Meet Qatar

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WELCOME Editorial ediTOR Mairead Walsh DEPUTY Editor Oliver Ephgrave

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Qatar's development has been phenomenally successful over the first 10 years of the millennium, and as we enter the second decade we look to build upon our outstanding achievements. Qatar is now, not only positioned as a world-class destination for tourism but also for business, education and research.

Preserving culture and heritage has proved to be a leading vision for the development of Qatar. This solid relationship between culture and growth facilitated the capital city of Doha to be names the Capital of Arab Culture 2010.

Doha is the home to numerous museums, art galleries and historical landmarks including the Arab Museum for Modern Art, the Cultural Village, Al-Zubarah Fort and the iconic Museum of Islamic Art designed by I M Pei. In addition, Souq Waqif, the authentic Arabian souq, is a showpiece of traditional architecture, handicrafts and folk art. We have become the hosting venue to over 100 sporting events including numerous world championship events such as the Commercialbank Qatar Masters Golf Tournament, the Sony/Ericsson WTA Championship and Qatar ExxonMobil Open men's championship, the Moto GrandPrix and the Formula1 Powerboat racing world championship.

In addition, Qatar was host to the 2006 Asian Games and, more recently, the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2010.

The future of sporting events in Qatar is bright as we are the official host of the 2011 Asian Football Cup, where top national teams from the world's largest football federation will compete for the top prize in Asia. Additionally, our nation is proud to be one of the main contenders for the hosting rights to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar's achievements are numerous and they include; the newly opened PearlQatar, the establishment of Al Jazeera into a leading global news source and the array of world renowned restaurants and hotels. Qatar promotes research and technology projects geared towards achieving a green and clean future.

The state of Qatar will continue to grow in both infrastructure and hospitality and it will continue its leadership in both tourism and business. Qatar draws in many high-profile conferences, exhibitions and events and will continue to do so with ongoing projects such as the Qatar National Convention Centre, located in Doha's Education City, which is due to be open this year.

The past and future developments of our nation aim to make Qatar the leading destination in the Middle East for our international guests.

The Qatar Tourism Authority is honored to have the privilege to welcome you as we continue offering our hospitality to the world.

Mr. Ahmed Abdulla Al Nuaimi Chairman, Qatar Tourism Authority

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CONTENTS

04 12 16 20 24 30 38 44 74 Useful info

INTRODUCTION

MEETINGS

LEISURE

Attractions key

4

Ideal for Group size Timings Top tip

FACT FILE Essential information on language, currency, culture and everything in between

6

CONNECTING QATAR

24 MEETING DEMAND A new world-class meeting and exhibition facility is set to bring an extra dimension to Qatar's already impressive meeting infrastructure

38 GREEN TEE Home to the annual Qatar Masters, Doha Golf Club offers a host of facilities for corporate groups to tee up

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CULTURE CAPTIAL With Doha recognised as the Arab Culture Capital for 2010, Qatar is heavily investing in development and striving to be a top destination for meetings

27 BUSINESS CATALYST Qatar MICE Development Institute is the dynamic company charged with transforming the country into an impressive, global meetings hot spot

40 CORPORATE REVIVAL A world-class collection of spas provide the perfect antidote to a day attending to business

meet tips Great advice and nuggets of event organising wisdom to ensure your guests get the most from your meeting or incentive activity

FAQs Anticipating your unanswered questions, meet qatar offers up the information you need to make the best choices for your event

ATTRACTIONS 12 13 14

Culture Sand and sea City

INCENTIVES 16 INVENTIVE INCENTIVES From towering sand dune adventures and seaside pursuits to experiencing Arabian traditions, incentive activities abound in Qatar

ACTIVITIES 20 SPORTING CHANCE Qatar offers an action-packed calendar of international sporting events all ideal for corporate gettogethers and executive rewards

CASE STUDY 28 SHIP SHAPE QMDI went full steam ahead for the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference

INFRASTRUCTURE 30 HOME SWEET HOTEL Brand new hotels are opening up every week with many more under construction as Qatar's tourism industry prepares for an increase in business travellers 32 STATELY GROWTH Major convention centres, worldclass infrastructure projects and high-calibre leisure facilities are taking shape across the country 36 TAKING OFF Things are really looking up for Qatar Airways as the national carrier pursues an aggressive expansion plan

42 SHOPPING HAVEN Qatar has traditional souks full of souvenir treasures as well as modern shopping malls brimming with brands to browse

HOTELS 44 WHERE TO STAY A comprehensive listing of leading hotels in Qatar 59 HOTEL VENUES Meeting venues within the country's best hotels

SERVICES 74 SUPPORT SERVICES Essential contacts for exhibition organisers and destination management companies 76 EXHIBITION & EVENT CALENDAR Leading shows taking place at across the country

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4 essential Information

FACT FILE

LOCATION: Located in the Middle East, Qatar is a peninsula bordering the Arabian Gulf and Saudi Arabia.

Local time: GMT +3 hours.

Visas: Except for GCC nationals, all visitors (for business or tourism) require a visa. Anyone intending to stay in the country for more than four weeks needs to apply for a visa through a Qatari embassy overseas.

Nationals of 33 countries can receive a 14-day visa on arrival by completing an immigration form and paying a fee of US$27 (QR100) which can be renewed once for a further 14 days.

These countries include the US, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Iceland, Vatican City, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Hong Kong.

Qatar also recognises visit visas issued in Oman under a joint agreement between the two countries.

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Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in the hospitality industry. Guides and facilitators who speak other languages are also available.

Religion: Islam is the official religion while other faiths are also respected.

Currency: The local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR). The exchange rate is US$1=QR3.64 (correct at the time of going to press). Most retail outlets, hotels and car hire firms also accept internationally recognised credit cards.

Climate: Qatar enjoys sunshine just about every day of the year.

Average temperatures during the summer range from 38ŒC to 42ŒC during the day and 18ŒC at night, while winter temperatures are 34ŒC during the day and 10ŒC at night.

Clothing: Lightweight cotton clothing is ideal for most of the year.

During winter visitors are advised to bring a light jacket, sweater or shawl for the cooler evenings.

It is also important to take cultural considerations into account as Qatar is a Muslim country. Conservative dress (long trousers and covered shoulders) is advisable for both men and women.

Business hours: The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Banks are open from 8am to 12pm, Saturday to Thursday, while government ministries and departments are open from 6am to 2pm, Sunday to Thursday.

Electricity: The electrical system is based on 240 AC volts + 6 percent with frequency of 50 Hertz.

Alcohol: Alcohol is permitted in licensed premises in hotels, clubs and sports facilities. Alcohol may also be served at outdoor events catered by hotels or clubs.

Ramadan: During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking in daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset). As a sign of respect, visitors are also required to refrain from these activities in public during the fasting hours.

In 2011, Ramadan is expected to begin around July 31st. At the end of 30 days or on sighting of the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated and most public and private institutions close for at least three days.

6 TRAVEL TIMES Getting there

CONNECTING QATAR QATAR AIRWAYS CURRENTLY CONNECTS DOHA TO OVER 90 DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE

• BOSTON • NEW YORK

• WASHINGTON DC

¥ Doha International Airport offers 44 check-in desks, and currently services 23 regional and international airlines, including Emirates, Gulf Air, British Airways and KLM

¥ The New Doha International Airport (NDIA) will have a land area in excess of 22 square kilometres. This is about a quarter of the size of the old city of Doha

¥ Al Maha personal welcome service is available to assist passengers with arrivals and departure procedures

¥ When complete in 2015, the new airport will handle 50 million passengers, two million tonnes of cargo, and 320,000 aircraft landings and takeoffs each year. It will be three times the size of the existing airport in Doha, and six times the capacity

¥ Complimentary WiFi internet access is available at the Qatar Airways first and business-class lounges and the Oryx lounge for passengers travelling first or business-class with other airlines ¥ In 2003, Doha International Airport and the Government of the State of Qatar announced a masterplan for a new US$2 billion Doha International Airport to be built to the east of the current airport

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¥ NDIA will become the new hub for Qatar Airways when it opens its first phase in 2011 ¥ Launched in January 1994, Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the State of Qatar.

Currently undergoing rapid expansion, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world

• MIAMI

¥ Qatar Airways currently serves over 90 destinations worldwide ¥ The airline operates a fleet of 83 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and will have 110 aircraft in operation by 2013 ¥ Qatar Airways opened the world's first dedicated terminal for first and business-class passengers at Doha International Airport in winter 2006. The terminal features a spa, jacuzzi, fine dining, meeting rooms and duty-free shopping

• RIO DE JANEIRO

• BUENOS AIRES

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• STOCKHOLM

• MOSCOW

• DUBLIN LONDON •

• AMSTERDAM • PRAGUE • PARIS • FRANKFURT • VIENNA • ZURICH ROME •

• ISTANBUL

BEIJING •

• ATHENS

• SEOUL

• BEIRUT • DAMASCUS

· RABAT

• CASABLANCA

• AMMAN CAIRO •

• JEDDAH

•

• MUMBAI

6 • MALE

>

• NAIROBI • SEYCHELLES

• TAIPEI • HONG KONG

• DHAKA

• BANGALORE

ADDIS ABABA •

DAR ES SALAAM •

• SHANGHAI

• DELHI

ho ur s

ACCRA • • LAGOS

• ISLAMABAD

• KUWAIT • DUBAI DOHA • RIYADH • MUSCAT

• COLOMBO

• TOKYO • OSAKA

• MANILA

• BANGKOK

• HO CHI MINH CITY

• KUALA LUMPUR • SINGAPORE • JAKARTA • DARWIN

• MAURITIUS • BRISBANE • PERTH ADELAIDE •

• SYDNEY • MELBOURNE

AUCKLAND • WELLINGTON •

CHRISTCHURCH •

MAP DENOTES APPROXIMATE FLYING TIMES FROM DOHA

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8 qatar

Introduction

Culture

capital

Qatar is heavily investing in its development as a meetings hub with superior conference facilities and a HOST of hotels on the rise, while Doha was awarded the Arab Culture Capital for 2010

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Located in the middle of the west coast of the Arabian Gulf, the State of Qatar is an oil and gas-rich nation, boasting the third largest gas reserves and the second highest GDP per capita in the world. The Gulf state is a regional hub of industry, business and finance, making it the perfect place to meet.

However, Qatar is more than just a collection of office blocks and petrochemical conglomerates. In 2010, Qatar's capital city, Doha was awarded the Arab Culture Capital for the year Ă? an honour that will further push Qatar's international promotion as a destination targeting the niche markets of culture, sport, education and business.

As Arab Culture Capital, Doha hosted a programme of cultural events, including live performances of drama and opera, exhibitions, films, poetry nights and much more, showcasing its prowess as a destination capable of managing large-scale events.

The Gulf state, through the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), has made it its mandate to pursue niche markets rather than develop a mass tourism product, and the Culture Capital status underlines its position as a destination catering to specifically targeted markets.

Qatar has made significant investments domestically and internationally to encourage cultural, sporting, educational and leisure tourism in the country. The government has set aside US$17 billion to develop Qatar's tourism infrastructure over a five-year period, including the construction of new hotels,

resorts and other tourism facilities. Qatar attracted some 1.5 million tourist arrivals in 2010. Business travel accounts for the majority of Qatar's international visitors, with meetings and conventions attracting a large number of overseas attendees.

"In Qatar, we do not seek to be a location for mass tourism; rather we are focused on presenting our country as a world-class business destination, with high-quality services," says Ahmed Al Nuaimi, chairman, QTA. "We see many visitors coming to Qatar looking for business opportunities, and extending their stay to enjoy the leisure and cultural activities that Qatar has to offer."

Recently, QTA launched a campaign '48 hours in Qatar: Your Business is our Pleasure' aimed at encouraging business travellers to stay for an additional 48 hours and experience what the country has to offer.

Business hub Spearheading Qatar's development as a meetings hub is the Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI).

"The original mandate for QMDI was to develop and improve the quality of events organised in Qatar. We develop managed events, live events, operate as a professional congress organiser (PCO) and undertake commercial work. We are in the MICE development business and do this for the benefit of Qatar," explains Matthew Meredith, CEO, QMDI. Ăˆ

Meeting facilities Construction on QNCC, one of the Middle East's largest convention and exhibition centres, is on track for completion and opening in 2011. QNCC will feature 40,000 square metres of exhibition space over nine halls with a capacity to host conferences or gala dinners for 10,000 guests, a 4,000-seat conference hall, 2,300-seat lyric style theatre, three-tiered auditoria, and an additional 52 meeting rooms.

There are plans for hotels to adjoin QNCC and plans to build more hotels in Education City.

Another venue, the Doha Exhibition Centre and Tower, is also under construction and will open in 2012 offering 40,000 square metres of meeting space. Located close to the Doha City Centre shopping complex, the Doha Exhibition Centre and Tower is to be operated by the QTA. Until either of these new venues comes online, the biggest venue in Doha is the Doha Exhibition Centre, which opened in 2008. This offers 15,000 square metres of meeting space.

Alternative venues are also available or under construction. The new Cultural Village offers a ballroom capable of accommodating up to 4,000 guests, an amphitheatre capable of holding 4,800 delegates, and food and beverage outlets.

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10 qatar

Introduction

In 2010, Qatar's capital city of Doha was awarded the Arab Culture Capital for the year Ð an honour that will further push Qatar's international promotion as a destination targeting the niche markets of culture, sport, education and business

"The QTA has an important role to play to create an environment conducive to attracting events. Once an association has made the decision to come to the Middle East the trick is to turn them onto Qatar. First we sell Qatar then we sell our services, so QTA and QMDI work hand in hand."

The two-pronged approach is working. Qatar will host the World Petroleum Congress (WPC) in December 2011, which will be the first largescale event to use the entire capacity of the new Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

"The WPC is the equivalent of the Olympics for the oil and gas industry. It's a very large trade show and congress. QMDI will manage the exhibition and will work closely with the organising committee Ð Qatar Petroleum," explains Meredith.

"We are expecting 6,000 delegates. It is an important event for QNCC, for QMDI and for Qatar.

It will show the opportunities that come from attracting large-scale congresses."

Other major bids won by Qatar include the WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organisation) Qatar 2011 Congress and the 2012 Universal Postal Union Congress. qatar 2011

Tourism infrastructure Any major exhibition, conference or sporting destination requires excellent hospitality services as well as modern infrastructure. Over the next five years, Qatar will invest US$17 billion in tourism infrastructure, including the construction of luxury hotels, resorts and other leisure facilities.

