Tag Archives: qatar

Qatar to host autonomous e-mobility forum in October 2023

The Ministry of Transport of The State of Qatar is the host and strategic partner of the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum. Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Qatar’s Minister of Transport, The Ministry of Transport is hosting the first International Forum for Autonomous e-Mobility organized by Just us & Otto Marketing Services during the period of 10-12 October 2023. The event, which will be hosted in Doha over three days, will shed light on latest trends and innovations in sustainable transport solutions. It will also provide a leading platform for exchanging experiences, ideas and enriching discussions on developments in the field of electric transport and self-driving mobility, a topic of local and global importance. The Forum will bring together industry leaders, policy makers, senior officials, expert speakers, and representatives of ministries, government institutions, private sector companies, academic institutions, and the media, as well as hundreds of attendees. It thus establishes a suitable opportunity for concerned international parties to enhance knowledge, explore opportunities for cooperation and partnerships, and formulate recommendations on the future application of electric and autonomous vehicles in real-world settings. On this occasion, Eng. Hamad Issa Abdullah, in charge of the duties of the Assistant Undersecretary for Land Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, said: “For many years, electric transport vehicles have been a main focus in the efforts of governments and the visions of manufacturing companies within the wider context of sustainability and diversification of energy sources. The State of Qatar seeks to bring about transformative movement in the transportation sector by investing in sustainable and smart mobility, and improving energy efficiency to achieve the goals of the Qatar National Vision in …

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Qatar Tourism concludes multi-city roadshow across four major cities in China

The Qatar Tourism China Roadshow 2023 was successfully held across four major cities in China including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing. During the travel-trade roadshow, Qatar Tourism introduced Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructures, as well as the country’s tourism and hospitality offerings to over 200 industry professionals including online travel agencies (OTAs), local tour operators and trade media. In partnership with Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism led a strong delegation at the roadshow that included WeChat Pay, Alipay, five Doha hotels, three destination management companies (DMCs) and three official associations in Qatar. The strong delegation helped to position Qatar as an appealing destination for the contemporary Chinese consumer and showcased both diversified and high-quality tourism products. China represents an important source market with many of its travellers looking for a destination that caters to a luxury city break. Last year, Qatar Tourism’s China Representative Office hosted 31 seminars and trainings for travel trade stakeholders, supporting 524 participants to obtain their Qatar specialist certificate, and made hundreds of sales calls across the mainland. Moreover, 400 million Chinese television viewers were reached after exciting collaborations with CCTV and Migu led to the production of “Meet Qatar” and “Boiling Qatar” during the FIFA World Cup 2022™.

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Qatar Tourism hosted World Association of Exhibition Industry Conference Middle East and Africa (UFI) For the first time in Doha

Qatar Tourism hosted the World Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) conference for the Middle East and Africa region, which came to Doha for the first time from 9 to 11 May. This year’s edition of the prestigious conference, the Middle East’s largest gathering of business events experts, attracts representatives of business events stakeholders including government entities, conference promotion bureaus and some of the region’s leading tourism industry oversights. Hosting the conference is a key step for Qatar’s tourism sector, where specialized tourism sectors such as conferences, travel incentives, exhibitions and meetings are of vital importance, as part of efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of the Qatari tourism industry of increasing the number of arrivals to Qatar. His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, President of Qatar Tourism and Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, said: “We are delighted to host this prestigious conference in Qatar for the first time. We have a great ambition to become a leading global destination for hosting business events that is a key pillar of Qatar’s Tourism Strategy 2030. Qatar’s strategic location, award-winning airline and airport, the country’s visa facilities and state-of-the-art exhibition and conference facilities make it an ideal choice for business visitors who want productive, enjoyable and seamless journeys.” Held under the theme ‘Towards Sustainable Growth’, this year’s edition of the conference presents actionable strategiesand solutions that can help business leaders achieve their goals in terms of combating climate change. During its sessions, the conference is expected to present a variety of interviews and meetings and lively discussions involving prominent figures and representatives from the business events industry.

