Tag Archives: Doha

Visit Qatar hosted the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025, which was held for the first time in Doha from 12 to 15 January 2025. The event was designed to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading luxury tourism destination in the Middle East, with more than 160 luxury tour operators and MICE agents from key markets, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and the Baltic States. More than 50 prestigious hotels, destination management companies and tourism authorities from across the region also participated in the event, including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and the Indian Ocean. Participants showcased world-class luxury offerings and highlighted the Middle East’s world-class luxury offerings, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for luxury tourism. The event included an intensive four-day schedule at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which included two days of bilateral meetings aimed at facilitating important business deals. The last two days were also dedicated to networking events between buyers and exhibitors. Commenting on the event, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “Hosting the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025 in Doha is the perfect platform for Visit Qatar to present the unique luxury offerings that characterize Qatar, and through direct communication with influential buyers and travel professionals, we seek to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading tourist destination for discerning travelers seeking luxury, as this event is in line with our strategic vision to establish Qatar’s presence in the global luxury tourism sector and strengthen our presence in key markets.” The successful hosting of the event underscores Visit Qatar’s commitment to strengthening Qatar’s position as a global luxury destination, in line with the objectives of …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) welcomes Tajikistan carrier Somon Air, as it begins operations between Dushanbe and Doha. This inaugural charter service reflects the growing demand for tourism and business travel from Central Asia, including Tajikistan, to Qatar. The inaugural flight from Dushanbe to Doha took place recently, marking a significant milestone for both Hamad International Airport and Somon Air. The first touchdown was commemorated in the presence of executive members of Hamad International Airport, representatives from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Somon Air and officials from the Embassy of Tajikistan in Qatar, with a cake-cutting and welcome celebrations. The route is being served by a Boeing 737-800, configured with 189 seats, ensuring comfortable travel for passengers. Dushanbe is an exciting addition to Hamad International Airport’s expanding network, marking the airport’s eighth Central Asian destination, both scheduled and chartered. With a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes from Dushanbe to Doha, this new connection underscores the importance of enhanced bilateral relations between Qatar and Tajikistan. The route is expected to strengthen cooperation in cultural, humanitarian, economic, trade, and tourism sectors, further solidifying the ties between the two nations. Hamad International Airport remains dedicated to expanding its global reach, offering travellers new opportunities to experience the best of Qatar and beyond.

Resorts World Cruises arrived in Dubai with the Resorts World One commencing her first sailing from 1 November 2024 onwards. The 1800-passenger cruise ship departs from the Port Rashid Cruise Terminal 2 in Dubai three times a week to the Gulf destinations. A special celebratory event was held on the ship with close to 600 invitees to commemorate this milestone event. Resorts World Cruises’ President, Mr. Michael Goh and its senior management welcomed onboard regional dignitaries, authorities, members of the press and key influencers. The port-stay event included a series of special memento presentations with invitees having the chance to experience the onboard LIVE performances, the wide array of cuisines and a guided ship tour of the ship’s accommodations, facilities and offerings. As part of the inaugural sailing celebration, guests can look forward to special added-value promotions. This includes receiving complimentary Food & Beverage Onboard Credits valued at AED 700 or US$190 per cabin for sailings in November for both the 3-Night Oman Cruise and the 2-Night Qatar Cruise. During the deployment, the Resorts World One will provide exciting new vacation options from Dubai for the weekend with the 2-Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise departing Fridays. Guests can also look forward to the 2-Night Doha (Qatar) Cruise departing Wednesdays and the 3-Night Muscat-Khasab (Oman) Cruise departing Sundays. For longer cruises, guests may combine the itineraries to become a 4-, 5- and 7-Night cruise. “We have been counting down the days and we are delighted that the Resorts World One has arrived in Dubai and is ready to sail. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the local and regional governments, authorities, travel business partners, media and our guests for …