Currently there are 14 five-star, 11 four-star, 17 three-star, and 11 twostar hotels, which amounts to around 7,000 rooms. All the four- and fivestar hotels are equipped with meeting rooms and business centres.

Yet in order to meet the forecasted demand, a total of 99 new hotels are due to be opened by 2012. This will increase hotel capacity by 400 percent to over 29,000 rooms.

Doha International Airport, already a major gateway to the Middle East, is set to expand even further. The new airport, to open in 2011, will be able to handle an estimated 50 million passengers a year by 2015.

QNCC and QMDI work closely together for the promotion of Qatar as a meeting destination Ð with both entities coming under the Qatar Foundation umbrella.

Qatar Foundation is a private, chartered, nonprofit organisation, founded in 1995. Through its three-fold mission of education, scientific res­ earch and community development, it is hel­ping build a sustainable society in Qatar.

Qatar Foundation's flagship project is Education City, a 1,000-hectare campus on the edge of Doha where most of its member institutions are located, including QNCC and QMDI. At present, QMDI is bidding for events 10-12 years in advance, by which time Qatar will offer a fully developed product. Because of the Qatar Foundation, QMDI is focusing on events related to education, healthcare, energy, sports and ICT.

Attractions The QTA is trying to expand its tourism industry by encouraging longer stays among meeting delegates through its '48 hours in Qatar' initiative. "We want people to come to Doha, have a successful meeting or confer-

» meet tips

11



Getting around

Extended stay





There is limited public transport in Doha, and taxis are hard to find, so be sure to arrange adequate transport or a driver

The QTA recommends spending 48 hours extra in Doha after your meeting which is plenty of time to take in all the sights the city has to offer

Try to arrange a visit to Qatar around one of its growing number of international sporting fixtures such as the Tennis Championships or the Qatar Open Golf Championships in January

Sport for all

ence, and then spend another couple of nights experiencing the city and visiting different areas of the country," Al Nuaimi explains.

"We propose to meetings travellers to stay 48 hours in addition to their scheduled time, to discover the cultural landmarks in Doha, such as the Museum of Islamic Art and Souk Waqif, as well as the unique Qatari desert with its inland sea and opportunities for dune-riding and water sports activities."

Al Nuaimi believes that the jewel in the Qatar tourism attractions crown is the Museum of Islamic Art, which opened in November 2008. He adds: "Other countries have tried to build similar museums, but they are not in the same position as us; they don't own such a collection so they have to bring in the displays from elsewhere. However, our museum's collection contains around 3,000 pieces of Islamic art, so on every visit you will see something different. It's going to be the major pulling point for many years to come."

Other cultural attractions ideal for incentives groups include Zubarah Fort, built in 1938 during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani and restored in 1987 as a museum. It is now one of Qatar's most popular tourist attractions. Other forts of historic importance include the Marroube Fort, which was built during the Abbasside period on the west coast of Qatar, and has a distinct architectural style.

Water-based attractions are another key tourism element. Qatar is a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the sea. It also boasts a number of small, off-shore islands. Palm Tree Island, Ishat Island, Shra'o Island and Al-Saflia Island are all popular with groups.

Not on the coast, but still a water-based attraction, Qatar's fascinating inland sea is another must-visit for incentives. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, Khor Al-Adaid is best reached by a 4X4 desert safari.

Hotels In order to keep pace with demands from conventions and meeting groups, Qatar's hotels inventory is expanding rapidly.

2010 saw some 25 hotels open, adding 4,842 rooms to the pool. Up until the end of 2012 a further 72 hotels will come online, accounting for 13,143 more rooms.

Brands set to make their Qatar debut include St Regis, Hyatt, Hilton, Jumeirah, Shangri-La, Westin and Rotana, with further expansion from Marriott and Four Seasons.

Marriott will open a 257-room Renaissance Hotel, a 204-room Courtyard by Marriott and a 123-unit Marriott Executive Apartments at Doha City Center by the end of 2010.

Located in West Bay across from the Qatar Financial Centre and Doha's central business district, the three interconnected properties will offer nine food and beverage outlets, spa, swimming pool and health club.

For business travellers, the hotels will boast 17 meeting rooms with over 1,000 square metres of flexible event space on one floor, a 740-square-metre Grand Ballroom divisible into six sections, high-speed internet access in all meeting rooms and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.

With an array of international hotels in operation and set to come online, and two new world-class meeting facilities due to open in the near future, Qatar is lining up all its aces ready to play a winning hand when competing for global meeting business. qatar 2011

12 ATTRACTIONS

Visitor information

CULTURE QATAR IS THE HUB OF ISLAMIC CULTURE IN THE GULF OFFERING A HOST OF ATTRACTIONS, SO IT'S NO SURPRISE DOHA WAS AWARDED THE ARAB CAPITAL OF CULTURE FOR 2010

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART

JABAL AL ASSASSIYA CARVINGS

Qatar's stunning new icon, the Museum of Islamic Art, sits on a manmade island off the Doha Corniche.

The museum houses the largest collection of Islamic objects and artefacts from across the Muslim world, covering Spain, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Iran, India and Central Asia. Featured antiquities include manuscripts, ivory, ceramics, metalworks, jewellery, woodwork and glass, and the oldest piece dates from the ninth century.

The limestone-clad building designed by I.M.Pei Ð the architect behind the glass pyramid of the Louvre in Paris Ð is an attraction in itself. Pei's striking design features several Islamicinfluenced details. The museum contains two floors of permanent exhibition galleries, a temporary gallery and a 200-seat auditorium.

Scattered over the rocky terrain by the northeastern coast of Qatar, the Jabal Al Assassiya hills contain over 900 stone carvings and engravings, believed to date back to prehistoric times.

The two main forms of carving are boats with anchors and cup-shaped depressions, which are thought to have been used as a primitive board game.

The carvings were first photographed in 1962 by a Danish archaeological team, and later catalogued in 1974.

Jabal Al Assassiya is around 60 kilometres north of Doha, and is the most significant of several similar sites in the country. There are no entrance fees.

Part of Doha itinerary 10 - 50 10.30am to 5.30pm; 2 to 8pm on Friday; closed on Tuesday Admission is free

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Half-day tour 10 - 50 This is an open site and all guests are welcome The area and the carvings may be difficult to locate so it is recommended that you book with a tour company

AL ZUBARA

FORT TOUR

Situated just 100 kilometres northwest of Doha is the town of Al Zubara, an important archaeological site, famous for its old fort.

The town was originally the centre of power of the Bani Utbah, settled by the Al Bin Ali tribe who established the area as a strategic pearl trading town as well as one of the most important ports in the Persian Gulf.

Zubara is noted for its old fortress built in 1938 during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani and restored in 1987 as a museum, now a popular tourist attraction in Qatar.

With high, thick walls, this fort also served as a coastguard station and, until the mid-1980s, was used by the military.

Outside Doha there are several impressive forts and harbours that offer rewarding cultural experiences. Closer to the city is the Umm Salal Mohammed Fort, 20 kilometres north of the capital. This fort is noted for its high, thick walls and impressive fa ade. Inside the fort there are several examples of decorative architectural styles.

Other forts of historic importance include the Marroube Fort, on the west coast of Qatar, which bears the marks of the Abbasside architecture.

Originally built as watchtowers, Barzan Tower is the western tower of two that were erected in the Umm Salal Mohammed area. This tower was built during the late 19th century and its 'T' shape is considered a unique architectural style in the Gulf region.

The renowned Al Wajbah Fort is considered the oldest fort in the country. Striking with its high towers and thick walls, the fort was the site of a famous battle in 1893, when the people of Qatar, under the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, defeated the Ottoman forces.

Half-day tour 10 - 50 Most museums are open 8.30am to noon and 4 to 7pm, except Fridays Also visit the archaeological ruins and nearby deserted fishing villages

Full-day tour 10 - 50 Check with tour operator Choose one fort of interest and make a day of it, also exploring the local area, villages and coastal routes

ATTRACTI ONS

KEY

Ideal for Group size Timings Top tip

13

SAND AND SEA SURROUNDED BY WATER ON THREE SIDES, THE QATAR PENINSULA OFFERS UP A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES LINKED TO THE SEA, MANY OF WHICH MAKE GREAT TEAM DAYS

KHOR AL-ADAID Understandably promoted as a major attraction in Qatar, this inland sea is actually a huge salt water inlet jutting into the desert and surrounded by kilometres of towering sand dunes.

Khor Al-Adaid measures about 15 kilometres from north to south and up to 12 kilometres from east to west. It is connected to the Arabian Gulf by a relatively narrow, deep channel, about 10 kilometres in length. Located in the southeast of Qatar, the best way to reach it is by 4X4 desert safari, with tour operators expertly traversing the overwhelming sand dunes.

This unique area offers scenery of exceptional, undeveloped natural beauty, in what remains predominantly a wilderness.

A vast array of native flora and fauna, as well as a varied marine ecosystem, make this a naturelover's paradise. Dugong and turtles, migrant waterfowl and Arabian gazelles are just some of

the species to be spotted beneath the waves, in the skies above and roaming the desert terrain.

The inland sea is also great for bathing, while the whole area lends itself naturally to beachbased team building activities.

Full-day tour 10 - 50 The best time to visit the dunes is in the late afternoon, but to appreciate the area fully it's best to camp overnight Make sure delegates are supplied with plenty of water and suntan lotion for this trip

ISLAND LIFE

WATERSPORTS

Qatar is very fortunate to be surrounded by other smaller islands within its territorial waters. Many of these can be explored, and provide excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Situated about a 10-minute boat ride from Doha, Palm Tree Island offers a host of recreational amenities, restaurants and caf s, and watersports facilities, along with beaches for swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf.

Located to the southeast of the country, Ishat Island has a total area of 20 square kilometres.

It consists of three flat-topped islets bordered with lightcoloured cliffs and two detached rocks lying northeast of Khor Al-Adaid.

Situated about 48 kilometres northeast of Ishat Island, and three hours away from Doha by speedboat, Shra'o Island contains a small fringed reef and a sandy beach used by turtles to lay their eggs. The island is also a haven for thousands of seabirds.

Just a 15-minute boat ride from Doha, Al-Saflia Island is considered a tourist resort Ð even with its tiny size of just 800 square metres. To the west and complementing Al-Saflia Island, lies the small landmass of Alia Island Ð just slightly over two square kilometres in size.

Two artificial reefs have been built for scuba diving and create a welcoming environment for marine life.

For groups preferring to stay above the waves, sailing is a wonderful pastime and several private companies offer dinghies and windsurfers for rent, as well as sailing lessons for novice and experienced sailors.

There are both jet-skiing and water-skiing rentals, as well as pedal boats, water cycle and kayak rentals. And for the extremely adventurous, try parasailing, surfing or windsurfing.

A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow in Doha Bay provides a stunning view of the city at night, while luxury yachts can be rented for half and full-day fishing trips.

Full day trip 10 - 50 All day Tailor water activities to suit the least active members of your group

End of meeting chill out day 10 - 50 All day Why not organise a beach barbecue with some interactive teambuilding activities?

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14 ATTRACTIONS

Visitor information

CITY THE BUSINESS AND TRADING HUB OF QATAR, DOHA IS A CITY OF CONTRASTS OFFERING MODERN-DAY AMENITIES WITH TRADITIONAL ATTRACTIONS SOUK WAQIF With its winding streets, caf s, restaurants and hundreds of tiny shops selling exotic goods, Doha's newly restored Souk Waqif invites exploration.

The historic site had fallen into disrepair but has now been transformed Ð with the aid of old photographs, maps, and personal recollections Ð into one of the most inspiring enclaves of the city.

Despite the makeover, the souk remains one of the most traditional market places in Doha.

The reconstruction process studied the traditional Qatari use of materials and architectural techniques, and the result is a successful combination of high walls, small windows and exposed timber beams.

Souk Waqif is the place to purchase the national Qatari dress, including beautifully embroidered bukhnoq (female head covering), as well as spices, jewellery, perfumes and oudh - an incense made from agar wood. There are also several streetside caf s ideal for relaxing and watching the world go by.

Part of Doha city tour 10 - 50 Most shops will open at 9 or 10am until 1 or 2pm, and then again from 4 to 10pm.

On Fridays, shops often open in the afternoon only There are two big car parks at either end of the souk, on Jasim bin Mohammed Street and Abdulla bin Jasim Street, ideal for coach transfers

qatar 2011

ATTRACTI ONS

KEY

Ideal for Group size Timings Top tip

DOHA CORNICHE Doha's Corniche is arguably the most picturesque area of the city, and affords sweeping views of the skyline and Palm Tree Island.

This seven-kilometre waterfront promenade is one of the city's favourite spots for a walk or picnic.

The Corniche provides access to many of Doha's finest museums and parks, including the Museum of Islamic Art and Rumeilah Park, which contains a Heritage Village resembling a traditional Qatari hamlet.

There's also a small harbour with traditional Arabic dhows,

which can be rented for the day through local tour companies.

Several interesting statues and fountains line the Corniche, including a statue of Orry the Oryx, the mascot for the 2006 Asian Games, as well as the muchphotographed oyster and pearl statue, and the Water Pots fountain near the Museum of Islamic Art. Part of Doha city tour 10 - 50 Accessible at any time Make sure delegates are supplied with plenty of water and suntan lotion

DOHA ZOO Spread over 42 acres of verdant parkland, Doha Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals, covering 147 species. The zoo is divided into sections for each mammal species, from giraffes and lions to oryx and zebras, and also boasts a large collection of birds.

The zoo is a great opportunity to see the region's desert creatures alongside traditional zoo animals, while its gardens provide plenty of shade and make a perfect location for a picnic lunch.

Part of Doha city tour 10 - 50 8am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 7.30pm daily (closed Friday mornings). Tuesday afternoons are reserved for women and young children, while Wednesday afternoons are for families. Hours may vary throughout the year See what lunch facilities the zoo can provide for small groups

16 INCENTIVES

Visitor information

Inventive incentives From traversing towering sand dunes to taking to the open seas in a traditional wooden dhow, Qatar's incentive options offer groups a real taste of Arabia Event planners often assume that Qatar is a business hub offering relatively little in the way of activities and tourism sights. However, this is not the case.

