Qatar Tourism hosted the 51st UN Tourism Commission in Doha on February 12, which included a ministerial meeting and a conference focused on “Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry” following the successful FIFA World Cup.
This event provided a unique platform for Arab tourism leaders to share their insights on the future of sports tourism and its implications for the region.
In conjunction with the tourism conference, the Qatar International Food Festival is taking place, running until February 22. This festival showcases a diverse array of dining options, from award-winning Michelin-starred establishments to local hidden gems, highlighting a vibrant blend of international flavors and innovative culinary concepts that shape Qatar's gastronomic scene.
Additionally, the trip allowed attendees to explore Qatar's rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic culture. Visitors experienced the country’s architectural wonders, renowned museums, and the renowned hospitality that reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Doha, designated as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, offers visitors a chance to enjoy genuine Arabian hospitality against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving economy.
Qatar is celebrated for its exceptional warmth, outstanding cuisine, and world-class hospitality infrastructure, along with a wide range of activities, from desert adventures to seaside experiences. Together, these elements position Qatar as an emerging international tourist destination that caters to every type of traveler.
Qatar presents a wealth of attractions, ranging from cultural landmarks like Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village to thought-provoking museums such as Msheireb Downtown Doha. Additionally, the country’s dynamic calendar of events throughout the year offers visitors ample opportunities for exploration and engagement.
With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, exceptional museums, luxurious resorts, and innovative architecture, Qatar caters to a wide array of interests. In January 2024, the nation welcomed over 700,000 visitors, marking the highest monthly total ever recorded.
In 2024, Qatar surpassed five million visitors, exceeding the annual totals of the previous five years.
Hamad International Airport (HIA) serves as the primary gateway to Qatar, functioning not merely as a transit point but as a destination in its own right. Having been recognized as the best airport in the world three times by the Skytrax World Airport Awards, HIA combines state-of-the-art architecture with unparalleled luxury and comfort.
Covering an area of 725,000 square meters, the airport terminal ranks among the largest globally and is designed to accommodate over 50 million passengers each year, ensuring both efficiency and comfort.
As a peninsula bordered by the Arabian Sea, Qatar's beaches are sanctuaries for marine and wildlife, making them perfect for sailing, diving, and various water sports.
A mere hour from Doha transports you to a different realm. The southeastern desert of Qatar is a vast wilderness where Bedouin camps can still be found, particularly during the winter months. Here, you may observe camels grazing in the distance and endless sand dunes stretching to the horizon.
Explore the rugged northern desert to uncover ancient petroglyphs from the Neolithic era at the Jassasiya Rock Art Site. Marvel at the unique ‘mushroom’ rock formations in Zekreet or visit Al Rekayat Fort in Al Zubarah, a significant settlement during the peak of the pearling trade.
With its abundant water and year-round sunshine, Qatar is a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts. The country’s pristine beaches, water parks, and marinas encourage visitors to engage in a variety of exciting activities. Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort, located along a natural lagoon on the north coast, is renowned for offering some of the best kite surfing experiences in Qatar.
Additionally, Qatar hosts one of the largest gatherings of whale sharks globally. Discover Qatar provides enticing itineraries for wildlife lovers eager to observe these remarkable creatures.
As a vibrant center of culture, entertainment, and heritage, Qatar presents numerous extraordinary locations to explore. The renowned Katara Cultural Village in Doha harmoniously integrates art, culture, and tradition, creating a lively environment for cultural exchange and entertainment.
Guests can appreciate the Katara Amphitheatre, an impressive open-air venue inspired by classical Greek design, and visit the Katara Museums, which showcase Islamic heritage and diverse global cultures. The village also features luxury shopping at Galeries Lafayette and high-end retail at 21 High Street, while hosting lively events during National Day to honor Qatar’s rich heritage.
Furthermore, the newly developed West Walk serves as a contemporary urban destination that combines residential, retail, and dining experiences, establishing a vibrant lifestyle hub in the city center.
For another culturally enriching experience, the Mina District, a picturesque waterfront area in Doha, captivates visitors with its pastel-colored buildings and lively maritime ambiance, offering a delightful setting for leisurely strolls and coffee at its numerous cafes.
Qatar presents a distinctive fusion of innovation, cultural heritage, and entertainment, featuring attractions that enchant visitors with their rich cultural tapestry and contemporary offerings.
