Qatar's MICE future hinges on knowledge sharing, QES 2025 told

The Qatar Events Show (QES) 2025, taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, is redefining the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, moving beyond traditional commercial exchanges to prioritise knowledge sharing and the transfer of expertise.

Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Mangusteen CEO Malik Shishtawi said that valuable content and experience are the cornerstones for creating lasting impact and solidifying Qatar’s position as a global MICE leader.

“We wanted to change the perception that event organisers are purely commercial driven entities, especially in the traditional trade show format which often focuses on simply renting out space.

“Our focus at QES is on building real, valuable experience through knowledge sharing and transfer, because we firmly believe this is what generates long-term impact,” he pointed out, noting that this commitment to content-rich engagement is linked to QES 2025’s main aim of elevating Qatar’s status as a leading regional hub for the global MICE sector.

By fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and showcasing cutting-edge solutions, organisers said the show aims to be a catalyst for new partnerships, driving economic growth, tourism, and essential skills development within the nation.

Shishtawi highlighted his vision for the show’s long-term impact, stressing the necessity of a dedicated platform for Qatar's event professionals. “Qatar is positioned as a leading events destination, and this was proven by hosting global mega-events, including the FIFA World Cup, which was a huge success not only regionally but globally,” he said, citing the FIFA president’s commendation of the tournament.

With a packed calendar of major events like FIBA, the FIFA Arab Cup, Formula 1, and ongoing Olympic bids, among others, he said there is the need for a cohesive industry platform was vital.

“As active members in global industry associations representing Qatar, we recognised the need for our own platform here to bring professionals together, share experiences, conduct B2B matchmaking, and get stakeholders on board,” he said.

Shishtawi added that the success of QES 2025 is further boosted by the caliber of its speakers, a deliberate effort to attract top-tier global talent. He “You've seen the level of speakers we hosted yesterday," Shishtawi said, highlighting figures such as the EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, the head of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, and the SVP of Oak View Group. “This is a big achievement for the events scene in Qatar and showcases the collaborative spirit we aim to foster”.

The event, which opened on September 2, has drawn more than 50 innovative exhibitors and over 2,000 delegates. It features multiple zones dedicated to networking, business matching, and critical thought leadership, all contributing to its mission of propelling Qatar’s MICE industry forward through shared knowledge and collaborative innovation.