Tag Archives: Visit Qatar

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.

Wego teamed up with Visit Qatar to inspire regional travellers by showcasing Qatar’s cultural richness, striking landscapes, and contemporary experiences. This partnership introduces a dynamic campaign that encourages travelers from across the region to discover the many layers of Qatar, beyond the expected. From lively neighborhoods and creative art districts to scenic coastal walks and majestic desert landscapes, the campaign highlights Qatar as a destination where tradition meets modernity. As MENA travellers increasingly seek meaningful, authentic, and comfortable experiences, Qatar emerges as a standout choice, offering a unique fusion of culture, nature, and contemporary leisure. From the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif and the architectural brilliance of the Museum of Islamic Art to the evolving skyline of Lusail and the tranquil waterfront of the Corniche, Qatar offers a journey rich in discovery. Visitors can unwind at Katara’s beaches, savor traditional dishes such as machboos and fresh seafood, explore the creative spaces of Msheireb Downtown, or venture out to the Inland Sea where sweeping dunes meet crystal waters in one of the country’s most breathtaking natural settings. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “This partnership with Visit Qatar allows us to spotlight the country’s remarkable evolution as a travel destination. Our campaign is designed to engage travelers at every stage from inspiration to planning and booking through rich content and seamless tools. Qatar offers something for everyone: thriving cultural quarters, pristine beaches, exceptional cuisine, and a calendar full of world-class events. We’re excited to connect our users to the experiences that make Qatar both distinctive and unforgettable.” Saleh Al-Nisf, MEA & Africa Senior Manager at Visit Qatar said: “Our collaboration with Wego is a key step in amplifying Qatar’s …

The committee responsible for the GCC Tourism Capital has officially announced Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, within the framework of strengthening joint tourism cooperation among GCC member states. This decision has been approved by Their Excellencies the Ministers responsible for tourism across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The selection follows a comprehensive strategic bid submitted by Qatar Tourism, which outlined the State of Qatar’s long-term vision for tourism and showcased Doha’s strengths as a destination that balances cultural authenticity, urban innovation, sustainability and quality of life. The bid aligns closely with national priorities focused on economic diversification and positions tourism as a key driver of sustainable growth. Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “The selection of Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026 marks an important milestone that underscores the success of our leadership’s strategic vision in establishing tourism as a central pillar of the National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. This recognition reflects the qualitative progress achieved in building an integrated and sustainable tourism ecosystem that is competitive at both regional and global levels, supported by world-class infrastructure, strong connectivity, and an exceptional visitor experience.” He added: “Looking ahead to 2026, this title provides a strategic platform to further strengthen Gulf tourism cooperation, stimulate investment, create new economic opportunities and deliver a lasting legacy that reinforces Doha’s position as a leading regional tourism hub; particularly in business events, major festivals, large-scale activations and family-friendly destination.” Doha’s selection was underpinned by a set of strategic pillars, including its advanced transport and mobility infrastructure. This encompasses …

Visit Qatar and Experience Oman announced a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening regional tourism cooperation and promoting multi-destination travel between the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman. The announcement was made during Visit Qatar’s participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, one of the world’s leading trade and tourism exhibitions. Under this new strategic partnership, Visit Qatar and Experience Oman will develop integrated tourism packages and joint promotional initiatives aimed at encouraging visitors from key international markets, particularly from Asia and Europe, to explore both destinations in a single trip. Italy, Spain and China will prepare pilot markets for the implementation of the concept of joint cooperation. The announcement was made in the presence of Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, and Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism. Experience Oman was represented by H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and  Shabib Al Maamari, CEO of Visit Oman. The partnership will also include joint promotional tours, unified participation in major international tourism events and exhibitions, as well as cooperation with major travel and tourism companies to develop and market joint packages for the two destinations that combine the cultural, heritage and luxury experiences of Qatar and Oman. The partnership reflects the two municipalities’ shared commitment to strengthening regional tourism links, increasing visitor numbers, and highlighting the Gulf region as a unified and world-class destination. By enhancing co-marketing opportunities and improving tourism connectivity, Visit Qatar and Experience Oman are positioning the region as a destination of choice for global travellers seeking unique experiences.

Visit Qatar is set to participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, taking place from 4–6 November 2025 at ExCeL London. As one of the world’s leading global travel and tourism exhibitions, WTM serves as a strategic platform to spotlight Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, strengthen partnerships, and attract new business and investment opportunities in line with the country’s national tourism strategy. Leading a strong delegation of 48 partners, including hotels, resorts, and destination management companies, Visit Qatar will present the country’s expanding tourism ecosystem within the dedicated Qatar Pavilion, located at Stand S8-210. The Qatar Pavilion will feature a striking two-level design covering 700 sqm with an additional 150 sqm mezzanine, offering engaging spaces for networking and business meetings. The stand will immerse visitors in Qatar’s rich culture and modern experiences through a series of creative activations and showcases. Highlights include a range of engaging and interactive activations including a dedicated cultural zone featuring live demonstrations of calligraphy, Kohl and perfume making, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Qatari traditions and craftsmanship. Guests will also enjoy a taste of Qatari hospitality through the Qinwan coffee and dates experience. To further enhance visitor engagement, a special 4D immersive activation will bring Meryal Waterpark to life through multi-sensory visual, audio, and water effects, providing an exhilarating preview of one of Qatar’s newest attractions. In addition, a dedicated Qatar Calendar showcase will offer insights into the country’s upcoming events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. WTM London 2025 continues to be one of the travel industry’s most significant global gatherings, connecting professionals from across the world to discuss the future of the tourism industry. Through its participation, Visit Qatar reaffirms its …

Visit Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Airways and under the auspices of Go Beyond, successfully hosted the Kuwait Roadshow at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuwait City. The tour served as a platform to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in Kuwait, promote upcoming tourism events, and provide opportunities for direct communication between hotels, destination management companies in Qatar and Kuwaiti travel agencies. It also encouraged tour operators to include Qatar in their tourism packages and regional programs. The event brought together more than 100 leading travel and tourism professionals and tour operators to discover the diverse tourism offerings Qatar has to offer, from short trips and winter holidays to stopover experiences. By highlighting the growth of leisure tourism offerings, the initiative has strengthened Qatar’s position as a leading regional tourism destination and supported the objectives of the Qatar National Tourism Strategy 2030, which seeks to promote destination awareness, promote seasonal travel, and contribute to economic diversification through tourism.