With Doha having carried the mantle of Arab Capital of Culture in 2010, Qatar offers a diverse array of attractions and activities, from cultural and historical insights to adrenalinpumping action adventure.

Qatar is blessed with an abundance of sun, sea and sand, with miles of pristine beaches, vast expanses of desert and sand dunes and turquoise blue water Ă? vital ingredients for an action-packed trip.

Meanwhile, a host of new tourism and cultural developments offers even greater variety for incentive planners. The Culture & Heritage Village, the Heritage Library and the Modern Arab Art Museum are just some of the new or soon to open attractions.

Local destination management companies (DMCs) are able to offer a host qatar 2011

of exciting options to suit incentive group requirements. Tour guides in Qatar are multilingual, typically speaking English, Arabic and German, while other languages can be arranged with advance notice. Professional DMCs can also provide other services such as visa arrangements, VIP meet and greets, luxury transfers and hotel reservations.

Nevena Tabakova, general manager marketing, Gulf Adventures Tourism, says there is a growing demand for incentive travel in Qatar.

"Qatar is trying to position itself as a local hub for meetings business, therefore the efforts of all parties involved are aimed in that direction.

We foresee a considerable increase in demand for incentive travel in the coming years."

For the 2009/2010 season, Gulf Adventures Tourism organised a number of incentive groups, including Sony Ericsson VIPs for the WTA Championships Tennis, a hospitality programme for the International Petroleum Technology Conference and a

hospitality programme for teams and VIP visitors for the Men's Club World Volleyball Championship.

In partnership with World Leaders Travel USA, Gulf Adventures Tourism handled the World Leaders Symposium in March 2009. Incentive activities included taking 260 delegates onboard the cruise ship MS Silver Wind and visits to Al Shaqab horse stables, Museum of Islamic Art, Souk Waqif and the Inland Sea, lunch at the Diplomatic Club and a visit to the Al Jazeera television station.

In November 2009, Gulf Adventures Tourism partnered with POC Consulting of Germany to handle an incentive group of 330 onboard the cruise ship MS Silver Whisper.

The passengers were all employees of OVB. During their one-day stop in Qatar, Gulf Adventures Tourism organised a trip to the desert and the Inland Sea, where a traditional Bedouin camp provided Arabic refreshments and a falconry demonstration.

» meet tips

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Desert drive Of course the biggest draw when coming to the Middle East is a chance to experience the desert first hand.

There's no better way to truly experience the Qatari desert than with an evening spent in an authentic Bedouin campsite. Local DMCs can arrange a desert safari, which departs in a convoy of 4WDs from Doha towards the southern border of Qatar to an area known as Khor Al Adaid, or the Inland Sea. Experienced drivers tackle the towering sand dunes Ð some as high as 60 metres Ð in an exhilarating rollercoaster ride which can't be beaten for excitement.

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Licensed to serve

Wrap up warm

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Only five-star hotels in Qatar are licensed to serve alcohol and entry requirements in Doha can be quite strict so advise delegates to carry ID

If you are going on a desert safari be sure to take a jacket with you as temperatures can drop substantially when the sun goes down

If you are partaking in cultural tours around Doha, such as visits to souks, be sure to dress appropriately as Qatar is a conservative Muslim country

Khor Al Adaid itself is a spectacular natural sight. The water meanders through the centre of the desert like an enormous river, with sand dunes right up to its shores. A popular destination for those who wish to try unique desert sports such as sand boarding and sand skiing, visitors can also enjoy cooling off in the pristine waters afterwards.

Bedouin campsites are furnished in traditional Arabic style, complete with carpets and crackling campfires, and are the perfect place to relax and savour the natural beauty of the desert wilderness. The DMC will arrange a traditional Arabic dinner under the stars and entertainment such as belly dancing or a DJ, plus other traditional pursuits such as henna and shisha for a truly memorable night in the desert.

"The Inland Sea offers beautiful sand dunes, some towering 45 metres high, so this is a good place for desert adventures and activities such as sand skiing. We can offer half and fullday trips, including a camp barbecue. We can even arrange an overnight safari, which lasts

Dress to impress

15 hours," says Mohamed Bekhet, general manager, Qatar International Tours (QIT).

Established in 1998, QIT has worked on numerous large-scale incentives but for Bekhet one stands out. QIT played a role in a one-month long incentive for Michelin, which was conducting test drives in Qatar.

"We had 32 top VIPs from Michelin fly in per day for one month. We had to provide a programme of activities, which included water sports, dhow cruise, and visits to Al Safliya Island. It was a really big operation for us but at the end Michelin said Qatar was the right incentive destination," says Bekhet.

Cultural vultures Qatar is proud of its strong cultural heritage, so another incentive option is to immerse participants in local culture and provide a rare insight into the Arab world.

Cultural sightseeing programmes include visits to the Royal Horse Stables, the Fanar Islamic Cultural Centre, Souk Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art. È qatar 2011

18 INCENTIVES

Visitor information

Souk Waqif is the oldest of Doha's traditional markets. Originally used by Bedouin traders as a place to buy and sell meat, wool, milk and other staples, the market underwent a multi-million dollar restoration in recent years.

Today, it is a fascinating maze of alleyways, and one of the most atmospheric places in Doha with its aromatic spice shops, colourful weavings and traditional wear. Haggling over goods is the order of the day. Make sure the group also pays a special visit to the souk's falconry section to learn more about this ancient sport.

In addition, there are textile souks and gold souks where bargains can be found on gold bullion as well as gold jewellery. Not to be missed is the popular Thursday/Friday Souk, where a plethora of items are for sale at knock-down prices.

Visitors should also visit the corniche, the shipyards, and take a tour of the city's three museums including the National Museum which is housed in a building dating back over a century.

Another place of cultural interest is Fanar, the Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre where delegates can learn more about the history and culture of Qatar, visit a recreation of a traditional Qatari home, and even try their hand at some Arabic calligraphy.

A cultural highlight not to be missed is the new jewel in Doha's crown, the Museum of Islamic Arts. The museum features priceless artefacts from across the Middle East such as ceramics, scrolls, manuscripts, jewellery, carpets and fabrics, some dating back as far as the 7th century. qatar 2011

» FAQs I wish to organise a gala dinner as part of an incentive trip to Doha, can you recommend a venue?

The Diplomatic Club is a private club managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The club is located in the prestigious West Bay area and offers four food and beverage outlets, meeting and function rooms, and beach facilities. The exclusivity of the club makes it an excellent venue for special functions and themed nights such as gala dinners.

I wish to take my group to experience some real Arabic-style hospitality while in Doha, where should we go?

Head to one of the Arabic-style restaurants in Souk Waqif such as Al Tawash. Here you will experience authentic Arabian food in an atmospheric setting. The interior features private areas in traditional-style 'majlis' where delegates can sit on carpets on the floor at low-level tables Ð perfect for a group looking for an evening with a traditional touch.

Aqua adventures Make the most of the sparkling warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. As tourism booms so does the number of beach resorts and independent companies offering all sorts of water-based activities from jet skiing, waterskiing and wind surfing to sailing and parasailing.

While there are no natural reefs around Qatar, diving enthusiasts have created two artificial reefs at depths of 15 and 18 metres using scrap vehicles to provide the environment for marine life to develop. Guide ropes lead divers down to the reefs where there is a profusion of fascinating marine life to enjoy.

For those who enjoy the open sea, but don't necessarily wish to immerse themselves in it, there are many excursions within Doha Bay or further out. Tour operators can organise dinner and sunset cruise trips for incentive groups. Trips can last a few hours or a whole day, and there are opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.

Larger incentive groups could go for the option of cruising up and down Doha Bay aboard a traditional wooden dhow, with the option of lunch or dinner served on board. This is a great way to take in the capital's rapidly changing skyline from a relaxed vantage point.

For visitors interested in deep-sea fishing, trips can be arranged to take advantage of the marine life. Sea conditions are normally calm and it is even possible to catch sailfish 70 kilometres out to sea in just 30 metres of water. Closer to home near the marinas, kingfish, queenfish, long tail tuna, Spanish mackerel and barracudas can easily be caught. The fish­­ing season normally runs during the winter months from October to May.

Arabia has always been famous for its equestrian excellence, and one excursion that never fails to impress is a visit to the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre Qatar is fortunate to be surrounded by other smaller islands within its territorial waters and many of these can be explored or utilised as the venue for a unique event. Shra'o Island, some 48 kilometres northeast of Qatar, is a popular attraction as visitors can discover a small, fringed reef and a sandy beach used by turtles to lay their eggs. Just three hours from Doha by speedboat, Shra'o Island is also a haven for thousands of seabirds.

Haloul Island is another place to explore and is renowned for its coral reefs where a magnificent number of coral fish can be seen, and is a favourite for sub-aqua divers.

Qatar International Adventures (QIA) has one of the largest fleets of authentic Arabian dhows with six vessels, each with a capacity for 50 persons, in its fleet. "QIA specialises in water sports from dhow cruises to speed boats, banana and doughnut inflatables and jet skis," says Aditi Eid, director of sales Ð MICE, QIA. QIA also has its own fleet of 4X4 vehicles and, as well as offering dhow cruises and water sports, can also offer desert adventures.

"There is huge potential for Qatar developing as a meeting and incentive destination and we foresee a doubling of the number of tourists," Eid predicts.

Equestrian heritage Arabia has always been famous for its equestrian excellence, and one excursion that never fails to impress is a visit to the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, owned by the Emir, which is home to purebred Arabian show and racing horses.

Visitors can witness the stabling of these beautiful animals and see horses in training.

After a tour of the centre, guests can watch a private show to see the horses in action.

The other animal affiliated with Arabia is, of course, the camel. These 'ships of the desert' have formed an indispensable part of life for centuries. Camel races take place regularly, with prize money worth hundreds of thousand of dollars.

A camel race is a hive of activity, with trainers, riders and local traders providing a colourful spectacle.

Another important animal, and one which is often used as an emblem of Qatar, is the Arabian Oryx. These striking creatures were close to extinction in the region until quite recently, when concerted conservation plans were put into operation, with breeding herds established and protected. DMCs and tour operators can obtain special passes to allow visitors to view these herds at the oryx farm in Shahaniya, and meet with wardens who can answer questions about their conservation.

"We offer half-day tours from Doha, which includes a drive out to Al Shahaniya to visit the oryx farm. Then a visit to a museum before heading to the camel race track. Then we drive back to Doha and stop at an Arabian stable to look at the most expensive horses in the world," says Bekhet from QIT. From animal antics to desert adventures and cultural visits, Qatar offers a wide variety of incentive options guaranteed to leave delegates with a lasting impression of the country as more than just a business hub. l

M

ake Mercure Doha your home while in Qatar, whether on business or leisure. The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of the business district, near the traditional Souq Waqif.

The Mercure features 175 rooms and a dedicated non-smoking floor.

There is ample dining choice: * Buffet style “La Brasserie” international cuisine. * Taste of the Mediterranean at “La Villa” panoramic restaurant. * British Pub Steak House “The Old Manor” serving fresh Angus cuts and much more.

The hotel can host meetings for up to 200 people. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, jacuzzi and a sauna.

Tel: (+974) 44462222 Fax: (+974) 44439186 Email: reservations@mercure.com.qa Web: www.mercure.com

20 activities Sport

A SPORTING CHANCE With an annual sporting calendar full of international high-profile events, Qatar offers many incentive options for planners to hinge a meeting on

Qatar has grown to become a quiet giant for sporting events in the Middle East hosting major international championships for golf, tennis and powerboat racing, as well as premier sporting events like the 2006 Asian Games. And while the Gulf country didn't make it through to the qualifiers for the Olympic Games 2016, that didn't stop it from bidding to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Home to a world-class sports academy, some of the most high-tech stadiums of the world Ă? with more under development Ă? and a modern city infrastructure, Qatar has become an excellent destination for qatar 2011

international sporting events. For corporate groups, Qatar's sporting calendar provides numerous opportunities to peg on a worldclass event to your next meeting or incentive.

Choose from the Qatar Masters, the Qatar Exxon Mobil Tennis Open or the World F1 Powerboat Championships, to name a few.

Putt on a show The Doha Golf Club, home of the Qatar Masters, offers a challenging 18-hole, 7,355-yard, par-72 championship course designed by Peter Harradine. The club also has a nine-hole floodlit academy course and Golfing Academy for training.

Since 1998, the Doha Golf Club has hosted the prestigious Qatar Masters tournament, part of the European PGA tours schedule. This European Tour event brings some of the world's top golfers to compete on the club's unique and challenging championship course. Robert Karlsson of Sweden won the 2010 Commercialbank Qatar Masters after a flawless final round relieving the 2009 champion, Spain's Alvaro Quiros, of the Mother of Pearl trophy.

The 2011 Qatar Masters will run from Feb 3-6. Corporate hospitality options are offered in stunning new hospitality pavilions overlooking the 18th green. The 18th Pavilion

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is an exclusive restaurant, featuring multiple television monitors, and offers breakfast, lunch and high tea buffets.

Groups can reserve a table of 10 for the tournament week, which runs from Thursday through to Sunday. The venue provides excellent views of the finishing hole and provides a great platform to entertain clients one-on-one or network with other corporate guests in a relaxed setting.

Game, set, match In January 2010 Russia's Nikolay Davydenko recovered from a bad first set to win the Exxon Mobil Qatar Masters Men's Open edging out world number two Rafael Nadal in the final, held at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Stadium.

the country's sporting calendar provides num­erous opp­ortunities to peg on a worldclass event to your next meeting or incentive The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Stadium is renowned as one of the best in the region for its facilities and tennis coaching classes run by international instructors. The 2011 edition of the Exxon Mobil International Tennis Tournament will be held from January 4-9.

On a smaller scale, table tennis has reached international competitive levels in Qatar, and this is now a high-profile sport for the country, attracting some of the world's top players. The Qatar Open Men's Pro Tour 2011 will be held from February 16-20.

Wheels in motion The Tour of Qatar kicks off a gruelling schedule of races for professional cyclists as the roads of Qatar open up to a regular parade of the world's elite cycling pack at the beginning of the year. Crossing the Gulf state, Tour of Qatar offers the champions a chance to prepare for the competitions in the months to come.

The 2011 Tour of Qatar will take place from January 24 Ð February 2.

Aquatic adventures For those who like their sporting events off shore, the U.I.M. F1 World Championship power boat race provides plenty of excitement, as drivers slice through the waves in front of thousands of fans along the dazzling corniche in downtown Doha.