Msheireb Downtown Doha exemplifies sustainable urban development, seamlessly integrating modern innovation with traditional heritage. Guests can delve into Qatar’s past at the Msheireb Museums, located within four meticulously restored heritage buildings, and wander through Al Kahraba Street and the Doha Design District, both of which highlight creativity and design excellence.
In contrast, Lusail City epitomizes Qatar’s vision for the future, showcasing avant-garde architecture and lively neighborhoods. Visitors can take a scenic tour of Lusail Boulevard, the Marina District, and Lusail Stadium, the renowned venue for the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, making it an essential stop on any itinerary.
Qatar’s exceptional museums are architectural wonders in their own right, narrating the nation’s story alongside the exhibits they display.
The National Museum of Qatar, designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Jean Nouvel, draws inspiration from the natural crystal formations known as the desert rose. Situated around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace, which served as the government seat for 25 years, the museum honors Qatar’s heritage while embracing its future.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) boasts one of the most extensive collections of Islamic art globally, featuring masterpieces from various regions that reflect the rich diversity of Islamic heritage. Designed by the esteemed architect I. M. Pei, MIA is a world-renowned institution that majestically overlooks Doha’s Corniche, offering stunning views of the city’s waterfront.
Msheireb Museums highlights the significance of four historic heritage houses located in the center of Msheireb Downtown Doha, showcasing distinctive elements of Qatar’s cultural and social evolution.
While Qatar boasts numerous shopping malls throughout the nation, the tradition of retail therapy is deeply rooted in its history as a trading hub within the souq.
The souq serves as a comprehensive marketplace for everyday essentials, offering a variety of goods such as fabrics and spices. Souq Waqif stands out as a striking contrast to Doha’s contemporary skyline, with its traditional mud-brick structures evoking a sense of history while remaining a bustling center of activity. The market's narrow pathways present a vivid picture of traditional street life.
Le Printemps Doha, the largest luxury department store in the Middle East, marks the esteemed French brand's initial expansion into international markets.
Doha Oasis is a lively destination that merges luxury shopping, leisure, and entertainment. It features Quest, an advanced indoor theme park that boasts record-breaking rides, family-friendly attractions, and engaging experiences suitable for all ages.
With residents from over 100 nations, Qatar exemplifies a truly multicultural society. This diversity is reflected in its dining options, which offer a wide array of culinary influences.
Qatar’s culinary landscape includes establishments led by world-famous chefs as well as affordable eateries where one can enjoy a warm falafel or a quick shawarma for just a few riyals.
Whether you are considering a visit or simply wish to learn more, the traditions of Qatar are bound to leave a memorable impact.
For many generations, fishing, pearl diving, and trading have been essential sources of income for a significant portion of Qatar's population. The traditional wooden dhows, which have remained largely unchanged in their design over the years, serve as a testament to this maritime heritage and continue to navigate Qatar’s waters today.
Falconry has played a vital role in hunting wild game and supplying food for families. While livestock constituted the primary food source for nomadic communities, falconry was esteemed as a refined skill, with men often comparing the training and care of their birds. To delve deeper into the culture of Qatari falconry, a visit to the Falcon Souq in Souq Waqif is highly recommended.
Incense holds great popularity in Qatar and the surrounding region. Crafted from aromatic wood, it is burned in a specialized incense burner known as a mabkhara, creating a fragrant smoke that enhances the ambiance of homes and clothing. As a gesture of hospitality, guests are frequently invited to envelop themselves in the aromatic smoke.
As one of the rapidly emerging cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf, Qatar has made significant investments in the cruise tourism sector, achieving remarkable success in recent years.
Doha's rise as a leading cruise destination underscores Qatar's dedication to enhancing its tourism portfolio. Since the industry's inception in 2016, which began with modest figures, it has experienced remarkable growth.
The newly upgraded Doha Port Cruise Ships Terminal acts as the central hub for cruise tourism in Qatar, providing outstanding hospitality and experiences. Qatar Tourism serves as the governing body for the tourism sector, with a mission to promote and expand tourism by showcasing its rich culture, developing exciting attractions, and offering luxury experiences. The organization aims to solidify Qatar’s status as a premier family-tourism destination, characterized by exceptional service and fostering diverse and innovative economic growth.
