Qatar Soaring above expectations
Produced by Qatar Tourism Authority and Biz Events Asia Photos: Qatar Tourism Authority
Timelessly Traditional, Distinctly Modern
Qatar is rapidly becoming one of the world’s leading destinations for business events and incentive travel. A sovereign country located in Southwest Asia, Qatar is a dynamic modern society with deep cultural roots that provide the foundation for the nation’s life and development. Its unique culture, heritage and economic growth together with a soaring ambition and infrastructure stemming from a tradition of quality have created Qatar’s extraordinary character which cannot be duplicated elsewhere. A plethora of sophisticated venues, world-class hotels, event and destination management companies, exhibition spaces and attractions have positioned the country to attract some of the biggest business and sporting events. Qatar’s exceptional transport network and accessibility is optimised by its location between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, allowing a high proportion of Qataris to be well-travelled, highly conversant in English and deeply respectful of other international cultures and religions. The growth of Qatar Airways has granted straightforward access to the capital city of Doha from Asia, among others, and has recently started daily flights to secondary cities to Europe and America. As Qatar seeks to triple the number of business events tourists by 2030, contributing at least half of the country’s revenue through tourism spending, the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) launched the Qatar destination brand and the sub-brand Qatar Business Events in November 2015. The Qatar destination brand was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders to reflect and celebrate the country’s unique attributes, while Qatar Business Events was necessary as the official custodian of the business events sector to facilitate its development and growth.
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR). The exchange rate is approximately USD1 = QAR3.6
Population: 2.5 million Temperature: 17 degree Celsius in January to 36 degree Celsius in July
Public transport: Taxis and buses are easily available. The first phase of metro transport is due to complete in 2019.
Do you know? Qatar... • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Was once ruled by the Portuguese from 1527 – 1538 Became an independent sovereign state in 1971 Started to trade in pearl until oil was discovered in 1940s Has the largest Sports Dome in the world Is ranked top 30 in the 2015 Global Peace Index, ahead of Taiwan, Italy and the United Kingdom Is the first country in the Middle East to support Digital Television Is passionate about digital television technologies Gifts luxury cars for most of its festive promotions Has the world’s third largest proven reserve of natural gas Won rights to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup Has only about 10 percent Qatari nationals in the country Has the first known human habitat dating back to 4th century BC Is ranked 18 out of 184 countries in relation to travel and tourism’s total contribution to GDP growth based on World Travel & Tourism Council Economic Impact 2015
Understand Qatar 1. Laws and regulations While local laws reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country, it is also a country based on equality between men and women. Its meritocratic system also means women are able to compete on equal footing with men, with many landing high positions in the government and private sectors. 2. Away from the conflict zone Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, and the rest of its territory is surrounded by the Persian Gulf. A strait in the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island of Bahrain, as well as sharing sea borders with the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Physically and mentally, Qatar is far away from the conflict zones, being approximately 2,000 kilometres away. 3. A myriad of offerings Having a civic-minded and honest community with high levels of security does not mean the country is boring. From fascinating architecture and a rich arts scene to world-class shopping and dining options, adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities, safari tours and more, there is something for everyone. Qataris are also known to have an ardent interest in food, which is reflected in the wide range of local and international cuisine, even fusion. 4. Inexpensive Expenses in general are not as costly as compared to other countries in the Middle East. A tax-free country, the cost of a standard room night at Movenpick Hotel Doha, for example, costs approximately USD162, and has a similar taxi system as Singapore’s. It is definitely a value-for-money destination. 5. Unique destination The notion “if I’ve been to Dubai, I’ve been to all of Middle East” could not be any more misguided. While having a unique identity of its own, Qatar’s stellar reputation as an events and incentive travel destination is also be a gateway into neighbouring countries and vice versa.
1.4 million: The number of visitors to Qatar in the first half of 2016
Geography: 11,500 sq km extending northwards into the Arabian Gulf with 563 km of continuous coastline Hotel rooms: 20,700 keys as of Q1 2016
The Art of Business Events Qatar has emerged in recent years as one of the fastest developing business and leisure destination. Home to Qatar Airways, the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport connects to over 150 destinations with 38 countries eligible for Tourist Visa on Arrival since January 2016. From purpose-built hotel meeting facilities to unique venues, attractions and specialist events teams, Qatar is well-equipped to cater to events of all scales and sizes.
