QATAR—AN ODE TO THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Qatar, a small but mighty nation in the Middle East, is known for its hospitality and warm culture. From the moment you step off the plane, you will be greeted with a warm welcome and a genuine smile. In this blog post, we will explore the unique hospitality of Qatar and what makes it so special.

Qatar has a long tradition of hospitality, which is deeply ingrained in its culture and values. It is not uncommon for guests to be treated like royalty and for locals to go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. This hospitality can be seen in many aspects of Qatari life, from the way people interact with one another to the way they entertain guests.

The positive impact of Qatar's efforts on the peninsula can be observed in all industries and communities involved in the country's economy, including the hospitality sector. Qatar's measures in this field have garnered international recognition and praise from global markets.

In 2008, the Qatari leadership invested $17 billion in infrastructure projects, such as hotels, cultural sites, and sporting facilities, leading to significant growth in the industry. This sustained progress has resulted in Qatar's successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, a major global sporting event.

Global real estate consultant Knight Frank has estimated that the hospitality industry in Qatar may experience an impressive growth of up to 89%, resulting in more than 56,000 hotel rooms by 2025. The estimated cost of supplying the planned hotel rooms is around QAR 25.5 billion ($7 billion).

Moreover, Adam Stewart, the head of Qatar for a consultancy firm, has projected that tourism will make a contribution of 12% to the country's global domestic product, which amounts to $55 billion. The country also has a target of attracting close to 7 million tourists by 2030.

According to the Guest Experience survey in the Middle East Report by Olery, Qatar has climbed to the top of the list of Middle Eastern destinations in terms of hospitality ranking, showcasing the destination's continuous improvement.

The Chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, stated that the success of the hospitality sector is evidence of the collective efforts made in recent years to enhance the sector.

H.E. Mr. Al Baker expressed gratitude towards private sector partners for investing in Qatar's hospitality industry, which has become a model for the region. According to Olery's report, Qatar's hotel rooms received the highest rating of 8.9 out of 9, placing the country at the top of the regional list, with high rankings in cuisine, service, and facilities as well.

Accommodation options in Qatar are popular among families, business travelers, and couples. H.E. Mr. Al Baker stated that quality facilities, professional service, and authentic experiences are the industry's top selling points, which remain a priority as they collaborate with partners to develop new and diverse tourism and hospitality products, as outlined in the Next Chapter of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy.

One of the most common expressions of Qatari hospitality is the serving of coffee or tea. Coffee, known as “kahwa,” is an essential part of Qatari culture and is served to guests as a symbol of hospitality and friendship. The coffee is typically served in small cups along with dates, which are also an important part of Qatari hospitality. This simple gesture is a powerful symbol of the warm and welcoming nature of Qatari culture.

Another important aspect of Qatari hospitality is the concept of “majlis,” which refers to a place where guests are received and entertained. The majlis is a traditional room that is often decorated with beautiful carpets, cushions, and other ornamental items. It is a space where guests can relax and enjoy the company of their hosts. The majlis is often used for important occasions such as weddings and other celebrations, but it is also a place where people can gather to socialize and exchange ideas.

Qatar is also known for its cuisine, which is a fusion of traditional Arabic dishes and international flavors. Qatari cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s history as a trading hub, with influences from Indian, Iranian, and Pakistani cuisine. Some of the most popular Qatari dishes include machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), thareed (bread with meat and vegetables), and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with saffron and cardamom).

Hospitality in Qatar is not just limited to social gatherings and dining experiences. It is also reflected in the way that locals treat visitors in public spaces. Qatar is a safe and welcoming country, and visitors can expect to be treated with respect and kindness wherever they go. From the courteous staff in hotels and restaurants to the helpful locals in the souks and markets, visitors to Qatar are sure to feel at home.

Finally, it is worth noting that hospitality in Qatar is not just a cultural value, but is also an important part of the country’s economic strategy. Qatar is a major hub for business and tourism in the Middle East, and the government has made significant investments in infrastructure and services to support these industries. From world-class hotels and restaurants to state-of-theart transportation and communication systems, Qatar has created an environment that is conducive to business and tourism, while also maintaining its rich cultural heritage.

In conclusion, hospitality is an essential part of Qatari culture, and visitors to the country can expect to be treated with warmth, kindness, and respect. From the serving of coffee to the concept of the majlis, hospitality is deeply ingrained in all aspects of Qatari life. Visitors to Qatar are sure to be impressed by the country’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm and welcoming people.