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Qatar Unifies its Tourist Visa Processes Through Revamped Hayya Platform

Qatar Tourism has launched the Hayya Platform in a new form, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offering. Taking place with immediate effect, the launch of the well-known Hayya Platform – which allowed the entry of over a million visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM tournament – and its application via smart phones, will become the single portal for all tourist and business visas to Qatar. This will unify visa processes for tourists, GCC residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens (whom are issued an ‘Authorisation Electronic Travel’ permit). The latest development reflects Qatar’s keenness to continue its investment in the tourism sector, which forms an important pillar to the economy, and reflects the longer-term strategic vision to position the country as the leading tourism destination in the region. Tourists who require a visa to enter Qatar can apply through the Hayya Platform at www.hayya.qa, or through the application on their smartphones, and visit Doha, the Arab Tourism Capital of 2023. In addition, Hayya holders will enjoy seamless travel and connectivity into Qatar as Hayya will be enabled for e-gate entry at Hamad International Airport. For those entering Qatar via land at the Abu Samra border, the Hayya Platform will provide a pre-registration option for faster entry for vehicles, making the start of a weekend getaway or longer stay in Qatar even smoother and more enjoyable. For GCC nationals, the Platform provides an option to apply for an entry permit for companions. The Hayya Platform also provides further services that help round out a visitor’s stay, including maps, transportation options, offers and current events. …

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Qatar’s latest sprawling yet secluded resort The Outpost Al Barari opens to guests

A homegrown Qatari brand with ambitions for international expansion, The Outpost Al Barari is designed to help preserve the natural heritage of its surroundings and is a self-proclaimed ode to the country’s history and culture. Recently opened, visitors can learn about local wildlife on a guided desert walk, or simply bask in the beautiful sunshine at one of the resort’s opulent tented villas. Commenting on one of the country’s most exciting and newest luxury hospitality openings, Co-founder of The Outpost Al Barari, Dr. Peter Van de Bunt said: “The Outpost Al Barari brings an entirely new, one-of-a-kind luxury hospitality concept to Qatar by integrating immersive nature experiences, and sustainability into a close-to-nature resort concept. The resort is all about celebrating the rich natural heritage of Qatar and will be an inspiring place for the domestic, regional, and international traveller to get a well-deserved break from the hectic, overworked world and to learn about Qatar’s stunning natural environment.” He added: “Beyond delivering high-end hospitality, our resort takes guests on an adventurous and thoughtful journey with insightful activities, signature wellness treatments and delectable gastronomic experiences. We are excited to welcome visitors and invite them to indulge in one-of-a-kind hospitality experience that they will love and will never forget.” Reflecting on the expansion of the hospitality landscape in Qatar, Haya Al-Noaimi, Head of Marketing and Promotions Sector, Qatar Tourism, said: “The Outpost Al Barari is sure to become one of Qatar’s most prized luxury leisure destinations. In what has already been a banner year for new hotel and entertainment venue openings, this has been one of the country’s most highly awaited new launches. Sustainability is of paramount importance to the tourism sector and …

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Qatar focuses on Indian market by partnering @ Indian travel event

Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with industry partners, took part in OTM Mumbai Show 2023 in order to attract the Asian market. Qatar Tourism won the ‘Best Design and Decoration’ award for its booth at the event. This year’s booth featured industry partners including Expo 2023 Doha – Ministry of Municipality, NH Collection Oasis Doha Hotel, Park Hyatt Doha, Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, Tawfeeq Holidays, Mannai Holidays and Inbound Tourism L.L.C., Regency Travel & Tours and Travel Designer. Qatar Tourism’s booth also included a photobooth activation where visitors chose from a variety of iconic destinations in Qatar, capture a photo and keep it as a souvenir from the event in addition to a Arabic calligraphy workshop.

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Qatar Tourism and Mwani expect 200,000 visitors from cruises in the 2022/2023 cruise season

Qatar Tourism (QT) and Mwani Qatar announce the return of the 2022/2023 cruise season and forecast more than 50 cruise liners with approximately 200,000 visitors from now to the end of April 2023. Over the season, cruise liner passengers will be welcomed at the Cruise Terminal, a newly designed infrastructure that pays homage to classic Arabian architecture. Docking in Doha Port, passengers will witness the newly renovated port that recently stood home to major international cruise liners offering ‘floating accommodation’ for thousands of international fans during the tournament, including the MSC World Europa, MSC Opera and MSC Poesia. Located at the Port is the Mina District, one of Qatar’s latest tourism destinations whereby residents and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse offering of restaurants and retail outlets or a refreshing stroll by the sea. For international passengers, the Port is ideally situated within walking distance to iconic landmarks, including the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Doha Corniche, where visitors can take in stunning views of the city’s skyline. Commenting on the new cruise season, Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar’s cruise sector has a history of less than a decade, yet the sector has grown tremendously and now contributes an important pillar to our tourism strategy. We’re seeing continued, increasing preference for Qatar as a destination for both regular cruise calls and cruises with turnaround calls. Indeed, Doha Port’s strategic location in the heart of the city is truly unique and offers our visitors an excellent opportunity to make the most out of their time in Doha. We are ready to welcome thousands of new travellers who are …

