HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji inaugurates Hospitality Qatar 2025 yesterday at DECC. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam
The 10th edition of Hospitality Qatar opened yesterday (October 28) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), bringing together government officials and industry experts to mark a decade of exponential growth and development within the nation’s thriving hospitality and tourism sectors.
The event, which specialises in the hospitality, tourism, and Hotel, Restaurant, and Café (Horeca) sectors, was inaugurated by Qatar Tourism (QT) chairman and Visit Qatar Board of Directors chair HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, along with other dignitaries and ambassadors.Running until October 30, the expo celebrates its milestone anniversary by highlighting Qatar’s position as a leading regional tourism hub, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030.Organised by IFP Qatar, this year’s exhibition features around 150 exhibitors from 20 countries, including major international participants from China, Italy, the UAE, Egypt, Russia, and the Netherlands, spotlighting the global interest in Qatar’s rapidly expanding market.
HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji with participating chefs at the event.
According to a QNA report, QT’s Tourism Development head Omar Abdulrahman al-Jaber noted that the event has evolved into a primary platform that unites local and international partners, encouraging investment and supporting excellence across all facets of the industry: from hotels and restaurants to service innovation and sustainable practices.He said that over the past decade, Hospitality Qatar has become a primary platform bringing together local and international partners, encouraging investment, and supporting excellence.Al-Jaber added that the commitment to innovation, empowering national competencies, and strengthening partnerships embodies Qatar’s rising position as a leading regional hub, aligned with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy and QNV 2030.
Haya Bayan, director of Commercial Affairs and Operations at IFP Qatar, stressed that the event marks a "significant milestone” in its successful journey. He added that the latest edition is designed to be an effective observational benchmark, showcasing the latest innovations in interior design, sustainability, technology, and food and beverages for local and international participants.The 10th edition is packed with high-level engagement opportunities and featured events designed to foster expertise and business connections.Key activities include:• B2B Matchmaking: A dedicated platform facilitating business undertakings and maximizing return on investment for participants by expanding networks and securing immediate agreements.• Live Cooking Competitions: Culinary teams from 35 hotels and restaurants, featuring 400 chefs, will compete in high-stakes cook-offs judged by renowned experts, showcasing talent and creativity.• Conference Sessions: Insightful discussions are scheduled across four main themes: ‘Redefining Luxury: The Future of High-End Hospitality,’ ‘The Future of Food: Innovation & Manufacturing,’ ‘Digital Power: Marketing & Social Media in Hospitality,’ and ‘Smart Hospitality: Innovation & Technology Transforming the Industry.’• Certified Workshops: Sessions focusing on Luxury Service Excellence, Food Safety & Sustainability, and Digital Strategies for Hospitality (including AI and branding).The event will also host the Ambassador of Excellence Awards, recognising leading industry figures, and the talabat Choice Awards, celebrating the best in the industry, which will be presented on October 30. talabat is participating as a Gold Sponsor for the milestone event.Organisers noted that the diverse range of exhibitors covers every aspect of the sector, from luxury tourism and food manufacturing to smart technology and service excellence, providing participants with a comprehensive procurement hub.According to the organisers, Hospitality Qatar 2025 is set against the backdrop of Qatar’s unprecedented growth in tourism, fueled by significant investments in luxury infrastructure and world-class facilities.