Over 20 boats compete in the 48-lap Grand Prix of Qatar, which has become an annual social occasion for enthusiasts and those who enjoy witnessing the spectacle of powerboats reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.

» meet tips

Horse play

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Corporate colours Many of these events attract large crowds. Why not get team members wearing corporate colours or com­ pany T-shirts so that they are easily recognisable?

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Corporate hospi­ tality is available at most sporting events, but book spaces early to avoid disappointment

Why not take the sports event as a theme? Give delegates a golfing or polo lesson early in the week and round off with the main event when business is concluded

Qatar is a Muslim country so gambling is prohibited

Book now

Honing skills

Against all odds

An International Show Jumping competition is part of the annual Qatar International Equestrian Festival, organised by the Racing & Equestrian Club (REC).

REC was established in 1975 and specialises in the racing of pure bred Arabian horses and thoroughbreds. Facilities include both a sand and turf track. Further, there are show arenas, where horse shows and national championships are held, as well as grandstands for spectators.

The Qatar International Equestrian Festival sees Arab and international jockeys and horses compete. It includes a horse show, a race meeting and an international endurance ride. È qatar 2011

22 activities Sport

Qatar has announced its candidature for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which includes the development of three high-tech stadia, which will boast low-carbon cooling technologies Sporting ambitions The Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha is a prominent facility that gives Qatar a strong foothold in the world of international competitive sports. Aspire was created in 2004 with the dual aims of identifying and transforming promising student athletes into world-renowned champions across a wide range of sports and to act as a beacon to draw sporting culture into the centre of life in Qatar and the Gulf region.

Unrivalled facilities, housed in and around the world's largest purpose-built indoor sports dome, ensure the academy's reputation as one of the foremost sporting and educational institutions in the world.

Aspire offers fitness halls, an indoor football pitch, an indoor 200-metre athletics track, an Olympic-sized swimming and diving pool, gymnastics hall, two multipurpose sports halls, table-tennis hall, combat sports area, a five-a-side football hall, a fencing area and two squash courts.

Since the Asian Games in 2006, the dome has hosted more than 55 distinct international, regional and local events. These have included the International Fencing Grand Prix, Liebherr Qatar Open, Table Tennis Championship, AFC-QFA Aspire Festivals of Football, the 3rd Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, and the Asian Technical Gymnastic Championship.

World Cup Dreams Qatar has announced its candidature for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which includes the development of three high-tech stadia, all of which will boast low-carbon cooling technologies.

The largest of the new stadia is Al Khor Ð with a capacity of 45,330 Ð located in the northeast of the country and resembling an asymmetrical seashell. A flexible roof will provide shade over the pitch. Second to Al Khor in terms of capacity is Al Shamal Ð which will house up to 45,120 spectators Ð located in Qatar's north, on the edge of the Arabian Gulf. The stadium's bowl shape design echoes a dhow, the traditional fishing boat of the Gulf. The third new stadium is the 45,000-capacity Al Wakrah site, located in the south of the country and set in a park qatar 2011

with a themed swimming pool, spa zone, sports facilities and shopping mall.

Qatar 2022 chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, said: "[The] unveiling of our state-of-theart football stadia and innovative cooling technology is the latest step in our quest to bring the FIFA World Cup to the Middle East for the very first time in 2022. A FIFA World Cup in Qatar will leave a powerful and lasting legacy, bringing together nations and cultures through our shared passion for football."

Before then, the country gets to show off its football finesse at the AFC Asian Cup, taking place in Qatar in 2011. Twenty-six football teams from across Asia will compete for top honours. For corporates, this event could prove a lucrative incentive for team members. l

SPORTING EVENTS 10/11

18-21 DECEMBER Grand Prix Cycling Championship Organised by: Cycling Federation Venue: Around Qatar

8-15 FEBRUARY GCC-14 Snooker Championship Organised by: Billiard & Snooker Venue: Fed. Facilities

November 2010

23-25 DECEMBER Golden Shirt Cycling Championship Organised by: Cycling Federation Venue: Around Qatar

3-6 FEBRUARY Qatar International Sailing Championship Organised by: Sailing & Rowing Venue: Doha Sailing Club

1-7 NOVEMBER World Bodybuilding Championship Organised by: Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Venue: Sheraton Hotel 1-9 NOVEMBER FIVB Club World Championship Organised by: Volleyball Federation Venue: Alarabi Club

25-30 DECEMBER Doha U-16 International Handball Championship Organised by: Handball Federation Venue: Gharafa Club

January 2011

13-19 NOVEMBER Asian Adults Fencing Championship Organised by: Fencing Federation Venue: Aspire

4-9 JANUARY Exxon/Mobil Open Tennis Championship Organised by: Tennis Federation Venue: Tennis Complex

11-15 NOVEMBER Global Tour International Equestrian Tournament Organised by: Equestrian Federation Venue: Fed. Facilities

8-10 JANUARY Qatar Open Golf Championship Organised by: Golf Federation Venue: Doha Golf Club

17-23 NOVEMBER Qatar 2010 Classic Championship Organised by: Squash Federation Venue: Tennis Complex

22-25 JANUARY Grand Prix Men and Women Fencing Tournament Organised by: Fencing Federation Venue: Aspire

29 NOVEMBER Qatar Golden Cup Championship Organised by: Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Venue: Sheraton Hotel

24 JANUARY - 2 FEBRUARY Qatar 9th International Cycling Tour Organised by: Cycling Federation Venue: Around Qatar

December 2010

5-12 DECEMBER Qatar 9th International Open Bowling Championship Organised by: Bowling Federation Venue: Qatar Bowling Centre 11-21 DECEMBER Qatar 10th International Jumping Championship Organised by: Equestrian Federation Venue: Fed. Facilities

28-31 JANUARY Qatar Masters Golf Championship Organised by: Golf Federation Venue: Doha Golf Club

February 2011

1-7 FEBRUARY Asian U-14 & U-16 Tennis Championship Organised by: Tennis Federation Venue: Tennis Complex

8-13 FEBRUARY Qatar International Youth Tennis Tournament (Group 5) Organised by: Tennis Federation Venue: Tennis Complex 15-18 FEBRUARY Qatar International Youth Tennis Tournament (Group 4) Organised by: Tennis Federation Venue: Tennis Complex 16-20 FEBRUARY Qatar 14th Int. Table Tennis Championship Organised by: Table Tennis Federation Venue: Qatar Club 26-27 FEBRUARY Doha Golf Tournament Organised by: Golf Federation Venue: Doha Golf Club

March 2011

12-14 MARCH World Indoors Athletic Championship Organised by: Athletic Federation Venue: Aspire 22-24 MARCH Doha Third Technical Gymnastics Tournament Organised by: Gymnastic Federation Venue: Aspire

24 meetings Venues

Meeting demand Qatar's meetings infrastructure is set to get a huge boost this year as the eagerly-awaited Qatar National Convention Centre opens for business, providing even greater options for meeting planners Qatar's offering of international exhibition and convention space is set to treble in the next 24 months as flagship facility the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), and the Doha Convention Center and Tower (DCCT) open up and join Doha Exhibition Centre (DEC) to create three venues any global city would be proud of.

The two new centres will boost Qatar's meetings portfolio by adding 85,000 square metres of event space.

Opening in early 2011, the QNCC will feature nearly 40,000 square metres of exhibition space and the DCCT, scheduled to open in 2012, will offer 45,000 square metres of space.

Meetings hub

Qatar National Convention Centre

qatar 2011

At present, the DEC, run by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), is the country's main meetings hub. Opened in February 2008, facilities at the DEC include 15,000 square metres of exhibition space, offices, meeting rooms, a VIP lounge, public lounges, and business centre, banking services, car hire, restaurants and parking for 3,500 cars.

In its first year of opening, the facility welcomed 500,000 visitors and hosted more than 20 international exhibitions including the birthday celebration of the King of Thailand and the 18th Doha International Book Fair. Demand in the industry means that the facility has been booked to capacity since then.

Major events that have taken place at the venue include Milipol Qatar Ă? an international exhibition for internal state security, GCC Power, and oil and gas exhibitions, while early 2010 saw the Doha 2nd International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference 2010 (Dimdex 2010) take place over three days.

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flagship project which forms the driving force behind Qatar's vision to transform itself from a carbon-based economy to a knowledge-based one. As well as QNCC, Education City is also home to six worldrenowned US university campuses, the Sidra Medical and Research Centre, and the Qatar Science and Technology Hub. Tenants of the development include ExxonMobile, Shell, Total, Rolls-Royce, EADS and Microsoft who have all chosen to base their Middle East headquarters there.

Sue Hocking, director of sales, QNCC, says that with so many international companies now being based in Qatar, this is sure to provide a huge boon to the meetings industry. "There will be 50 major companies located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park, which is located directly behind us, so the corporate market will be really important to us." È

Qatar National Convention Centre

National Pride QNCC, set to open in 2011, is being built by the Qatar Foundation, a vision of Sheikha Mozah, the wife of the Emir, at a cost of US$1.2 billion.

The state-of-the-art venue will be one of the biggest and most impressive convention centres in the world when it opens, featuring 40,000 square metres of exhibition space over nine halls with a capacity to host conf­erences or gala dinners for 10,000 guests, a 4,000-seat conference hall, 2,300-seat grand theatre and concert hall, three-tiered auditoria, and an additional 52 meeting rooms. While the maximum seating capacity in the conference hall will be 4,200, the fle­xi­bility of the venue means that 7,500 dele­ gates can be accommodated comfortably. The centre will also include a 500-seat concert hall, capable of hosting a range of concerts, theatre and other performance events.

QNCC will be the first purpose-built convention and exhibition centre in Qatar and will contain state-of-the-art technology and communications and the flexibility to meet the demands of global conference and exhibition organisers.

Iconic in design, QNCC is built around a steel replica of the Sidra tree, important for Qataris as traditionally poets and scholars would gather under this tree to exchange ideas.

Qatar National Convention Centre will be the first purpose-built convention and exhibition centre in Qatar and will contain state-of-the-art technology and communications The bidding process for large asso­ ciation meetings is already underway.

QNCC is also bidding for large-scale events in key sectors such as healthcare, energy, education, social rights and sports.

It has already been successful in winning some major events. The first major congress will be the 20th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) in December 2011.

Other major bids QNCC has won include the WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organisation) Qatar 2011 Congress and the 2012 Universal Postal Union Congress.

QNCC is managed by AEG Ogden, with an established industry reputation for delivering international-standard venue management services in the Asia Pacific region with experience across the full spectrum of venues including arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres, and performing arts theatres.

QNCC is located in Education City, Qatar's 'knowledge hub', a 14-million-square-metre

Four Seasons Doha

Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

qatar 2011

26 meetings Venues

Qncc Facilities At A Glance ¥ 40,000 square metres of exhibition space ¥ Adjoining 2,500-seat theatre and conference hall for 4,000 ¥ Two smaller theatres of 350 and 600 seats ¥ Banquet space for 4,000. ¥ A total of 52 meetings rooms ¥ Two hotels on site Qatar National Convention Centre

Qatar offers a host of world-class facilities, large and small, backed up by international management expertise that should be on the radar for forward-thinking meeting planners interested in the region Four Seasons Doha

Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

Doha Exhibition Centre and Tower

Being a member of Qatar Foundation and part of Education City is a major benefit as it gives us access to movers and shakers in academia, research, science and technology, members of global organisations and many have already expressed a high degree of interest. We see these organisations as a major source of business.

In addition, it is hoped that association members who are established in the medical and research facilities will be able to help in bringing major congresses to Qatar.

Iconic venue The Doha Convention Center and Tower is set to provide a new home for the QTA upon completion in 2012. Being developed at an estimated cost of US$1.2 billion, the venue features a 105-storey 'iconic' tower. qatar 2011

The conference centre, adjacent to the tower, will provide 45,000 square metres of convention space. The tower was designed by world-renowned architect Helmut Jahn to become an architectural icon which will illuminate the Doha skyline, offering panoramic views from its location on the Doha Corniche.

Convention hotels Prior to the DEC opening in 2008, Qatar's main convention venue was the Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. Known as the 'Pyramid of the Gulf', the hotel offers conference and meeting facilities for up to 5,000 people with 10,000 square metres of convention space. The 371-room hotel also offers 70 acres of landscaped gardens, ideal for holding events al fresco.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha offers over 3,000 square metres of meeting venues, including two ballrooms, six individual meeting rooms, and extensive outdoor function areas.

Meanwhile, the Four Seasons Doha offers a dedicated meetings and con-ventions wing that offers 1,670 square metres of indoor space, including the 758-squaremetre Al Mirqab Ballroom. The hotel also boasts a large 751-square-metre outdoor terrace with views of the Arabian Gulf.

For meeting planners looking to arrange events in 2011 and beyond, Qatar will offer a host of world-class facilities, large or small, backed up by international management expertise. This is definitely one destination that should be on the radar for forward-thinking planners. l

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Business catalyst Qatar MICE Development Institute is the company charged with the task of transforming Qatar into a worldwide meetings hotspot Integral to Qatar's mission to become a leading worldwide hub for meetings and events is the Qatar MICE Development Institute Ð otherwise known as QMDI. Established in 2006, QMDI was formed by a joint venture between the Qatar Foundation and Singaporean company Singex Global, with a mandate from the government to drive the growth of the meetings sector in Qatar.

QMDI is tasked with promoting Qatar abroad, often in co-operation with the Qatar Tourism Authority, bidding for international congresses and associations, acting as a professional congress organiser (PCO), managing its own exhibitions and events, as well as leading the way with industry training programmes.

"I don't think there is another organisation in the world like QMDI," states managing director, Matthew Meredith.

"At QMDI we are not one business we are three businesses Ð we've got the commercial events business where we come up with ideas and organise events, we've got the managed events business where we manage events on behalf of the government and outsiders coming in, and we have the meetings development business which involves creating initiatives for the benefit of the whole industry on things such as training Ð it's very positive and helps to put Qatar on the map."

International promotion Unlike other event organisers QMDI is involved in promoting Qatar and bidding for international conventions. In bidding for large-scale events, QMDI partners with the new Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) set to open in 2011.

"AEG Ogden, who manages QNCC, is appointed by the Qatar Foundation. QMDI is a joint venture with the Qatar Foundation. So it is logical that we work very closely with each other," explains Meredith.

