Tag Archives: visitors

Visit Qatar has concluded the 2026 edition of Barooq, the most prominent desert event on its calendar, amid a wide turnout and great interaction from visitors and residents throughout the winter season. The 77-day event, which concluded on 10 February, welcomed 61,121 visitors, cementing its position as one of Qatar’s top outdoor destinations during the winter. Held in the heart of Qatar’s stunning desert landscape, Barooq was distinguished by a diverse programme of adventure, culture and live entertainment. One of the key milestones was the Desert Retreat, which included the 25-metre-tall Adventure Tower, one of five new zones introduced this year, including a zip-up experience, outdoor dining areas and an ongoing programme of live performances. The ‘Film City’ area also offered a rich cultural experience, including photo opportunities with falcons, henna carving, heritage and musical performances, as well as storytelling sessions held throughout the site. The event witnessed the presentation of 539 activities and workshops, with a strong focus on family engagement through children’s programs, including puppet shows, face painting, and caricature lessons, ensuring a fun and inclusive experience for young visitors. The 2026 edition also saw the introduction of new event areas, including the Sunset Lounge, Barooq Wildlife Sanctuary, Mini Safari Cars and Family Council, expanding the range of experiences offered. The event featured 24 F&B outlets and retail outlets. Visit Qatar is committed to developing high-quality events that enrich domestic tourism, encourage repeat visits, and enhance Qatar’s calendar of events throughout the year.

Unveiled at World Travel Market (WTM) London, this renewed collaboration through Amadeus Digital Media aims to significantly boost visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi, targeting over 60% growth through Amadeus’ platforms compared to the previous year. The new initiative will leverage cutting-edge AI-powered programmatic campaigns to target travellers who are actively seeking their next destination. A key focus is to engage new consumers who may not have previously considered Abu Dhabi as a travel destination, thereby expanding the emirate’s global appeal. By increasing exposure to a wider consumer base and driving booking conversions, this collaboration is expected to bring substantial benefits to Abu Dhabi’s key industry stakeholders, such as hoteliers and travel agents. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Amadeus has been instrumental in showcasing Abu Dhabi’s diverse offering to a global audience. This expanded collaboration is pivotal to our journey to achieve the ambitious goals set out in our Tourism Strategy 2030. By harnessing Amadeus’ advanced technology and extensive reach, we are not only aiming for escalated growth in visitor numbers but also strategically building destination awareness in new and emerging markets.” Campaigns stemming from the renewed partnership will strategically target diverse consumer segments, ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, thrilling adventures, family-friendly attractions, and stunning coastal landscapes are prominently featured worldwide. Jan Tissera, President, International, Global Accounts and Destinations, Hospitality, Amadeus, added: “Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi exemplifies our shared commitment to transforming travel through data-driven insights and innovative technology. By combining Amadeus technology and market intelligence with DCT Abu Dhabi’s visionary approach, visitor outreach can be refined to create meaningful, personalized journeys that truly …