On the importance of private sector engagement in key sectors such as education and tourism What are the primary factors that make Qatar an appealing destination for investors? SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI: Qatar’s appeal as an investment destination is underscored by numerous factors. Positioned strategically at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe, the country serves as a crucial…
Interview:Tan Huism How have libraries adapted in response to behavioural shifts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic? TAN HUISM: During the pandemic libraries adopted innovative approaches to ensure uninterrupted access to knowledge. In QNL’s case, this included the expansion of online services and the migration of in-person services to digital platforms. As such services proved popular and convenient,…
Interview:Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi What role do museums and cultural development play in Qatar’s broader tourism ambitions? MOHAMMED SAAD AL RUMAIHI: Qatar’s tourism industry has seen significant growth, surpassing 2022’s full-year international arrivals by the beginning of the third quarter of 2023, despite 2022 being the year of the FIFA World Cup. Room demand has also risen over 20%…
Interview:Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji What is being done to encourage increased private sector investment in tourism? SAAD BIN ALI AL KHARJI: The focus is on positioning Qatar as a tourism destination by strengthening international partnerships, hosting diverse events and conferences, and fostering an attractive investment environment. To fulfil this, we have granted licences to business event organisers…
Tourism plays a crucial role in Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-30 (NDS-3), which serves as the primary framework for achieving the goals set out in Qatar National Vision 2030. The NDS-3 focuses on seven strategic outcomes: sustainable economic growth, fiscal sustainability, a future-ready workforce, social cohesion, enhanced quality of life, environmental sustainability and government…
In 2022 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), in 2022 international arrivals in the Middle East recovered to…
Qatar’s tourism industry has undergone a significant transformation since 2022. In the fourth quarter of that year an estimated 1m foreign visitors arrived for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was watched by over 1bn people worldwide and boosted the country’s reputation as a travel destination. In addition, since 2019 Qatar’s supply of hotel rooms has increased by nearly half, and a flurry of museums…
The tourism industry has undergone a significant transformation since 2022. The FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar that year saw an estimated 1m visitors arrive for the tournament, boosting the country’s reputation as a travel destination. In addition, since 2019 Qatar’s supply of hotel rooms has increased by nearly half, and a flurry of museums and cultural sites have either opened or begun construction.…
While known primarily for its vast gas reserves prior to 2010, Qatar’s global profile received a major boost that year when it was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leading to a significant increase in infrastructure development throughout the country. Qatar is now leveraging its natural resources to become a knowledge-based, diversified economy, and it is looking to attract greater foreig
On catering to local and global audiences with new technologies and safety measures Where do you identify the key factors that have positioned Qatar as a prominent destination for major conferences and exhibitions? MICHAEL: Qatar’s ascent as a premier destination for conferences and exhibitions is the result of its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, like DECC,…