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Qatar welcomed nearly 180,000 visitors in October, marking a six-year high

Qatar Tourism (QT) data reveals that a suite of events, new launches and impending football fever drove visitor numbers during the month to nearly 180,000 – a six year high. Throughout 2022, visitors have steadily increased month on month, and the latest October figures exceeded pre-pandemic numbers by nearly a third (32% more than October 2017).Qatar continues to offer attractions and family-friendly entertainment for visitors from the region, making visitors from the GCC the leading source of all international visitors (over a third at 33%) to the country in October. At the same time, October saw a 10% increase from the prior month on the number of non-GCC tourists, at 66% of the total, an increase of 10%. Non-GCC arrivals hailed mainly from India (13%), the UK (4%) and the USA (3%). This month, 70% of visitors chose to arrive by air, followed by land (29%), and sea (1%).  A packed schedule of launches and openings greeted Qatar’s visitors in October, including the reopening of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), luxury malls (Printemps), and a spate of world-leading luxury hotels. Towards the end of the month, the Darb Lusail Festival officially inaugurated the pedestrian friendly Lusail Boulevard, the country’s latest open-air shopping and dining destination. The three-day celebration of Lusail City and the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region featured concerts and DJ performances, roaming shows and a spectacular nightly drone show. Commenting on the latest arrival figures, Haya Al-Noaimi, Head of Promotion Sector at Qatar Tourism, said: “As we welcome the world’s football fans, we are delighted to see so many people from around the globe keen to experience all that Qatar has to offer. …

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St.Regis Hotels and Resorts opens St.Regis Marsa Arabia Island in Qatar with 193 suites

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar. Perched in the heart of Porto Arabia and exclusively accessed by a private bridge, this new Mediterranean-style island seamlessly blends exquisite design, exceptional amenities, and the brand’s legendary Butler Service to create a majestic escape for local luminaries and global tastemakers. “We are thrilled to welcome The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar to our highly curated global portfolio of hotels and resorts. The opening ushers in a new benchmark for luxury hospitality and as our second St. Regis property in Doha, underlines the brand’s expansion and interest in this dynamic region,” said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “A new luxury landmark, guests can expect the modern glamour, cherished traditions and timeless legacy that St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is famed for globally. With this milestone opening, we are also delighted to strengthen our relationship with the Alfardan Group and thank them for their ongoing support and collaboration.” “The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island offers a distinct point of view in one of the most coveted cities in the region. We look forward to offering guests impeccable service, outstanding culinary venues and the exquisite experiences synonymous with the iconic St. Regis brand.” said Wissam Suleiman, Multi-Property General Manager for St. Regis Hotels Doha. The 193 all-suite hotel features a range of lavishly appointed accommodations in one-, two- and three-bedroom formats and private townhouses, each featuring large balconies boasting glorious views overlooking the glistening Arabian Gulf. The spacious suites offer large open bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, living …

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Doha to host the world’s biggest B2B Platform for destination weddings in March 2023

Qatar Tourism has won the bid to host the biggest B2B destination in the land of pearling banks and is the official Host Partner for the 9th annual DWP Congress taking place from 14 – 16 March 2023. The official signing ceremony was held on the 17th October 2022 in Doha, Qatar. The Congress is set to attract over 500 destination wedding planners and suppliers from all over the world to discover Qatar’s potential as a luxury wedding destination. Destination weddings continue to be the fastest growing segment of the US $300 billion worth global wedding market. Doha is a city that dreams big. From jaw dropping opulence and unparallel luxury experiences fit for a royalty, celebrity or High Net Worth Individual wedding to glittering skylines offering the perfect backdrop for a romantic setting, Doha has so much to offer for a destination wedding. Be it an intimate beach ceremony or a lavish four-day wedding affair, Doha offers the perfect landscape and infrastructure. The warm Arabian hospitality, the immersive culturally rich experience, the multicultural society, the luxurious wedding venues that can cater the needs of any wedding. The region also boasts of talented and extravagant destination wedding planners, designers and creative partners who have curated the most luxurious, extravagant weddings and events worldwide. Shedding light on why Qatar was chosen to host the prestigious Congress, Mr. Ackash Jain, Director of QnA International – the organizers of the DWP Congress said: “Qatar is one of the most fascinating countries in the world to tie the knot with its majestic palatial resorts and striking oceanic backdrops. Combining old-world hospitality with cosmopolitan sophistication seamlessly opens the door to planning some of the most …

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