Certain key sectors have been identified by QMDI and QNCC and are now being targeted, including healthcare, medical, energy, education, social rights and sports.

Education City's Senior Convocation Ceremony

With the government investing US$17 billion to build up tourism infrastructure, including developments to support the meeting and events industry in Qatar, QMDI is now working overtime to ensure that once built these venues will have a steady stream of events coming in to fill them.

"The hotel stock is going to increase by an extra 15,000 rooms over the next three years so that's quite substantial. We are bidding for events in three or four years time as we want to be able to fill those hotel rooms as often as possible," says Meredith.

So far the effort is paying off. Recently won major bids include the WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organisation) Qatar 2011 Congress, 2011 World Petroleum Congress and the 2012 Universal Postal Union Congress.

Educating the industry Keeping pace with Qatar's infrastructure developments, QMDI is also working hard to make sure that the country's human resources are ready to service the global meetings market. "We focus heavily on education through Meeting Professionals International (MPI)," says Meredith.

QMDI has partnered with MPI to run internationally recognised training courses in meetings and events in a bid to raise

standards in the local meetings industry.

MPI and QMDI are already working towards rolling out these training programmes in the Gulf, as part of a much bolder plan. "One of the long-term visions that we have is to create a 'Centre of MICE Excellence' in Doha as a training resource for the whole region.

Global goals QMDI is setting its sights on becoming a major force on the global events stage too.

The company owns a majority stake in AllEnergy, the UK's largest renewable energy exhibition, with plans to launch the show in other cities around the world starting with AllEnergy Australia in Melbourne, which took place in October 2010.

More global acquisitions are in the pipeline, says Meredith. "We are looking to buy lots of other shows. The strategy will be the same Ð run it in the market in which it takes place, do a Middle East edition and do an Asian edition.

That's a big aim for a company that didn't exist just a few years ago. But big ambitions are the name of the game in Qatar. Indeed, Meredith is convinced that Qatar will soon be viewed as one of the giants on the global meetings map Ð and the groundwork is busily being laid by QMDI. l qatar 2011

28 CASE STUDY QMDI

Ship shape QMDI's events team went full steam ahead AND pullED out all the stops for the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference

Objectives DIMDEX 2010 was the second edition of the bi-annual trade show serving the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

DIMDEX is the only maritime defence show in the region focusing on naval defence, coastal and maritime security. It provides a dedicated platform in the MENA region for all manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their latest naval technology incorporating warships, naval workboats and amphibious crafts, combat equipment, coastal security and sea-to-shore communication solutions.

The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani,

qatar 2011

Heir Apparent of The State of Qatar. Supported

by Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX is hosted by Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.

DIMDEX was launched in 2008 as a response to requests from the industry to have a definitive event to enhance co-operation among states, naval forces, international organisations and industries, and promote the updating of modern technological developments in the field of maritime defence technology.

Establishing the only comprehensive exhibition for naval defence in the MENA region further demonstrates Qatar's position as a leading host in this dynamic industry and also a world-class events destination.

Programme DIMDEX 2010 featured four key elements which together provided a platform for global corporations to explore a multitude of business opportunities in the MENA maritime defence market.

The 15,000-square-metre exhibition area featured 143 international exhibitors from 26 countries with national pavilions from France, Germany, Holland, Sweden, UK, Italy, Korea, Turkey and Russia. The one-day Middle East Naval Comma足nders (MENC) conference took place on the second day of the exhibition and was produced in partnership with RUSI (Royal United Services Institute for Defence

29

DIMDEX was launched as a definitive event to enhance co-operation among states, naval forces, international organisations and various industries

and Security Studies) Qatar. The theme of the conference: 'Delivering Security at Sea: Policy, Technology and Operations' was presented by naval commanders from around the world, sharing their expertise on the geo-political situation in the MENA region. Entry into the conference was free of charge for all DIMDEX attendees.

There were 79 official VIP delegations from 52 countries flown in specially to meet exhibitors with a programme of appointments arranged through a delegation management system.

Visiting warships are an essential component of DIMDEX and for the 2010 event nine navies sent 13 warships to support their national pavilion and country's presence.

The ships were berthed at Doha Commercial Port and open to attendees to visit throughout the three-day exhibition.

Overcoming challenges The full hosting of the VIP delegations is an integral element of DIMDEX and significant resources are put into the management of the VIP delegation programme. Due to the seniority of delegations, their commitment to attend DIMDEX is often received very late which created many challenges in terms of facilitating last-minute travel, accommodation and visa arrangements.

Despite this, 79 delegations from 52 countries attended DIMDEX 2010 as the guests of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.

Shipping of exhibitor products within this industry creates an enormous challenge due to security. Working with an internationally renowned freight forwarding and site handling agent, along with local government liaison facilitated the efficient operation of customs clearance to ensure that international exhibitors received their products in good time and without difficulty.

Verdict The second edition of DIMDEX in 2010 saw a 100 percent increase in net exhibition area from the inaugural 2008 event along with a 50 percent increase in visitor attendance.

Over 80 percent of exhibitors rated the show as satisfactory and above, and the quality of visitors as good and above. l

Fact file Client: Qatar Emiri Naval Forces Agency: Qatar MICE Development Institute Number of Delegates: 143 exhibitors, 9,050 attendees Venue: Doha Exhibition Centre Date: March 29-31, 2010 Budget: Undisclosed

qatar 2011

30 MEETINGS Hotels

Home sweet Hotel Doha's skyline has been transformed by the growth of new luxury hotels springing up to meet the expected influx of business and sport tourism over the coming years Qatar is currently experiencing a bit of a building frenzy with a large number of hotels recently opened or due to open over the next two years in an attempt to keep pace with the demand for upcoming conference and sporting events. While 2010 saw some 25 hotels open in Doha, adding 4,842 rooms to the pool, an additional 70 hotel properties are scheduled to open by 2012. It is estimated that the new hotels will increase room capacity in the capital by almost 150 percent. Many of the new hotels are geared up to cater to the business traveller, offering impressive meeting and conference facilities to entice meeting and event planners.

Room boom The rapid increase in Doha's hotel inventory is a key component to furthering Qatar's bid to be taken seriously as a meetings hub.

The innovative and slightly off-the-wall W brand made an impact when it lau­nched its first property in the Middle East in Doha in 2009, and in 2010 the property introduced further amenities including outside catering services, the W-IP Executive Lounge, and Bliss Spa � awarded best spa in the Middle East. qatar 2011

The property has 1,000 square metres of indoor event space, with four meeting rooms that can accommodate 10 to 500 delegates.

The opening of Grand Hyatt Doha in 2009 marked the brand's entry into Qatar, but by 2015 it will have another two properties in the Gulf state, both situated at Doha airport. The Grand Hyatt Doha, designed to resemble an Emir's palace, has over 2,200 square metres of meeting and banqueting facilities, including a 1,500-square-metre ballroom divisible into three soundproof sections and a 937-squaremetre pre-function area. In addition there are 11 meeting rooms ranging from 40 to 104 square metres.

The Swiss-Belhotel Doha also opened in 2009. Situated just five minutes from the airport, the 165-room hotel and 78 serviced residences have been designed in a 16-floor twin-tower configuration with one tower dedicated to residential living spaces and the other, hotel rooms, suites and facilities with a luxury shopping mall.

The Kempinski Residences & Suites Doha opened in May 2010, the heart of West Bay, the central business district of Doha. The hotel is housed in a 62-floor tower, currently

the tallest standing building in Qatar. With access to views of the Qatari shoreline and the Pearl Island, the contemporary design property offers 370 luxury serviced apartments and suites, state-of-the-art facilities, multiple dining options, indoor swimming pools and more.

Also debuting in 2010, the 400-room Oryx Rotana caters largely to business travellers and offers the latest high-tech facilities including nine fully-equipped meeting rooms, two ballrooms and a dedicated professional team on hand to aid in hosting business events and meetings.

Hilton International is scheduled to open two new hotels in the capital with the 324room Hilton Doha Hotel set to open in the last quarter of 2010 and the 288-room Hilton Doha residence boosting the brand's presence in the second quarter of 2012.

St Regis is also set to debut late 2010. The 346-room hotel is comprised of two reflecting towers and 18 bungalows. The towers, each with 14 floors, will offer 328 oceanfront guestrooms. The luxury property will have extensive meeting and conference space, several restaurants and a cigar bar.

31

While 2010 saw some 25 hotels open in Doha, adding 4,842 rooms to the pool, an additional 70 hotel properties are scheduled to open by 2012 increasing capacity by almost 150 percent Marriott is set to expand its wings in Qatar at the close of 2010 by launching three properties simultaneously at the Doha City Centre complex including a 257-room Renaissance Hotel, a 204-room Courtyard by Marriott and a 123-unit Marriott Executive Apartments. Located in West Bay across from Qatar Financial Centre in two modern 48-storey towers, the three interconnected properties will offer nine food and beverage outlets, a spa, swimming pool and health club. For business travellers, the hotels will boast 17 meeting rooms with over 1,000 square metres of flexible event space on one floor, a 740-square-metre Grand Ballroom divisible into six sections, high-speed internet access in all meeting rooms and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.

The Shangri-La Hotel Doha will also open its doors by the end of 2010. The hotel will have 272 guestrooms, 42 serviced apartments and a variety of restaurants. The property will feature an 840-square-metre grand ballroom, Shangri-La's signature spa, CHI, and a helipad to facilitate the arrival of VIP guests.

InterContinental Doha West Bay is scheduled to open in 2011. The 60-storey 540-room property, which will comprise hotel rooms and serviced apartments, will have a state-ofthe-art conference centre, a club lounge and business centre.

Dubai-based Jumeirah is also getting in on the action opening the Jumeirah Dubai Tower Doha in 2011. The property will comprise 228 rooms and suites and 22 fully serviced apartments. The hotel's distinctive sky lobby and lounge will be complemented by 11 restaurants, an urban-inspired Talise spa, extensive conference and banqueting facilities, as well as retail and commercial office space.

Market stalwarts Qatar also boasts a fine array of established hotels, many of which target the meetings and incentives market.

With its own private beach and marina, the Four Seasons Doha offers business travellers to Doha the ultimate in luxury. The hotel forms the centrepiece of Doha's stylish West Bay area and can cater to a wide range of events, from small meetings to large gatherings of up to 700. The 758-square-metre Al

Grand Hyatt

Four Seasons

Mirqab Ballroom features an impressive marble entrance, seven-metre high ceilings and a large outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

A second Four Seasons hotel is planned as part of the Pearl-Qatar development. The 300 room hotel is scheduled to open in 2012.

Known amongst the locals as the 'Pyramid of the Gulf', the 371-room Sheraton Doha is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. Situated on Doha Bay, the five-star hotel is set in 70 acres of landscaped gardens, and has its own private beach and lagoon. It is just a couple of minutes drive away from the Doha Exhibition Centre so hugely convenient for visiting delegates.

Conference and meeting facilities at the W Doha

hotel can accommodate small gatherings and large groups of over 5,000 people. The hotel also has its own 10,000-square-metre convention centre.

The 374-room Ritz-Carlton, Doha has an idyllic setting on its own exclusive island with a private beach, marina and a spa. In terms of meetings facilities, Ritz-Carton, Doha offers over 3,000 square metres of meeting and exhibition space. Two ballrooms, six individual meeting rooms, and extensive outdoor function areas are available.

Situated near Doha Bay, on the end of the corniche, the Doha Marriott Hotel caters well to the meetings and events sector with six meeting rooms offering a total of 1,448 square metres of conference space. A dedicated events and banqueting team is on hand to handle every detail in event planning. The Al-Ruwaq Ballroom is the biggest space available which can accommodate up to 400 guests for a seated dinner, while the Al Maha meeting room offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Doha skyline.

The 257-room InterContinental Hotel Doha is within walking distance from the Doha Exhibition Centre. The hotel has 1,400 square metres of conference and meeting room space. There are five flexible function rooms and a grand ballroom. The Al Wajba Ballroom divides into three sections and hosts 750 for a cocktail reception. Al Diwan, Al Dana and Barzan meeting rooms include audio-visual equipment and all enjoy natural daylight, some with sea views. l qatar 2011

32 INFRASTRUCTURE New developments

STATELY GROWTH The Qatari government's investment programme is boosting the mineral-rich state's potential for growth, creatING a world-class environment for both business and leisure

Qatar has one of the most exciting development programmes underway in the Gulf region with major convention centres, world-class infrastructure projects, and high-calibre leisure facilities all taking shape. It has also bucked the regional trend of project slowdowns and cancellations with infrastructure investment leading the way forward for development from the heart of the capital Doha to its borders.

Multi-billion dollar mega projects are another focus with United Development Company's The Pearl-Qatar, a US$13.8 billion manmade island covering four million square metres, the most well-known.

The phased launch of the island's multiple components is already underway, including the first phase of Porto Arabia.

Another mammoth undertaking is the US$2.6 billion Energy City project, from Qaqatar 2011

tari Diar, which is expected to be completed in 2012. Qatari Diar is also the name behind the Lusail site, tipped to become one of the largest developments in the world housing around 200,000 people on 35 square kilometres north of Doha with residential, office, shopping and entertainment space. The project will be completed in phases until 2015.

The list of high profile developments continues with the US$3.2 billion Al Waab City, located 19 kilometres from the Doha Corniche. Upon completion in 2014 it will offer an Oberoi hotel, as well as extensive residential accommodation and retail space.

Another vast project is Urjan, a proposed beachfront development by Barwa Al Khor which is valued at US$10 billion. It will include two luxury hotels, a shopping mall, four schools, a golf course, as well as offices and residential units.

Barwa Real Estate is also planning to develop a business centre in Doha Ð the Barwa Financial District. The project includes nine office buildings Ð rising 22 to 42 storeys Ð a hotel, retail stores, restaurants, caf s and a convention centre.

Making the connection The forecasted growth for inbound visitors to Qatar will see transportation connections top the development agenda for the immediate future. Infrastructure projects under development include the US$14 billion New Doha International Airport (NDIA). The airport will have an annual handling capacity of 50 million and will create 50,000 jobs when all three phases are complete by 2015.

Qatar is vying with Abu Dhabi and Dubai to become the Gulf's transit hub, with all three boosting airport capacity. The first and sec-

33

Qatar National Convention Centre

Qatar National Convention Centre

Qatar Science & Technology Park

ond phases of NDIA are due to open at the end of 2011 and the airport's initial capacity will be 25 million passengers.