Qatar Airways will launch a new service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) starting on 11 December 2024, with three weekly non-stop flights from the World’s Best Airport – Hamad International Airport (DOH). As the airline’s fourteenth gateway to the Americas, the new Toronto route marks the airline’s second destination in Canada, joining Montréal which has served more than 1.6 million passengers across seven daily flights to and from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) since its launch. Operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, equipped with 42 award-winning Qsuite Business Class seats and 312 Economy Class seats, the new Toronto service will provide travellers from Canada and beyond with seamless access to destinations across Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, including Colombo (CMB), Bangkok (BKK), Delhi (DEL), Kathmandu (KTM) and Mumbai (BOM). Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The Toronto route is a strong and enduring commitment towards providing Qatar Airways’ Canadian customers with the enhanced connectivity they deserve, as well as access to our world-leading service and Qsuite in-flight product. “The addition of a fourteenth gateway to our Americas network is also a testament to our aim in maintaining a key presence across the local market, and cements our reputation as a reliable global connector.” The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2024, has provided Canada with extensive support and assistance over the years, including contributing critical diplomatic efforts across several challenging issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways also assisted the country by establishing an air bridge to facilitate the repatriation of thousands of Canadians. Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH), and …

Qatar Airways  is growing its operations in Amsterdam from 10 weekly flights to 14 with the launch of four additional weekly flights from Amsterdam starting 12 November 2024 until 29 March 2025. These 14 weekly flights will enable 40,000 additional passengers to travel between Amsterdam and Doha through its hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH). Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to witness and serve the growing travel demand in the Dutch capital, which is an integral destination in our European network. We look forward to offering our world-class product and seamless service to travellers from Amsterdam seeking to experience the world through Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 170 global destinations.” With the additional flights, travellers will have more opportunities to soak up the winter sun at their favourite destinations including Bali (Denpasar), Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. Amsterdam, also known as the city of historic canals, is one of the leading destinations for passengers travelling from Asia and Australia.   Qatar Airways flights to Amsterdam (AMS) New winter schedule, starting 12 November 2024 The flights will depart every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: ·       Doha (DOH) to Amsterdam (AMS) – Flight QR275: Departure 07:55; Arrival 13:00 ·       Amsterdam (AMS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR276: Departure 15:20; Arrival 23:30   Existing winter schedule, starting 27 October 2024   The flights will depart daily as follows: Doha (DOH) to Amsterdam (AMS) – Flight QR273: Departure 08:15; Arrival 13:20 Amsterdam (AMS) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR274: Departure 15:05; Arrival 23:15 Departing every Monday, Friday, and Sunday: Doha (DOH) to Amsterdam (AMS) – Flight QR275: Departure 06:10; Arrival 11:15 Amsterdam (AMS) to Doha (DOH) – …

Asia’s Resorts World Cruises announced its sailing within key GCC destinations from 1st November 2024. Resorts World One will homeport in Dubai via DP World’s Mina Port Rashid to offer three weekly departures. These include 2 night Sir baniyas weekend cruise (Friday departures), 3 night Oman (Khasab-Muscat) cruise (Sunday departures) and the 2 night Doha cruise (Wednesday departures). For longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4,5 and 7 night cruise. Speaking at the first press conference Michael Goh, President Resorts World Cruises shared, “it is an exciting time for Resorts World Cruises as we inch closer to the start of our first sailing from Dubai to the Gulf with the Resorts World One on 1st November. The response form the Gulf and from various markets in Asia, including from our travel partners have been very encouraging and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard soon.”

Qatar Airways has launched additional flights to the key global destinations of London, UK; Male, the Maldives; Miami, USA; and Tokyo, Japan for the 2024-2025 season. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “As the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways is the best travel companion for international holiday-makers. Our increased flights during the winter holiday season comes as a response to the needs of our passengers who wish to create unforgettable travel experiences. Mr. Antinori continued: “Qatar Airways’ is also strengthening its commitment to the UK. Growing to 56 flights a week – the most of any Gulf carrier – further reinforces our long-standing relationship with London Heathrow Airport, as well as our unique strategic alliance with British Airways, which also operates two flights a day to Doha.” Qatar Airways flight to London (LHR) tarting 27 October 2024, Qatar Airways flights to London (LHR) will increase from 49 to 56 weekly flights. Following strong demand from customers, the airline will be offering more than 42,000 seats per week each way. Along with the two daily flights operated by its joint business partner, British Airways, there will be 10 daily flights between London Heathrow and Doha. New flights for this popular route are open for travellers, including travellers from Australia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. The flights will depart daily as follows: • Doha (DOH) to London (LHR) – Flight QR109: Departure 09:30; Arrival 14:05 • London (LHR) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR110: Departure 15:30; Arrival 01:10 Qatar Airways flight to Male (MLE) Starting 13 December 2024, Qatar Airways flights to Male (MLE) will increase from 21 to 28 weekly flights. Bookings are now open for travellers …

