Tuesday 18 / February / 2025
Qatar Tourism had organised the 51st UN Tourism Commission in Doha on 12 February that also featured a ministerial meeting and a conference titled “Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry after the successful hosting of FIFA World Cup.
The hosting of the event presented an exclusive opportunity to hear from Arab tourism leaders and gain insights into the future of sports tourism and its impact on the region.
Coinciding with the tourism event, the Qatar International Food Festival has been organised that will continue till 22 February. From award-winning Michelin-starred restaurants to local hidden gems and unique dining concepts, it was a time to discover a vibrant fusion of international influences and modern creativity that defines its culinary identity.
Beyond these events, the trip provided an opportunity to discover the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and lively culture of Qatar. From its architectural marvels to its world-renowned museums and warm hospitality, the visitors explored the country’s unique blend of tradition and
modernity.
Doha, proudly named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, is where visitors can experience authentically warm Arabian hospitality amid a backdrop of a rapidly developing economy.
Qatar is renowned for its exemplary warmth, exquisite cuisine, world-class hospitality infrastructure and myriad of things to do, from adventures in the desert to the sea. Combined, Qatar is a rising international tourist destination that offers something exceptional for every type of traveller.
Qatar has many things to offer, from cultural hubs such as Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village, to the thought-provoking museums found in Qatar such as Msheireb Downtown Doha. In addition, Qatar’s year-round calendar of exciting events provides visitors with further inspiration for their time in the country.
With its captivating landscapes, vibrant culture & heritage sites, pristine beaches, world-class museums, luxurious resorts, and cutting-edge architecture, Qatar offers an array of attractions that cater to diverse interests. In January 2024, Qatar welcomed over 700,000 visitors – the highest in a month ever, breaking another record.
In 2024, Qatar surpassed five million visitors, exceeding annual visitor numbers of the past five years.
The gateway to Qatar is its Hamad International Airport (HIA) which is more than just a transit hub; it’s a destination. Recognised as the best airport in the world three times by the Skytrax World Airport Awards, HIA seamlessly blends cutting-edge architecture with unmatched luxury and comfort.
The airport’s terminal spans 725,000 square meters, positioning it among the largest airport terminals globally. HIA is designed to handle over 50 million passengers annually, ensuring efficiency and comfort.
As a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Sea, its beaches are havens for marine and wildlife, and ideal for sailing, diving, and water sports.
Just one hour from Doha, you’ll step foot into a different world. Qatar’s south-eastern desert is an epic wilderness where you might still spot a Bedouin camp especially during the winter season. In the camp you might spot camels grazing in the distance, and undulating sand dunes as far as the eye can see.
Venture into the rocky northern desert to discover ancient petroglyps from Neolithic times at Jassasiya Rock Art Site. Admire otherworldly ‘mushroom’ rock formations at Zekreet or see Al Rekayat Fort at Al Zubarah – an important settlement during the golden age of the pearling trade.
Surrounded by water and blessed with year-round sunny weather, Qatar is an ideal location for water sports. The country’s crystal-clear beaches, waterparks and marinas invite everyone to try out new activities and experiences. The best kite surfing is available in Qatar, along a natural lagoon on the north coast, at the Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort.
Qatar is also home to one of the largest whale shark congregations in the entire world. Discover Qatar offers attractive itineraries for all wildlife enthusiasts who want to admire these fascinating creatures.
Qatar is a vibrant hub of culture, entertainment, and heritage, offering a variety of incredible destinations to explore. The iconic Katara Cultural Village in Doha seamlessly blends art, culture, and tradition, providing a dynamic space for cultural exchange and entertainment.
Visitors can marvel at the Katara Amphitheatre, a majestic open-air venue inspired by classical Greek architecture, and explore the Katara Museums, which highlight Islamic heritage and global cultures. The village also offers luxury shopping at Galeries Lafayette and upscale retail at 21 High Street, while hosting vibrant events and activities during National Day to celebrate Qatar’s rich heritage.
In addition, the all-new West Walk is a modern urban destination that blends residential, retail, and dining experiences, offering a vibrant lifestyle hub in the heart of the city.