Convention Venues
The Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) is a new city centre venue spanning across 47,700 sq m of vast open space capable of seating over 34,000 visitors at one time and offers a total of five huge, pillar-free art exhibition halls ranging between 5,368 sq m to 7,160 sq m each. At 18 metres, it also offers the highest exhibition hall in the Middle East. 18 meeting rooms split across four self-contained suites to accommodate groups from 16 to 195 people. Each suite overlooks the exhibition hall with floor-to-ceiling windows for an expansive view of the space below. Flooded with natural light from over 330 “sun wells”, DECC offers a serene, fresh and invigorating space to host events. Established in 1995, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) is located on Qatar Foundation’s 2,500-acre campus, which hosts faculties from world-renowned universities and home-grown centres such as the Sidra Medical and Research Center and Qatar Science & Technology Park. Built according to U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) gold-certification standards, QNCC offers 40,000 sq m of column-free exhibition space over nine halls and multi-purpose 4,000-seat conference hall.
Some of the many international hotels that reside in Qatar: • • • • • • • • • • •
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts AccorHotels Best Western International Hotels Marriott International Hilton Worldwide Wyndham Hotels and Resorts InterContinental Hotels Group Frasers Hospitality Meliá Hotels International Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Qatar National Convention Centre
The Museum of Islamic Art
Unique Venues
More than just a beautiful backdrop, The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is an architectural masterpiece which preserves, studies and exhibits masterpieces spanning three continents and 14 centuries. A stunning variety of high-end venues mixed with elegant catering and a team of event experts ensure an unforgettable experience. Some of them include MIA’s Atrium, a grand hall indoor space with a spiral staircase overlooking the Corniche through a 45-metre window. Basked in sunlight during the day and an enchanting view of Doha’s skyline during the evening, the Atrium can hold up to 700 guests for seated dining and up to 2,000 guests for a standing reception. For special events, The Central and Western Courtyards are both embellished with elegant fountains overlooking the Corniche. The Western Courtyard can accommodate up to 700 guests for a cocktail reception and 200 guests banquet-style, while the Central Courtyard can host up to 900 guests for cocktail receptions and 400 guests for seated round table dining. Located on the top floor of the Museum, IDAM offers a round table dining style that comfortably seats up to 60 guests. The interior is fully marked with Phillipe Starck’s chic and timeless design, making IDAM the most suitable venue for exclusive events that project uniqueness and distinction. The Torch Doha
Al Zubarah Fort
Qatar’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah comprises extensive archaeological works and the restored Al Zubarah Fort that was built as a watch tower to study maritime movement when pearl diving and trading was at its prime in the mid-18th century. The fort’s open courtyard allows up to 300 guests for a seated banquet and 1,000 people for a cocktail reception. A self-sustaining man-made island spanning nearly four million sq m, The Pearl-Qatar in Doha is the first island in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals. Explore the multitude of villas, townhouses, diverse leisure and entertainment facilities, award-winning marinas and serene beaches in one of Middle East’s most glamourous addresses, as well as landmarks like the 281-room Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel and Qatar Cool, one of three centralised utility companies dedicated to providing district cooling on the island. Aspire Zone sports complex, which played a crucial part in the bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, contains several sporting venues and more than 50 spaces for corporate events, including the Khalifa International Stadium, a 50,000-capacity stadium and the 15,500-seat Aspire Dome, the world’s largest indoor multi-purpose sports hall. The Zone also includes The Torch Doha, the tallest hotel in Qatar.
An Experience Like No Other Year-round sunshine on clean sandy beaches, unique dining venues, alleys of traditions, and authentic experiences provide an ecosystem of varied landscapes that makes Qatar a unique destination like none other.
Must-visit attractions in Qatar For centuries, Souq Waqif has been a bazaar for Bedouin (those who have historically inhabited the Arabian and Syrian deserts) to trade wool and animals for daily necessities until it was almost demolished. Restored according to the traditional Qatari architectural techniques, Souq Waqif is a shopping and entertainment hotspot for both locals and tourists alike. Explore the labyrinth-like alleyways and find a myriad of local products, from fabric and spices to handicrafts and garden equipment. Art galleries, exhibitions and workshops are also available, along with festivals and performances that are sure to enliven anyone’s spirits. Katara Cultural Village is the largest and most multi-dimensional cultural project of Qatar. Since the year 150 AD, “Catara” was the first and most ancient name designated for Qatar Peninsula in geographic and historical maps, reflecting Qatar’s cultural and educational wealth. Housing an open amphitheatre, an opera house, a multi-purpose cinema and conference hall, concert halls, a beach, exhibition galleries and cutting-edge facilities, Katara aims to become a world leader for multi-cultural activities. A museum showcasing the country’s maritime heritage was also opened in November 2015. Four century-old heritage houses restored into museums in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha chart the economic history of Qatar and how the oil industry has shaped the nation, as well as the social and cultural developments that have taken place. The four museums (Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House) at Msheireb Museums are part of the Heritage Quarter of Msheireb Properties’ QR20 billion (USD5.5 billion), 310,000 sq m development. Photo: Muhammad Irwan Bin Ismail
Memorable Incentives
Some 60 kilometres from Doha in the south eastern corner of the country lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, Khor Al Adaid, also known as the “Inland Sea”. A UNESCO recognised natural reserve, this remarkable landscape is formed by a unique combination of the Arabian Gulf, large mobile dunes, the tidal embayment system, inland and coastal sabkha, recently discovered “salt hummocks”, stony deserts, elevated mesas and rocky outcrops, each a unit on its own. Accessible only by a four-wheel drive, across its high dunes, the best way to experience Khor Al Adaid is as part of one of the many organised desert safaris run by local tour operators. Sink into the many comforts of a premium hotel while camping like a Bedoiun on one of the many desert camp sites in Qatar. Glamping, derived from glamour camping, is one of the many memorable experiences being offered in the country’s serene desert, with some overlooking the lapping waves of the Gulf Sea.