A state-of-the-art US$818 million passenger terminal is the largest of the 22 packages that are involved in the NDIA development, and encompasses five levels and a built-up area of more than 140,000 square metres, as well as a spa, pool and 100-room hotel. The 350,000square-metre passenger terminal will be the largest building in Doha, covering an area equivalent to 50 football pitches. Many of the new airport buildings will have a water theme Ă? the roof of the passenger terminal is shaped like a wave, while the external form of the Emiri terminal represents sail boats.

NDIA's eastern runway will be 4,850 metres long, only 150 metres shorter than the longest commercial runway in the world at UlyanovskyVostochny International Airport in Russia.

The Pearl - Qatar

the forecasted growth for inbound visitors to qatar will see transportation connections top the development agenda for the immediate future Over one million square metres alongside the new airport have been reserved for commercial development, including a free trade zone, a business park, as well as hotels and a shopping mall.

Doha will also benefit from a new sea port Ă? according to a senior project official, quoted in early 2010, with the first phase due to be operational by November 2014.

Doha'a Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is also set to launch projects worth US$19.2

billion over the next five to eight years, with US$12.4 billion allocated to road projects.

The regional boom in rail network opportunities has also resulted in plans for a US$5 billion national rail scheme which will cover 140 kilometres; the scope includes an east coast rail link, a high-speed link from NDIA through Doha city, a Doha metro network, and a light rail system serving new developments to the north of Doha, such as Lusail and Education City. Ăˆ qatar 2011

34 INFRASTRUCTURE New developments

Culture capital

New Doha International Airport

construction work iS ongoing on two new exhibition centres Ð the doha convention center and tower and the qatar national convention centre Completion of the Doha Metro is expected in 2016, while the Qatar Rail Network is scheduled for completion in 2026. The system could also be part of an 800-kilometre corridor linking Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. Road links to neighbouring countries are also set for a major improvement, with a planned Qatar-UAE Causeway spanning 65 kilometres. However, plans for the Qatar-Bahrain friendship bridge Ð a 40-kilometre double-lane causeway valued at US$3 billion Ð has been placed on hold until further notice.

The icing on the development cake for Qatar is the chance to showcase its cultural traditions with the rollout of a series of museum projects that it hopes will attract increasing numbers of visitors eager to absorb the essence of the Qatari heritage as well as enjoying state-of-the-art business and leisure facilities.

Doha's Museum of Islamic Art is already a major attraction on the regional culture trail, and with plans for several other museum projects in the pipeline to offer a well-rounded experience, the country's cultural heart will reside firmly in the capital.

The new National Museum of Qatar has been designed by acclaimed international architect Jean Nouvel, who has created a building evocative of a desert rose with its curving petal-like winged blades resembling the sturdy but beautiful flower.

Located at the south end of Doha's Corniche it will be the first monument seen by travellers arriving from the airport with rings of disc-shaped pavilions encircling a large courtyard area and surrounded by a landscaped park that interprets a Qatari desert landscape.

Add to this plans for three further additions to Doha's cultural life Ð a Museum of Photography with a retractable roof, the new National Library built upon two giant pillars, and even a Sports Museum Ð and the city is set to cement its position as a leading destination for one-of-a-kind conference and exhibition opportunities. l

Conference venue boost With Doha competing as a key regional business destination, the addition of enhanced conference and exhibition venues is positive reinforcement of the city's reputation as a business-friendly capital. Construction work is ongoing on two new exhibition centres Ð the Doha Convention Center and Tower and the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

Set to open in mid-2011, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) is being developed as part of Qatar Foundation's Education City and is located 20 minutes from downtown Doha in the new business district and will provide flexible exhibition space covering 40,000 square metres.

QNCC forms part of the mammoth Education City project by the Qatar Foundation, a 10-million-square-metre complex on the outskirts of Doha, which hosts branch campuses of some of the world's leading universities, as well as numerous other educational and research institutions.

Meanwhile, construction of the Doha Exhibition Centre and Tower is well underway. The US$800 million project will be a futuristic addition to the capital's skyline. Designed by architects Murphy Jain Inc, and developed by Qatari Diar and Barwa, the convention centre is destined to be an important regional and international business hub with a total built-up area of 100,000 square metres.

The adjoining 104-storey Doha Tower will be the capital's tallest building, reaching 400 metres, providing hotel facilities, apartments and retail units.

The tower is planned to cover a built-up area of 180,000 square metres. qatar 2011

Lusail

Al Waab City

36 INFRASTRUCTURE Qatar Airways

Taking off Qatar Airways not only flies one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the skies today, but with an aggressive expansion plan that includes 200 aircraft worth US$30 billion on order, things are really looking up

Qatar is striving to become a global business hub and is already experiencing some success as the number of corporate travellers jetting into and out of the destination every day for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events is on the rise. To ensure this continued growth, the national airline Qatar Airways offers excellent services to meet the needs of today's business traveller.

Qatar Airways was named among the top three airlines in the world at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2010, where the airline also claimed the World's Best Business qatar 2011

Class award and the Best Airline in the Middle East for a fifth consecutive year, emphasising Qatar Airways' competitiveness and dominance in a region boasting several world-class airlines. The airline was also recognised for the Best Business Class Catering in the world.

Qatar Airways is the only airline in the world to operate a 'premium class' terminal, located at Doha International Airport, solely for use by its first and business-class passengers. With serene water features, plush leather seats and mood lighting, checkin feels more like checking-in to a five-star

hotel than a busy international airport. In fact, from the moment travellers step in to the Premium Terminal they are greeted by a concierge to whisk away luggage and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Facilities in the Premium Terminal include fine dining, shopping and a spa treatment room and sauna so frazzled travellers on a long layover have a chance to relax and unwind. There are also ample business facilities including a business centre with secretarial services, free internet access and a conference room which overlooks the runway for any last minute meetings before take-off.

37

Ongoing expansion As one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, the race is now on in Qatar to construct a new airport that's big enough for this expanding aviation hub.

Currently under development, the US$14.5 billion New Doha International Airport project is situated four kilometres east of the existing airport. The new facility will be the world's first airport designed and built specifically for the new double-decker Airbus A380 Ð the largest passenger aircraft ever built.

The new airport is being built in phases. Work on phase one began in 2005 and is scheduled to be completed by 2011 to handle an initial capacity of 24 million passengers a year, more

Executive jets It's not just on the ground that business travellers are well catered to. In 2009 Qatar Airways launched a brand new corporate jet subsidiary Ð Qatar Executive Ð aimed at the Middle East business travel community.

The fleet of three jets, based at Doha International Airport, can be hired out to fly to destinations throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. The jets Ð one Bombardier Challenger 300 and two Bombardier Challenger 605s Ð feature just eight and 11 leather seats respectively, which recline fully into sleeping compartments. The interiors are kitted out with luxury fittings and there is plenty of space for conducting meetings on board.

QATAR AIRWAYS WILL OPERATE A FLEET OF 120 AIRCRAFT TO 120 KEY BUSINESS AND LEISURE DESTINATIONS ACROSS EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, ASIA PACIFIC AND NORTH AMERICA BY 2013 CEO of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker describes the service as being ideal for busy executives who need to conduct business meetings around the world. "Despite the global economic climate, there remains a strong need for the corporate to conduct face-to-face business meetings in the shortest possible time, so travel is still important, as is time management," he says.

"Whether flying from Doha to Bahrain for a breakfast meeting and back, or continuing onwards to Dubai for lunch and further to Abu Dhabi for an early evening meeting before returning to Doha in time for dinner, the corporate jet makes all this possible with a hassle-free experience. The personal onboard attention, comfort, fine dining and speed at which the aircraft flies ensure the experience is both rewarding and memorable."

The jets can be booked up to four hours in advance and check-in is 10 minutes prior to take-off. The aircraft have a capability of flying up to nine hours to different continents as far as Europe, Africa and Asia. Qatar Executive customers use the Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport.

than doubling to around 50 million by the time the airport is fully operational in 2015.

Meanwhile, US$1 billion has been invested in the current Doha International Airport, with a new transit facility and Premium Terminal extension adding 80 percent more businessclass seating space.

Al Baker says that it is necessary to continue to invest in the current airport infrastructure due to the ongoing expansion of the airline. "Our expansion is growing at a remarkable pace. With new aircraft joining our fleet at an incredible rate of one a month for the foreseeable future, we need the airport infrastructure to be able to cope, hence the creation of a new transit terminal and more seating capacity at the Premium Terminal."

Qatar Airways will operate fleet of 120 aircraft to 120 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North America by 2013. In 2010 the airline launched nonstop flights to Barcelona, Spain, as well as entering the South American market for the first time with non-stop daily services to Sao Paulo, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina.  qatar 2011

38 leisure Golf

Green TEeS An unlikely oasis in the capital, Doha Golf Club offers a host of facilities for corporate groups to enjoy team building activities or unwind on the greens Home to the annual European Commercialbank Tour Qatar Masters, Doha Golf Club's Championship Course is one of the longest par 72 courses on the tour.

Since 1998, the Doha Golf Club has hosted the prestigious Qatar Masters tournament, held each January as part of the European PGA Tour. This European Tour event brings with it some of the world's top golfers to compete on the club's unique and challenging Championship Course. The 2010 Commercialbank Qatar Masters saw Sweden's Robert Karlsson play a flawless final round to earn the Mother of Pearl trophy.

For corporate groups wanting to get in on the action, the club offers hospitality options during the Qatar Masters and tailor-made corporate golf day itineraries throughout the year.

Doha Golf Club features a 7,374-yard 18-hole Championship Course designed by renowned

qatar 2011

golf architect Peter Harradine, a floodlit 9-hole Academy Course, a driving range and putting green offering a variety of challenges to appeal to both the novice golfer and the seasoned professional. Eight strategically positioned lakes, 65 giant cacti, numerous imposing limestone rock formations and an abundance of lush and lengthy green fairways provide a variety of challenges for golfers of all levels.

To add another dimension of activities, the club recently completed and introduced the first lawn bowling green in the Middle East. The green measures 35 metres by 24 metres and was built to the same standards as U.S.G.A. greens. The grass surface is a common strain of Bermuda grass which is perfect for the desert climate.

Other recent upgrades include an extension on the outdoor terrace for the popular Spikes Lounge for more al fresco dining that overlooks the 9th and 18th greens.

Corporate golf days For the meetings industry, Doha Golf Club's biggest product offering is corporate golf events and tournaments, which it can handle on behalf of the meeting planner.

Doha Golf Club hosts approximately 40 corporate tournaments per year, which indicates strong confidence in the potential business generated through the hosting of a corporate golf day. It is also a way of thanking sponsors, clients and potential clients for buying their products.

The most unique event the course catered to in 2009 was the Rolls Royce/Bentley Arabian Gulf Adventure Dinner.

The Arabian Gulf Adventure took place from the 23rd of February to the 13th of March 2009. Vintage Rolls Royce and Bentley enthusiasts from around the world embarked on a tour of the Gulf starting in Doha, Qatar travelling through Abu Dhabi and Muscat and

39

Club class The architecture of the Arabianstyle clubhouse, with its marble interiors, outdoor terraces and restaurants, is based on that of a typical Qatari house. It features handmade gypsum, traditional artefacts, and solid teak doors imported especially from Thailand and hand-engraved in Doha. Beautifully crafted marble, internal waterfalls and a central fountain create a cool and welcoming atmosphere.

For groups, the Doha Golf Club offers a wide range of conference and banqueting facilities: The Gallery - Located adjacent to the 18th green and overlooking the Championship Course and the delights of the duck pond, The Gallery offers hospitality second to none. With the flexibility to cater for dinners, banquets and weddings for up to 350 people, or the privacy and convenience of well-appointed syndicate facilities, The Gallery is ideal for entertaining off the fairway. The facility also offers an executive business lounge incorporating state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, as well as an expansive roof terrace, ideal for open air receptions, presentations or even a barbecue.

Al Majlis Suite ÐThis stylish meeting room offers comfortable seating for up to 50 people, with an array of audiovisual tools to satisfy any group's requirements, and is ideal for organisations wishing to host corporate functions, meetings, product launches and seminars.

Fairways Ð Meeting facility that can accommodate groups of up to 20.

As Doha Golf Club has its own events team, clients can avoid the cost of appointing an events company as the club's service extends from the planning stages through to execution of any event ending in Dubai. In association with Commercialbank Qatar Doha Golf Club hosted a buffet dinner to kick off their tour. The dinner was held in a purpose-built glass tent located in between the greens of the 9th and 18th holes of the golf course. This offered spectacular views of the lit up golf course at night.

Some exquisite vintage cars were on display outside the venue for guests to view. Cocktail tables were set up around the cars and on the terrace. After enjoying some beverages and freshly prepared canap s, the guests were ushered into the opulently decorated tent for a sumptuous dinner.

As Doha Golf Club has its own events team, clients can avoid the cost of appointing an events company as the club's service extends from the planning stages through to execution of any event.

All assistance is provided for the management of every detail of the tournament, from pre-event planning and invitations to catering, branding and the award ceremony. The event management team can also provide a wide range of innovative ideas to make the tournament entertaining and memorable for all participants involved.

Standard corporate day packages are available for a minimum of 72 golfers, not exceeding 92 players. The club closes the course for either the morning or afternoon, depending on the preference of play stipulated by the client, to ensure all participants or delegates finish at the same time.

Doha Golf Club's event management team liaises directly with the organisers and can offer quotations from suppliers for corporate

accessories, trophies, branding and any other additional requirements groups may have.

For those wishing to add some business to the mix, meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment are available for corporate presentations.

Staging a corporate golf day has its own proven advantages. It is an effective medium for creating a distinct and prestigious image for the corporate organisation, building and reinforcing relationships with potential and existing clients, networking with associates and fostering team spirit and camaraderie amongst employees.

Golf Academy The award-wining Golf Academy is a state-ofthe-art teaching and practice facility featuring superb custom-built chipping, putting and bunker practice areas. The Academy brings together a team of dedicated PGA professionals with a wealth of golfing knowledge and experience from some of the world's most exclusive golf clubs.

The Academy aims to help golfers by using professional knowledge and hi-tech equipment.

