned by Mr. Hassan Al-Birmi, Kuwait.
Best Preserved Vehicle Award: Nissan ZX280, 1982, owned by Mr. Jassim Mohammed Ayoub, Bahrain.
Best Extraordinary Luxury Vehicle Award: Buick Roadmaster, 1949, owned by Mr. Abdullah Al-Amer, Kuwait.
Best of Show Award: Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, 1969, owned by Mr. Bader Al-Saeed, Kuwait.