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Nobu Doha by Four Seasons Hotel Doha Launched in April 2015, the restaurant showcases the very best in culinary experience inspired by the region and matched by panoramic views of the alluring Arabian Gulf. Spanning 2,415.5 sq m, the tri-level architectural masterpiece is made up of two main dining rooms and roof top lounge areas, a private dining room, a terrace, a Black Pearl Bar and White Pearl Bar. The Torch Doha Bask in The Torch’s sophisticated settings and luxurious ambience overlooking the picturesque skyline of Doha. The hotel is home to THREE SIXTY, Doha’s only revolving restaurant located on the 47th floor; PANORAMA, offering a chic combination of modern European cuisine on the 50th floor; FLYING CARPET, an all-day dining restaurant presenting live cooking stations; and TORCH TEA GARDEN, a highend tea lounge located on the 21st floor overlooking the swimming pool and Aspire Park. The hotel does not serve alcohol. Dinner in the sky Available only during the Qatar International Food Festival, Dinner in the sky is the brainchild of a communications agency specialised in gastronomy and a company specialised in amusement park installations deploying cranes. Together, this Belgian success story has served this flying dinner table over 45 countries and arranged more than 5,000 events.
Torch Tea Garden
Dining on a Dhow Great for corporate retreats or private functions, glide down the shimmering waters of Doha Bay and watch the sunset as dinner is served on one of the many traditional dhow cruises available. Whether on an open deck or in an indoor cabin, this is bound to be a novel dining experience in Qatar. Other destinations the dhow cruises sail to include the Palm Tree Island and the Al Safliya Island.
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BBQ Donuts by The Diplomatic Club Each boat (or BBQ Donut) comes equipped with a built-in barbecue set and all the necessary rigging and safety features for eight persons and a captain. Excellent as an alternative breakout session or team brainstorming sessions while riding down the West Bay shores with unparalleled views of the city. Al Wakra Qatar’s second largest city after Doha, Al Wakra is a fishing village south of Doha. This 150-year-old settlement is now home to the finest seafood eateries and al fresco-dining restaurants overlooking the Persian Sea. The historic old fort doubles up as a museum that features the livelihood of fishermen of the yesteryears.
Traditional Sweets
Key Collaborating Contacts The Qatar Tourism Authority participates in major business events industry exhibition and forums worldwide, as well as workshops, familiarisation visits and more. To reinforce these activities and provide an on-the-ground presence in key markets, QTA has opened representative offices in the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia (covering the GCC) and Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong) with further expansion planned for the next two years. QTA invites international travel agents, tour operators and other tourism industry professionals to become Qatar specialists by signing up and completing five modules of its online Tawash training programme. For more information, visit www.tawashqatar.com. Here is also a list of experienced local destination management companies to collaborate with: • Arab Destination of Tourism (www.destination-tourist.com) • Arabian Adventures Qatar (www.arabianadventureqatar.net) • Arrival To Departure (www.ad2travel.com) • Discover Qatar (www.qatarairways.com/global/en/qatar-stopover.page) • Gulf Adventures LLC (www.gulf-adventures.com) • Qatar International Adventures (www.qia-qatar.com) • Regency Travel & Tours (www.regencyholidays.com) • Sand Dunes Holiday (www.sdq.qa) • Travel Designer (www.traveldesigner.qa) • FAL Travel (www.faltravelmart.com) • Doha Bus (www.dohabus.com) To find out more about Qatar’s event calendar, visit: www.visitqatar.qa Sports – www.olympic.qa
A more simplified and convenient visa application service will soon be accessible online by travellers from across the world. The partnership between Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority and VFS Global, a leading provider of visa processing services, will pave way for an efficient and transparent visa application system. A new transit visa structure allows Qatar Airways’ passengers with a minimum transit time of five hours in Hamad International Airport to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days), without the requirement to apply ahead of time for an entry visa.