All of the Club's tuition programmes offer the unique opportunity to use the Swing Analysis Studio with GASP Systems Software and High Definition Stimulator Lounge. Also available is the SAM Putting Lab, custom fit and repair centre and a wellÐequipped gym. l

Contact: Doha Golf Club West Bay, P.O. Box 13530, Doha Tel: +974 44960777 Fax: +974 44834790 Email: info@dohagolfclub.com Web: www.dohagolfclub.com qatar 2011

40 leisure Spa

Sharq Village & Spa

Corporate revival A visit to Qatar doesn't have to be limited to business. Add an element of relaxation to your itinerary with a treatment at one of the country's LUXURY spas, guaranteed to refresh tired business brains qatar 2011

41

Once business is concluded offer your delegates a new agenda, one that includes massages, facials, Jacuzzis and saunas, and see their energy levels pep up once more.

Qatar's numerous spas, most of which are found within hotels, offer a variety of treatments, from centuries-old Ayurvedic remedies to Chinese massages, as well as a full range of newage holistic treatments.

Well-qualified therapists and masseurs are on hand to explain, advise and recommend treatments, whether it's pure relaxation such as a body mas足 sage or a specialised therapy to cure specific muscular aches. Most of the spas in Qatar provide separate facilities and treatments for men and women.

The Spa DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Tel: +974 4298520 A private sanctuary of luxury and well-being which offers a variety of unique treatments ranging from aromatherapy facials, high performance collagen treatments to detox seaweed wraps and reflexology massages. The Spa's signature treatment, the Turkish

La Cigale

Bath, is an indulgence using essential oils and a reviving sea

Jaula Spa

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

salt scrub to smooth the skin and

GRAND HYATT DOHA

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

improve circulation. The facility

Tel: +974 4481234

Tel: +974 4848173

contains relaxation areas, steam

Grand Hyatt Doha's Arabic-themed

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a sanctuary

rooms, Jacuzzi and a cold plunge

day spa is set in an elegant garden

of peace and tranquillity, where

pool, and uses Pevonia Botanica's

with indoor tranquillity pools and

the elements of the sea and desert

skin care products.

has the feel of a small village. There

create the perfect environment

are six spacious treatment rooms

for a truly unique spa experience.

The Spa

for ladies, four for men, and two for

Using a fusion of traditional Arabic

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

couples. The spa also contains a

principles, Asian traditions and

Tel: +974 4948888

fully-equipped gym with state-of-the-

progressive European concepts, the

This three-storey spa complex

art cardio and weights machines, as

spa provides a natural respite from

offers 11 treatment rooms, a private

Angsana Spa

well as an aerobics studio, steam

the day's cares.

spa suite, a tepidarium for wraps

GRAND REGENCY HOTEL DOHA

room, sauna and whirlpool.

and scrubs, and a Thai massage

Angsana Spa places special

Ozone Spa & Gym

Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village & Spa

emphasis on the use of aroma足

LA CIGALE

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA

Kneipp reflexology foot bath, hot

therapy and the sense of touch

Tel: +974 4288888

Tel: +974 4256999

and cold plunge pools, hydrotherapy

to pamper the body, mind and

Facilities at the Ozone Spa & Gym

Comprising four separate Qatari-

and resistance pools, Roman-style

soul. Conceptualised, developed

include a traditional Moroccan

styled villages spread over 6,500

laconium thermal suite, heated

and managed by Banyan Tree

Hammam, Jacuzzi, sauna, hydro足

square metres, the Six Senses

laconium beds and therapy room.

Spa, Angsana promises to deliver

therapy treatments, steam room,

treatment rooms feature hand-

Therapists use an exclusively-

standards of excellence that have

six facial and body treatment rooms

shaped tubs, heated stone massage

tailored range of 100 percent

become synonymous with the brand.

using Matispa, the renowned

beds and a private steam room.

organic Sodashi products. l

French products; relaxation room;

Some of the special treatments

Bliss Spa

indoor heated swimming pool; LPG

on offer include the Six Senses

W DOHA HOTEL & RESIDENCES

treatments; high-tech Nautilus

Signature Massage, dry flotation

Tel: +974 4535555

health club equipment with LCD

therapies and Sensory Spa

Bliss Spa contains nine relaxing

screens, as well as a beauty salon.

Journey. Facilities include yoga

Tel: +974 4343152

treatment suites (including a VIP

room. There is an extensive hydro足 therapy lounge which offers a

and meditation rooms and the spa

couple's suite), a luxury nail lounge

Pure Spa

also has a dedicated ladies-only

with movie-while-you-mani nail

MILLENNIUM HOTEL DOHA

reception, spa and gym area with a

stations and a retail boutique. Other

Tel: +974 4247327

private entrance.

facilities include laconiums and

Pure Spa's serene atmosphere is

saunas. There's a wide selection of

backed by a team of professional,

services such as the ever popular

licensed aestheticians and therapists.

Ginger Rub, Carrot and Sesame Body

The spa offers private treatment

Buff and Triple Oxygen Treatment.

rooms and a personal service.

Voted the best spa in the Middle East.

Exclusively designed body treatments, facials and massages are available and are complemented by a steam room, sauna, Turkish bath, a gymnasium and nail care services.

qatar 2011

42 leisure Shopping

Shopping haven Whether you are looking for international designer brands or local treasures, Qatar has large, modern shopping complexes and traditional markets to browse

Shopaholics can enjoy their favourite pastime at a variety of locations in Doha. From the large glitzy shopping complexes to the tiny stalls in traditional souks, eager shoppers will find everything they need and want.

For many visitors the traditional souk is the genuine Middle Eastern shopping experience, conjuring up images of glittering stalls overflowing with exotic goods. The spirit of such shopping can still be found in Qatar, and although many new souk complexes are indistinguishable from shopping malls, the old market area still holds much of the original magic. Just remember that haggling is part of the cultural experience and the only way to get the best price.

A maze of narrow, winding alleyways packed with everything from traditional clothing and incense to camping equipment and hardware, Souk Waqif is an architectural treasure as well as a market full of artists and craftsmen selling their traditional wares.

The souk has undergone a multi-million dollar redevelopment programme using traditional Qatari materials and architectural techniques to restore it to its former glory and create an authentic ambience.

The souk first started as a weekend market for local Bedouin, but it has grown to cover a large area with separate sections selling perfumes, spices, clothing and jewellery, to name a few.

Souk Waqif is an excellent starting point to buy the traditional bukhnoq Ðthe beautifully embroidered headdress worn by young girls. Other traditional clothing items include the abayas Ð black cloaks worn by women when in public places, and the bisht Ð the ceremonial gown worn by men on special occasions.

Spice traders in the souk add a special attraction to the atmosphere. Sacks and boxes are overflowing with every conceivable herb and spice, and traders will happily prepare a sample box of the most popular spices for visitors to take home.

The perfume traders offer a wonderful introduction to the world of Arabian scents, often mixing essential oils to create a designer fragrance of your own. Top brands are also for sale at knockdown prices. Visitors even have the chance to sample the different grades of oudh Ð scented agar wood that is burnt as a sign of hospitality Ð as well as the valuable frankincense. Popular gifts include bokhur Ð scented balls made from oudh Ð sandalwood, ambergris, white musk, rose oil and mystica.

Going for gold A packed row of jewellery shops behind Al Ahmed Street makes up the Gold Souk, which sells both locally crafted and imported gold jewellery. Most items are 22 carat, and all gold sold in Qatar is hallmarked to ensure genuine purity.

Visitors can try on any jewellery items, which are normally sold by weight plus a mark up for craftsmanship. As in all souks, bargaining is expected so check the price by the gram in the newspaper first to en-

Souk Waqif Harking back to the days when Doha was just a small village where Bedouin traders met to buy and sell milk, meat, wool and other staples, Souk Waqif, which literally means 'standing market', is a captivating experience for visitors. qatar 2011

Souk Waqif is a captivating experience for visitors Ð A maze of narrow winding alley­ways packed with traditional goods

43

Landmark was a concerted and successful project to bring elegant High Street shopping to the city, where the whole family can find something enjoyable. Landmark is home to Circus Land Ð an indoor family fun park Ð and a new cinema complex.

The centre contains several international stores, a large food court, a multiplex cinema and a vast range of video games.

Landmark is frequently the host site for a variety of art exhibitions, public information and awareness campaigns, and numerous special activities.

» meet tips

Doha City Center



Price watch

Scent-sational





Bartering for a better price in the souks is expected and encouraged. Start at 50 percent off the asking price and haggle your way to a price you’re comfo­rtable paying

While gold and jewellery represent great value for money in the Middle East, traditional purchases like Arabic perfume (oudh) and local spices make great gifts

If you are interested in larger purchases, maybe local artwork or furniture, many vendors offer shi­ pping services to your home country

Ship to shore

sure you begin your haggling from a realistic starting point. The Gold Souk is also a good place to hunt for good value gems and silverware.

Many of the other souks in Qatar are more modern while being excellent places to find a vast range of essential day-to-day items such as travel luggage, tools, electrical items, kitchenware, clothes and shoes. The most popular souks are Souk Ahmed, with its fountains and gardens that make browsing a pleasure, and Souk Faleh. Both venues offer a multitude of shops selling household items at bargain prices and there are also a number of tailor shops as well as general clothes shops.

Other souks worth visiting include the Souk Nasser bin Saif, Souk Asiery, Doha Souk, Souk Al Deira, and Souk Al Jabor. All sell a wide variety of items and fabrics, although Souk Al Deira is the place for designer wear, heavy lace and beaded fabrics. Prices are clearly higher for such exclusive pieces, but still a lot cheaper than in other countries.

A Landmark experience One of the most popular centres for shopping experiences has to be the Land­mark Shopping Mall in Doha. Opened in 2000, its success has already given rise to two expansions: the first of which saw 10,000 square metres of retail space added in 2005 and a further 18,000 square metres in 2007-08.

Doha City Center, located in the West Bay area and made up of five levels offering hundreds of outlets, is the largest shopping mall in Qatar. The complex contains Carrefour, the giant hypermarket chain; two ice-skating rinks; a 14-screen multiplex cinema; several caf s and restaurants; two huge food courts and a water park.

There is also a unique 6,500-square-metre entertainment centre, two 10-pin bowling centres and even two rock climbing walls. Ladies can enjoy the exclusive use of one of the ice rinks and a 10-pin bowling centre, as well as a spa and beauty facility.

Doha City Center is unique in also offe­ring facilities for conferences and exhibitions with a 15,000-square-metre purpose-built site on the exhibition level, which offers exh­i­bition space, conference facilities, ball­room and function hall that incorporates all the latest audiovisual technology for any successful presentation. Moreover, facilities are still being added, including an international hotel, two office towers and four residential towers.

The Mall Another popular location in Doha for shopping, browsing and gathering is The Mall, an American-style complex. Located near the airport, it boasts several shops and boutiques, a large supermarket, a superb new cinema, a food court, and children's supervised play area. The layout comprises four broad avenues, designed in 'boulevard' style, making strolling around pleasurable and comfortable, in a climate-controlled environment.

In addition to providing a wealth and variety of shopping at prices to suit every budget, The Mall organises surprise activities every month, taking advantage of its spacious central courtyards to mount exhibitions, hold special promotions and stage a variety of events for all ages. l qatar 2011

44 HOTELS

Where to stay

qatar 2011

45

WHERE TO STAY A COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE FOR ALL THAT THE MAJOR HOTELS HAVE TO OFFER, FROM NUMBER OF ROOMS TO THE CAPACITIES OF FUNCTION AREAS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

qatar 2011

46 hotels

P.O. Box 22920, Doha Tel: +974 4 422 1111 Fax: +974 4 431 5277 Email: res@dohaseefhotel.com Web: www.dohaseefhotel.com 0.5 180 180

no

no yes

2

-

Shopping arcade/boutique (Y/N)

Fitness centre (Y/N)

HHHH

Best Western Doha Seef Hotel

C

Tennis court/s (Y/N)

Water sports (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of restaurants

Business centre (Y/N)

Exhibition space available (Y/N)

Max. capacity for banquets

Max. capacity for cocktails

Area of ballroom (sq. metres)

Conference equipment available (Y/N)

Max. capacity classroom-style

Max. capacity theatre-style

Total No. of meeting rooms

In-room PC/fax/Internet access (Y/N)

Handicapped facilities available (Y/N)

Group check-in available (Y/N)

Number of suites / villas / chalets

Total number of rooms

Distance from airport (kilometres)

Location: resort/city

Where to stay

-

yes

(See advertisement on page 51) 45

-

500 yes yes

2

no yes no

no

no yes no

HHHHH

Courtyard by Marriott Doha City Centre Hotel P.O. Box 25500, Doha Tel: +974 4 488 6170 Fax: +974 4 488 6174 Email: gareth.greening@renaissancehotels.com Web: www.courtyarddoha.com C

12 204

-

yes yes yes

4

88

43

yes

-

-

72

yes yes

9

yes yes no

Ras Abu Aboud Street, P.O. Box 1911, Doha Tel: +974 4 429 8888 Fax: +974 4 441 4390 Email: ays.dohmc@marriotthotels.com Web: www.dohamarriott.com 5

362 54

yes yes yes

6

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

(See advertisement on page 53)

280 280 yes 630 600 350 yes yes

6

yes yes yes yes yes yes no

HHHHH

P.O. Box 24665, Doha Tel: +974 4 494 8888 Fax: +974 4 494 8282 Email: reservations.doh@fourseasons.com Web: www.fourseasons.com/doha C

12 232 56

yes yes yes

DOHA

Grand Hyatt Doha

6

(See advertisement on page 55)

700 400 yes 758 700 500 yes yes

7

yes yes yes

20 249 91

yes yes yes

Grand Regency Hotel

no yes yes yes

HHHHH

West Bay Lagoon P.O. Box 24010, Doha Tel: +974 4 448 1234 Fax: +974 4 448 1235 Email: doha.grand@hyatt.com Web: www.doha.grand.hyatt.com C

no yes yes

HHHHH

Doha Marriott Hotel

C

no

11

64

54

(See advertisement on page 57)

yes 1500 1700 1000 yes yes

4

yes yes yes yes no yes yes

HHHHH

Doha Sport Roundabout, Al Sadd District Jawaan Street, P.O. Box 22606, Doha Tel: +974 4 434 3333 Fax: +974 4 434 3444 Email: info@grand-regency.com Web: www.grand-regency.com C