Residents of Qatar can now apply for their Bulgaria visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Doha. Inaugurated this week the centre will accept documents for short-term and long-term visas, as well as requests for the legalisation of Police Clearance Certificates to Bulgaria. The contract for VFS Global to provide Bulgaria visa services in Qatar was signed by H.E. Plamen Delev, Ambassador of Bulgaria in Qatar on 22, July 2024. H.E. Plamen Delev, Ambassador of Bulgaria in Qatar, said, “Globalization demands efficient visa services. The strategic outsourcing of the Bulgaria Visas and Police Clearance Certificates legalization with VFS Global in Qatar streamlines the process, leveraging their expertise for smoother travel and business opportunities. This commitment to innovation ensures that our Embassy sets higher levels of exceptional visa services.” Marita Bachhav, Regional Head, VFS Global, said, “We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with the Bulgarian government to offer convenient and efficient visa application services to residents in Qatar. The opening of our new Visa Application Centre in Doha reflects our commitment to providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers seeking Bulgarian visas.” VFS Global has been a trusted partner for the Government of Bulgaria since 2008, and currently operates a network of 92 Bulgaria Visa Application Centres in 16 countries worldwide. Applicants can also choose from a range of optional services* offered by VFS Global for an enhanced customer journey, including SMS updates at every stage of the application process and courier return service for delivery of processed passports to the applicants’ doorstep. VFS Global’s Premium Lounge will also be available to Bulgaria visa applicants, which includes end-to-end professional guidance, a faster application and biometric submission process, and …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has demonstrated exceptional growth in the first half of 2024, witnessing a significant increase of 25% in passenger traffic. Additionally, its aircraft movement has grown by 19%, total number of bags handled has grown by 19% and cargo operations has increased by 12%, in comparison to the first half of 2023. Hamad International Airport welcomed 25.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024, a 25% increase compared to the first half of 2023. This includes a 22.1% increase in point-to-point passengers compared to the same period last year. Point-to-point refers to the passengers flying directly into and out of Doha, reflecting significant growth in the number of airline partners operating from the airport, and the flourishing tourism sector in Qatar. Hamad International Airport expanded its network this year by welcoming new airlines partners, including Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, China Southern Airlines, and Akasa Air. This is in addition to Iberia, Xiamen Airlines and Vistara joining the airport’s network late last year. This expansion underscores the airport’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing more travel options for passengers and has significantly boosted tourism, fostered trade relationships and fortified business ties between Qatar and the global community. Hamad International Airport experienced a notable 12% growth in cargo operations, in terms of cargo tonnage, compared to the same period last year. The demand from and to the Middle East experienced a remarkable 45.3% growth, driven by the recovery of airline operations between GCC countries, particularly the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Traffic to and from Europe grew by 32.8%, supported by the launch of new destinations and increased capacity to existing destinations …

Cruise-seeking travellers in the region will have a brand new experience at sea with Resorts World Cruises, as it expands its global footprint to the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman with the premium boutique lifestyle cruise ship, Resorts World One. Starting from October 18, 2024 until April 13, 2025, the Resorts World One will homeport and depart from Dubai, providing travellers from the region the option to embark from the emirate on a roundtrip cruise adventure to popular destinations within the Gulf waters. Discover the convenience and comfort of cruising to multiple destinations, without the hassle of packing and unpacking or searching for accommodations at each destination. Resorts World One combines premium amenities with diverse culinary options, offering the best of lifestyle and entertainment at sea, halal-certified cuisine options and a luxurious experience at The Palace, a ‘luxury ship-within-a ship’ private all-suite enclave with exclusive restaurant, sundeck, gym and other facilities, including its own 24-hour European style butler service. Resorts World One will offer roundtrip cruise itineraries from Dubai, including the 2 Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise with departures on Fridays; a 3 Night Oman Cruise to Khasab and Muscat departing on Sundays; and a 2 Night Doha Cruise departing on Wednesdays. Guests will have the flexible option to combine two or all three of the itineraries to increase the cruise length to a four, five or a seven night cruise. Shore excursions and onboard activities will allow passengers to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Dubai and the surrounding region especially Muscat, Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island. Visits to iconic landmarks, heritage sites, and shopping destinations will be part of the itinerary for tourists …