Also, for another culturally rich experience, the Mina District, a charming waterfront area in the heart of Doha, enchants visitors with its pastel-coloured buildings, vibrant maritime atmosphere, and the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll and coffee at its various coffee shops.
Qatar is a unique blend of innovation, heritage, and entertainment, offering destinations that captivate with their cultural richness and modern attractions.
Msheireb Downtown Doha, a model of sustainable urban development, merges cutting-edge innovation with traditional heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in Qatar’s history at the Msheireb Museums, housed in four restored heritage buildings, and explore Al Kahraba Street and the Doha Design District, which celebrate creativity and design excellence.
Meanwhile, Lusail City stands as a symbol of Qatar’s future, boasting futuristic architecture and vibrant districts. Guests can enjoy a panoramic tour of Lusail Boulevard, the Marina District, and Lusail Stadium, the iconic venue of the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, making it a must-visit destination.
Qatar’s unique museums are architectural marvels themselves, telling Qatar’s story as much as the exhibits they house.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar draws inspiration from and recreates the naturally occurring crystal formations known as the desert rose. Built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace, and the seat of government for 25 years, the National Museum of Qatar gives voice to Qatar’s heritage whilst celebrating its future.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world, with masterpieces from every corner of the globe representing the diversity found in Islamic heritage. Designed by the renowned Chinese American architect I. M. Pei, MIA is a globally acclaimed museum that stands majestically on Doha’s Corniche, with panoramic views of the city’s waterfront.
Msheireb Museums celebrates the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. They reveal unique aspects of Qatar’s cultural and social development.
Qatar has a lot of shopping malls around the country, but the love of retail therapy goes back to the country’s history as traders in the souq.
The souq functions as a one stop shop for daily necessities, with fabrics, spices and more. Souq Waqif feels like an anachronism, particularly against the backdrop of Doha’s dramatic modernist skyline. With its mud-daubed buildings, the market harkens to a bygone era while remaining a hub of activity. Souq Waqif’s winding alleys offer a tableau of traditional street life.
Le Printemps Doha is the largest luxury department store in the Middle East and the prestigious French brand’s first foray into international markets.
Doha Oasis is a vibrant destination combining luxury retail, leisure, and entertainment. It is home to Quest, a state-of-the-art indoor theme park offering record-breaking thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and immersive experiences for all ages.
Home to people from over 100 countries, Qatar is a truly multicultural society. Its varied dining scene reflects this rich diversity, featuring an eclectic range of influences.
Qatar’s dining scene ranges from restaurants run by world-renowned and celebrity chefs to budget friendly bites with just a few riyals needed to savour a warm falafel or quick shawarma fresh off the grill.
Whether you’re planning a visit or simply interested in learning more, Qatar’s traditions are sure to leave a lasting impression.
For generations, fishing, pearl diving and trading provided a livelihood for much of the population in Qatar. Traditional wooden dhows, largely unchanged in design over the years, are a remnant of this seafaring tradition and still ply Qatar’s waters today.
Falconry helped with hunting wild game and providing food to the family. Although livestock provided the majority of the nomads’ food, falconry was regarded as a skillful art, and men would frequently compare how well their birds were trained and cared for. To take a closer look at the Qatari Falconry culture, visit the Falcon Souq in Souq Waqif.
Incense is very popular in Qatar and throughout the region. Made from scented wood, it is burned in a special incense burner called a mabkhara to produce a rich smoke to perfume the home and clothing. As a show of hospitality, visitors are often invited to waft the smoke around themselves.
As one of the fast-growing emerging cruise destinations on Arabian Gulf itineraries, Qatar has invested extensively in the cruise tourism industry, witnessing tremendous success over the past few years.
Doha’s emergence as a premier cruise destination reflects Qatar’s commitment to expanding its tourism offerings. Since its inception in 2016 with modest numbers, the industry has seen extraordinary expansion.
The newly expanded Doha Port Cruise Ships Terminal serves as the hub for cruise tourism in Qatar, offering exceptional hospitality and experiences. Qatar Tourism is the regulatory body of the tourism sector in Qatar.
Its mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, and luxury experiences. It has a clear vision to strengthen Qatar’s position as a premier family-tourism destination distinguished by service excellence, to achieve diverse and innovative economic growth.