12 251 35

yes no yes

5

42

Intercontinental Hotel Doha

24

yes 605 900 280 yes yes

3

yes yes no

no

no yes yes

HHHHH

Al Istiqlal Road, P.O. Box 6822, Doha Tel: +974 4 484 4444 Fax: +974 4 483 9555 Email: doha@interconti.com Web: www.intercontinental.com C

15 245 36

yes yes yes

La Cigale Hotel

4

800 324 yes 724 750 400 yes yes

5

no yes yes yes yes yes yes

HHHHH

60 Suhaim Bin Hamad Street, Al Sadd Area, P.O. Box 25555, Doha Tel: +974 4 428 8888 Fax: +974 4 428 8000 Email: info@lacigalehotel.com Web: www.lacigalehotel.com C

15 235 34

yes yes yes

8 1500 1300 yes 2000 2500 1000 yes yes

Le Vendome Hotel DOHA

9

qatar 2011

0.5 107 107

no

no yes

yes yes no

2

-

no

no yes yes

HHHHH

Al Meena Street, P.O. Box 22920, Doha Tel: +974 4 402 3222 Fax: +974 4 402 3104 Email: info@levendome.net Web: www.levendomeqatar.com C

(See advertisement on page 59)

-

yes 300

-

(See advertisement on page 61) -

yes yes

2

Yes yes no

no

no yes no

Mercure Grand Hotel Doha

5

175

3

yes no yes

4

200 50

Merweb Central - Doha

Shopping arcade/boutique (Y/N)

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Tennis court/s (Y/N)

Water sports (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

HHHH

Doha P.O. Box 7566, Doha Tel: +974 4 446 2222 Fax: +974 4 442 2118 Email: reservations@mercure.com.qa Web: www.mercure.com C

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of restaurants

Business centre (Y/N)

Exhibition space available (Y/N)

Max. capacity for banquets

Max. capacity for cocktails

Area of ballroom (sq. metres)

Conference equipment available (Y/N)

Max. capacity classroom-style

Max. capacity theatre-style

Total No. of meeting rooms

In-room PC/fax/Internet access (Y/N)

Handicapped facilities available (Y/N)

Group check-in available (Y/N)

Number of suites / villas / chalets

Total number of rooms

Distance from airport (kilometres)

Location: resort/city

47

(See advertisement on page 19

yes 195 200 200 no

yes

3

no yes no

no

no yes yes

HHHHH

P.O. Box 22057, Ras Abou Aboud Street, Doha Tel: +974 4 409 4444 Fax:+974 4 409 4455 Email: info@merweb.com Web: merweb.com C

1.2 218

8

yes yes yes

2

Millennium Hotel Doha

50

30

yes

-

-

-

no

yes

3

22 226 24

yes yes yes

4

MÂ…venpick Hotel Doha

no

no yes yes

HHHHH

P.O. Box 24249, Doha Tel: +974 4 424 7777 Fax: +974 4 434 1774 Email: reservations@mill-doha.com Web: www.millenniumhotels.com C

yes yes no

(See advertisement on page 63)

350 140 yes 165 350 200 yes yes

3

yes yes no

no

no yes yes

HHHH

Corniche Road P.O. Box 24220, Doha Tel: +974 4 429 1111 Fax: +974 4 429 1100 Email: reservation.doha@moevenpick.com Web: www.moevenpick-hotels.com C

5

154 22

yes yes yes

2

80

60

DOHA

MÂ…venpick Tower & Suites Doha

yes

92

90

60

yes yes

2

no yes no

no

no yes no

HHHHH

P.O. Box 22752, West Bay, Doha Tel: +974 4 496 6600 Fax: +974 4 496 6610 Email: tower.doha@moevenpick.com Web: www.moevenpick-doha-tower.com C

15 350 40

yes yes yes

Oryx Rotana Doha

6

170 84

yes 230 230 140 yes yes

2

1

400 12

yes yes yes

Ramada Plaza Doha

yes no yes no

HHHHH

P.O. Box 29922, Doha Tel: 974 4 402 3333 Fax: 974 4 402 3300 Email: oryx.hotel@rotana.com Web: www.rotana.com C

yes yes no

9

(See advertisement on page 65)

340 195 yes 383 360 240 yes yes

5

yes yes no

no

no yes yes

HHHH

P.O. Box 1768, Doha Tel: +974 4 428 1428 Fax:+974 4 436 7930 Email: feedback@ramadaplazadoha.com Web: www.ramadaplazadoha.com C

7

584 96

yes yes yes

12 600 250 yes 660 700 450 yes yes

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel

11

12 257 23

yes yes yes

Sharq Village & Spa

13 805 512 yes 734

no yes yes yes

HHHHH

P.O. Box 25500, Doha Tel: +974 4 488 6170 Fax: +974 4 488 6174 Email: gareth.greening@renaissancehotels.com Web: www.renaissancedoha.com C

no yes no

-

600 yes yes

(See advertisement on page 67) 9

yes yes no

no

no yes yes

HHHHH

P.O. Box 26662 Doha Tel: +974 4 4256666 Fax: +974 4 4256660 Web: www.sharqvillage.com C

4

174 14

yes yes yes

4

360 160 yes 448 380 220 yes yes

6

yes yes yes yes no yes yes

qatar 2011

48 hotels

Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

Shopping arcade/boutique (Y/N)

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Tennis court/s (Y/N)

Water sports (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of restaurants

Business centre (Y/N)

Exhibition space available (Y/N)

Max. capacity for banquets

Max. capacity for cocktails

Area of ballroom (sq. metres)

Conference equipment available (Y/N)

Max. capacity classroom-style

Max. capacity theatre-style

Total No. of meeting rooms

In-room PC/fax/Internet access (Y/N)

Handicapped facilities available (Y/N)

Group check-in available (Y/N)

Number of suites / villas / chalets

Total number of rooms

Distance from airport (kilometres)

Location: resort/city

Where to stay

HHHHH

P.O. Box 6000, Doha Tel: +974 4 485 4444 Fax: +974 4 483 2323 Email: sheraton.doha@sheraton.com Web: www.sheraton.com/doha C

10 371 64

no yes yes

24 3000 1400 yes 5412 2000 1500 yes yes

Swiss-Belhotel Doha

7

HHHH

Jabr Bin Mohammed Street, Doha Tel: +974 4 407 8888 Fax: +974 4 407 8800 Email: ressbdh@swiss-belhotel.com Web: www.swiss-belhotel.com C

8

165 39

yes no yes

3

250 80

DOHA

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

yes 305 300 180 no

(See advertisement on page 69) yes

1

15 374 61

yes yes yes

yes yes yes

4

no yes yes

(See advertisement on page 71) 9

yes yes yes

no yes yes yes

HHHHH

P.O. Box 19573, Doha Tel: +974 4 453 5353 Fax: +974 4 453 5354 Email: Sales.Wdoha@starwoodhotels.com Web: www.whotelsdoha.com 25 445 43

no

HHHHH

7 1600 480 yes 1131 1200 760 yes yes

W Doha Hotel & Residences

C

no yes no

P.O. Box 23400, Doha Tel: +974 4 448 4800 Fax: +974 4 484 8484 Email: info.rc.doha@ritzcarlton.com Website: www.theritzcarlton.com R

no yes yes yes yes yes no

(See advertisement on page 73)

600 288 yes 915 600 400 yes yes

4

yes yes no

no

no yes yes

www.sourcemiddleeast.com

Where are

you?

Stand out in the 2011/12 edition of sourceme and ensure that clients find you before the competition!

Differentiation is the key to success and what better way to establish your presence as a leading supplier to the events industry than having a strong presence* in THE source of the best suppliers within the Gulf region!

*Printed and distributed to corporate and agency planners

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO EVENT SERVICES IN THE GULF

For advertising options in 2011 call +971 4 4243600 or email enquiries@sourcemiddleeast.com

49

HOTEL VENUES HOTEL FACT SHEETS WITH INFORMATION ON MEETING CAPACITIES, FUNCTION AREAS, AV CAPABILITIES AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR EASY REFERENCE BY MEETING PLANNERS

qatar 2011

74 SUPPORT SERVICES Listings

support services CONFERENCE, EXHIBITION & EVENT ORGANISERS Concert Exhibitions (CONEX) P.O. Box 22679, Doha Tel: +974 4 444 2270 Fax: +974 4 442 2838 E-mail: info@conexqatar.com Web: www.conexqatar.com

De Boer Gulf Rumaillah Bldg., Salwa Road, Doha Tel: +974 4 450 8812 Fax: +974 4 450 8887 Email: qatar@deboer.com Web: www.deboer.com

IFP Qatar Ltd. P.O. Box 22376, Doha Tel: +974 4 432 9900 Fax: +974 4 443 2891 Email: info@ifpqatar.com Web: www.ifpexpo.com

P.O. Box 24403, Doha Tel: +974 4 467 7988 Fax: +974 4 467 7998 Email: luke.luffman@qa.pico.com Web: www.pico.com

Qatar Expo

Engineering Systems Group & INDEX Tel: +974 4 467 6693 Fax: +974 4 467 6693

Qatar Fencing Federation

P.O. Box 13645, Doha Tel: +974 4 436 4385 Fax: +974 4 436 4387 Email: info@promoseven.com Web: www.promoseven.com

French Cultural Centre of Doha P.O. Box 2669, Doha Tel: +974 4 467 1037 Fax: +974 4 467 1044 Email: ccfdoha@yahoo.fr Web: www.ccfdoha.com

Gayat Ahlam Events P.O. Box 19302, Doha Tel: +974 4 435 7770 Fax: +974 4 435 5309 Email: info@gayat-al-ahlam.com Web: www.gayat-al-ahlam.com

Grow P.O. Box 12212, Doha Tel: +974 4 444 6222 Fax: +974 4 431 4982 Email: grow@growqatar.com Web: www.growqatar.com

Happening Events P.O. Box 7848, Doha Tel: +974 4 436 9766/57 Web: www.happeningevents.biz

qatar 2011

P.O. Box 7494 Tel: +974 4 494 4444 Fax: +974 4 494 4788 Email: qoc@olympic.qa Web: www.qatarolympics.org

Pico International W.L.L.

P.O. Box 8019, Doha Tel: +974 4 465 0211 Fax: +974 4 467 4506 Email: info@qatar-expo.com Web: www.qatar-expo.com

Fortune Promoseven

Qatar National Olympic Committee

P.O. Box 22966, Doha Tel: +974 4 483 8392 Fax: +974 4 483 8314 Email: qff@olympic.qa Web: www.qatarfencing.org

Qatar Foundation P.O. Box 5825, Doha Tel: +974 4 454 0000 Fax: +974 4 480 6117 Email: info@qf.org.qa Web: www.qf.org.qa

Qatar Golf Association P.O. Box 6177, Doha Tel: + 974 4 483 2677 Fax: + 974 4 483 2610 Email: info@qga.com.qa Web: www.qga.com.qa

QMDI (Qatar MICE Development Institute) P.O. Box 34232, Doha Tel: + 974 4 454 8000 Fax +974 4 454 8047 Email: enquiries@qmdi.qf.org.qa Web: www.qmdi.com.qa

Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation P.O. Box 8708, Doha Tel: +974 4 437 9884 Fax: +974 4 437 9761 Email: info@qmmf.com.qa Web: www.qmmf.com

Destinations of the World P.O. Box 158, Doha Tel: +974 4 467 1200 Fax: +974 4 467 3200 Email: qatar@dotw.com Web: www.dotw.com

Fal Travelmart Qatar Sailing & Rowing Federation P.O. Box 23515, Doha Tel: +974 4 442 0305 Fax: +974 4 442 0308 Email: info@qatarsailing.org Web: www.qatarsailing.org

Qatar Tennis Federation P.O. Box 4959, Doha Tel: +974 4 440 9666 Fax: +974 4 483 2990 E: qtf-secretarygeneral@qatartennis.org Web: www.qatartennis.org

Qatar Tourism & Exhibition Authority Tel: +974 4 499 7499 Fax: +974 4 499 1919 Email: info@qatartourism.gov.qa Web: www.qatartourism.gov.qa

World Trade Centre Qatar P.O. Box 22357, Doha Tel: +974 4 435 4141 Fax: +974 4 442 3048 Email: info@wtcdoha.com Web: www.wtcdoha.com

DMCS & TOUR OPERATORS Alpha Tours P.O. Box 9012, Doha Tel: +974 4 434 4499 Fax: +974 4 413 0431 Email: info@alphatoursqatar.com Web: www.alphatoursqatar.com

Alshamel Travel & Tourism P.O. Box 24771, Doha Tel: +974 4 434 3888 Fax: +974 4 441 0286 Email: qatartravel@alshamel.com Web: www.alshamel.com

Arabian Adventures P.O. Box 4476, Doha Tel: +974 4 436 1461 Fax: +974 4 436 1471 Web: www.qatarvisits.com

P.O. Box 24271, Doha Tel: +974 4 435 0401 Fax: +974 4 435 0417 Email: falproject@qatar.net.qa Web: www.fal-group.com

Gulf Adventures P.O. Box 18180, Doha Tel: +974 4 422 1888 Fax: +974 4 422 1866 Email: info@gulf-adventures.com Web: www.gulf-adventures.com

International Travel & Tourism P.O. Box 4381, Doha Tel: +974 4 443 2234 Fax: +974 4 444 0552 Email: ittvac@ittqatar.com Web: www.ittqatar.com

Net Tours Qatar P.O. Box 23080, Doha Tel: +974 4 431 0902 Fax: +974 4 431 0945 Email: nettours@qatar.net.qa Web: www.nettours.com.qa

Qatar Airways Holidays P.O. Box 22550, Doha Tel: +974 4 449 6969 Fax: +974 4 462 6487 Email: holidays@qatarairways.com.qa Web: www.qatarairways.com

Qatar International Adventures P.O. Box 13915, Doha Tel: +974 4 455 3954 Fax: +974 4 467 6184 Email: info@qia-qatar.com Web: www.qia-qatar.com

Regency Travel & Tourism P.O. Box 9012, Doha Tel: +974 4 444 3444 Fax: +974 4 441 3351 Email: regency@qatar.net.qa Web: www.regencyholidays.com

Travco Qatar Holidays P.O. Box 23240, Doha Tel: +974 5 523 0891 Fax: +974 4 442 3270 Email: shibu.doha@travcotravel.com Web: www.travcotravel.com