Qatar's hospitality sector is expected to focus on selective high-quality developments in core locations rather than broad expansion, according to Cushman and Wakefield Qatar (CWQ).In its latest report, CWQ said while hotel performance improved across 2025, private-sector appetite for new hotel development remained "cautious".Stressing that developers are waiting for visitor growth to translate into a sustained ADR (average daily rate) expansion before committing to large -scale new supply; it said "as a result, near-term pipeline activity is expected to remain focused on selective, high -quality schemes in core locations rather than broad-based expansion."Tourism remained a key driver of non-energy growth in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, with full-year international visitor arrivals reaching 5.1mn, representing 3.7% growth compared with 2024 and reflecting sustained momentum into year-end.From a financial perspective, not only did hotel occupancy levels increase, as occupancy levels averaged 71.3%, up 2.6% from the previous year, but ADR also saw an increase of 3.6% year-on-year, providing an improved economic performance within the sector from the preceding year, it said.The GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) countries continued to represent the largest share of the tourist market throughout 2025, representing 35%, followed by European countries (25%), Asia and Oceania (22%), the Americas (7%), other Arab countries (8%), and the rest of Africa (3%).The long-term outlook for tourism strengthened through Q4-2025, following the approval of the GCC unified tourist visa, due to launch in 2026, alongside continued expansion of international air connectivity, including enhanced links between Qatar and Australia."Together with Qatar’s growing calendar of international events, these factors are expected to support sustained inbound demand into 2026," CWQ said.Qatar’s hotel market saw some notable additions in 2025, including Rosewood Doha, the OQ and Muse hotels in Lusail and Andaz Doha in West Bay. Supply has increased by just over 2,000 keys in the past 12 months, and now totals 42,500 keys.Three-star hotels continued to outperform, achieving 84% occupancy, reflecting strong price sensitivity and demand from regional and value-led travel.Serviced apartments saw a slight softening, with 68% occupancy between July and September, indicating reduced demand in longer-stay formats."Hotel operators are likely to continue prioritising occupancy and volume over aggressive rate growth in the near term, particularly outside peak event periods," the report said, adding hotel occupancy should remain "resilient" as events, business travel, and leisure demand continue to build on 2025 momentum.

Milaha, which is planning to modernise its fleet, particularly offshore vessels, has laid out plans to strengthen its presence in Kuwait and Iraq, deepen trade flows between Asia and the Middle East, explore new trade opportunities in East and North Africa, and selectively expand operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE."Milaha’s strategy is firmly focused on strengthening its position as a leading maritime and logistics group through disciplined growth, long-term value creation, and operational resilience," its chairman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, told shareholders at the annual general assembly, which approved cash dividend of 45% of the nominal share value, equivalent to QR 0.45 per share and appointing KPMG as Auditors for 2026.He emphasised the company's continued investment in strategic assets, fleet modernisation, and integrated service capabilities, enabling Milaha to respond effectively to evolving market demands."For the energy platform, we plan to continue our investment programme in 2026, particularly in offshore vessels, driven by strong demand for long-term production expansion," said the board of directors' report.Milaha’s strategic outlook is strongly aligned with national priorities and focuses on long-term platform growth, the report added.For the trade platform, Milaha said its goal is to expand beyond Qatar by targeting regional and adjacent markets."Our priorities include strengthening our presence in the upper Gulf region (Iraq, Kuwait), deepening trade flows between Asia and the Middle East, exploring new trade opportunities in East Africa and North Africa, and selectively expanding operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE," it said.The report said the company would also continue to develop industry-specific solutions, such as pharmaceutical logistics, alongside synchronised end-to-end multimodal offerings for major strategic clients in other industries."As we enter 2026, our focus will center on strengthening execution efficiency and completing awarded projects in line with approved schedules, while continuing the modernisation of the fleet and the expansion of operational capabilities," Fahad Saad al-Qahtani, Group chief executive officer said in the report.These "strategic priorities", according to him, would enhance the company's readiness for sustainable growth and reinforce its role in supporting Qatar’s national development trajectory.Highlighting that digital transformation represents a core strategic pillar of its institutional direction; he said, "We have accelerated the adoption of advanced digital solutions and artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled technologies to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen our ability to respond effectively to customer requirements."In parallel, Milaha has continued its disciplined investment in fleet modernisation and strict adherence to recognised environmental standards and best practices, in support of achieving long-term corporate sustainability objectives and reinforcing the responsibility towards the environment and society, he said.Within an increasingly dynamic and rapidly evolving business environment, Milaha has demonstrated a high level of organisational resilience and operational efficiency through the adoption of a disciplined approach to resource reallocation, enhanced asset allocation efficiency, and adherence to a well-considered, risk-based investment strategy, he said."These practices have contributed to mitigating the impact of volatility and reinforcing the sustainability of performance, in alignment with the principles of sound governance and the creation of long-term value," he added.As part of efforts to strengthen its competitive position and consolidate its strategic standing, Milaha has focused on establishing a portfolio of high-quality, long-term strategic partnerships, according to him.Milaha had in 2025 entered into a comprehensive, five-year strategic partnership with Qatar Airways Group in the field of logistics services, aimed at enhancing supply chain integration and improving operational efficiency.It also developed a collaborative partnership with Fincantieri in maritime services and technology, with a focus on knowledge exchange and the adoption of international best practices.Milaha had also signed a memorandum of understanding with NEXX and KEC to develop advanced, AI-enabled logistics solutions, supporting innovation and digital transformation.