Tourism & Culture
From The Report: Qatar 2015
View in Online Reader

The last decade has seen a rapid expansion in the number of hotels and other tourism facilities in Qatar, as the state has invested in transforming the country into a luxury, sports and business destination. While in 2014 the majority of tourists visited the country for business purposes, the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 aims to reverse this trend, with hopes that by 2030, 64% of all non-GCC tourists visit Qatar for leisure. The hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup should boost growth across the sector, with the government expected to spend as much as $200bn in the build-up to the global event. Meanwhile, Qatar is increasingly looking to preserve its archaeological and heritage sites with specific initiatives to safeguard its heritage and strengthen laws and regulations that support cultural preservation.

This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chariman, Al Faisal Holding; and Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director, The Fire Station – Artists in Residence.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Qatar eases restrictions on FDI to boost growth
OBG
plus

Qatar’s government has pursued an intensive national economic diversification strategy over the last two decades, aiming to leverage oil and gas revenues as it builds a broader economic base. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the National Development Strategy 2011-16, the government has prioritised tourism as one of the key sector for future growth. Qatar’s location on the Arabian Peninsula gives it an important advantage, offering visitors year-round sunshine a short…

Analysis

Qatar caters to the upper end of the tourism market
OBG
plus

Qatar’s economic diversification plans combined with robust population growth require the construction of additional infrastructure, including an extensive hotel network that will support the country’s burgeoning travel market. The country’s tourism authority anticipates a rapid increase in the number of visitors in the build up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is also actively supporting the development of a number of hotel properties. Catering to demand from Qatar’s wealthy clientele,…

Interview

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holding: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview:Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Given the number of properties under construction in Qatar, to what extent are developers looking outside the domestic market for opportunities? SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL THANI: The Qatari market offers a number of opportunities for development in hospitality and tourism. That said, companies with the ability to invest outside Qatar have been developing in the Gulf region for some time and, more recently, in markets further afield, particularly…

Interview

OBG talks to Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director, The Fire Station – Artists in Residence
OBG
plus

Interview:Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa Where did the initial inspiration for such a venture as The Fire Station come from? HALA MOHOMMED AL KHALIFA: The inspiration came from Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, when she learned the Civil Defence was relocating to another site. Her immediate response was to use the existing space to host an artists residency programme. Today, with her guidance and vision, we have managed to repurpose the building, saving its unique…

Analysis

Qatar offers new cultural offerings
OBG
plus

The value of cultural institutions is often ignored, particularly in rapidly growing economies, because of the intangible benefits they bring. Qatar, however, has proudly declared its ambitions of becoming the most important cultural hub in the Gulf and has accordingly allocated significant resources to collect, preserve and display its cultural heritage. The royal family’s patronage of Islamic art culminated in the opening of the Museum of Islamic Art in 2008. SMITHSONIAN IN THE DESERT:…