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Qatar Museums (QM) announced that it has been recognised among the region's leading institutions in sustainability at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2025, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. QM was awarded the Gold Award for Best Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality, distinguishing it as a benchmark institution in advancing responsible cultural tourism and sustainable visitor experiences. It was also awarded the Silver and Bronze Awards in the Green Building category, recognising its commitment to sustainable architecture, energy-efficient infrastructure, and environmentally conscious operational practices across its museum network. Competing against more than 50 prominent organisations from across the Middle East, QM achieved multiple distinctions that reflect its leadership in integrating sustainability into every aspect of its cultural and operational mandate. These accolades reaffirm Qatar Museums' alignment with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its environmental development pillar. By embedding sustainability into design, operations, and community engagement, QM continues to set new regional standards for institutional responsibility and cultural leadership. This year, Qatar Museums is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This milestone year is marked by Evolution Nation—an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar's cultural journey, since the founding of the National Museum.

As part of their efforts to promote digital innovation in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in collaboration with Qatar Tourism, held an awareness workshop under the SMEs Go Digital Program, the national initiative aimed at supporting SMEs in adopting digital solutions.The workshop focused on showcasing the role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving innovation across hotels and tour operators. Two workshops have been organized in collaboration with Qatar Tourism emphasized the vital role of digital transformation in advancing the tourism industry, where participants explored practical AI applications that enhance customer experience, simplify operations, and open new avenues for SMEs growth.On this occasion, Faraj Jassim Abdulla, Director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: "The SMEs Go Digital Program is a cornerstone of our strategy to foster a diverse and sustainable digital economy in Qatar. The program goes beyond offering technical solutions; it provides an integrated system of tools and services that empower SMEs to innovate business models, achieve greater operational efficiency, and expand their presence in local and global markets. Our partnership with Qatar Tourism represents a key opportunity to accelerate digital transformation in a sector that is a major driver of economic growth, by integrating AI technologies and digital solutions that improve service quality and enrich visitor experiences. This program reflects MCIT’s commitment to building a business environment founded on digital innovation, strengthening collaboration with strategic partners, and enabling SMEs to be a central engine in achieving the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030."Commenting on the workshop, Omar al-Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, stated: "At Qatar Tourism, we are committed to keeping pace with technological advancements by integrating artificial intelligence into our website and applications. We strive for all our partners to adopt these solutions to elevate the tourism sector in Qatar. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, we are supporting SMEs in embracing digital solutions that enhance service quality and reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading global tourism destination."This workshop is part of a series of specialised sessions under the SMEs Digital Transformation Program, targeting key sectors including tourism, education, healthcare, retail and wholesale, and transport and logistics. The program supports the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 by building a business ecosystem driven by digital innovation. As a national initiative, it aims to accelerate the digital transformation of SMEs in Qatar, with a particular focus on enabling them to adopt emerging technologies and enhance their readiness for the digital future.It offers a wide range of benefits to SMEs, including tailored digital assessments, customized digital transformation roadmaps, opportunities to connect with service providers, exclusive technology offers, and potential financial support through Qatar Development Bank. It also provides training courses and awareness sessions that equip SMEs with the skills needed to leverage digital technologies for sustainable growth.

The embassy of Austria Sunday received the ‘Austria Luxury Showcase’ tourism delegation to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Austria. Aimed to foster co-operation in the field of tourism, the event brought together leading representatives and stakeholders from the tourism sector while providing an excellent opportunity for exchange and networking.The event was attended by ambassador of Austria Erika Bernhard along with representatives from various Qatari and Austrian entities.While addressing the event, the ambassador noted that Austria and Qatar are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year in a very constructive exchange in multiple sectors. “Austria and Qatar have been connected in friendship and in a very constructive exchange for such a long time. So we count on the success of the co-operation for the next 50 years. We can do even more,” she said.In the context of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the ambassador said, the Austrian embassy launched a series of events in mid-September. An exchange was made between the IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences in Austria and the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST). A high-level delegation from IMC Krems visited UDST to indicate a potential for future co-operation between the two institutions.“Our aim is to promote exchange between young people because they are the future. If they know each other better, understand each other’s cultures better, it’s good for all of us. The Austrian embassy together with the Austrian Trade Commission hosted a series of Austrian Business Council meetings. We are trying to contribute to intensifying the business exchange between our countries,” she said.As part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Katara Cultural Village hosted a cultural event entitled ‘Culinary Arts’ in co-operation with the Austrian embassy in Doha. This year Austria Tourism puts a particular focus on Qatar to foster co-operation in the field of tourism.‘Austria Luxury Showcase’ promises an experience of unparalleled elegance and sophistication and the opportunity to delve into the epitome of Austrian luxury as you explore the imperial treasures and alpine elegance.As part of the delegation visit, a destination dialogue, evening visit to Souq Waqif and farewell breakfast will be held. The event will come to an end on September 30.

Qatar Tourism (QT) hosted a stakeholder townhall for its “Taste of Qatar” programme.The event gathered leading representatives from Qatar’s food and beverage sector including restaurants, cafés, chefs, and hospitality experts to mark the beginning of a national initiative aimed at setting new standards for service excellence and positioning Qatar as a world-class culinary destination. **media[361733]**The townhall was officially opened by Visit Qatar public relations and communications director Jassim al-Mahmoud, in the presence of Visit Qatar chief executive, engineer Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi.Commenting on the programme, QT chief of tourism development Omar al-Jaber said: “’Taste of Qatar’ reflects our commitment to supporting the food and beverage sector with professional evaluations, constructive feedback, and recognition that enables outlets to grow and succeed in a competitive market.”The agenda featured two panel discussions.The first panel explored perspectives from industry leaders on the evolution of Qatar’s dining scene, the expectations of today’s diners, and the importance of cultural identity in shaping the country’s food and beverage offerings.The second panel focused on sustainable dining and local impact.Panellists discussed the role of regenerative farming, plant-based innovation, and global hotel strategies in creating a more sustainable and responsible gastronomic future for Qatar.The event concluded with a presentation by representatives of the Michelin Guide, who provided an international perspective on the standards and opportunities that drive international recognition in the dining sector.The “Taste of Qatar” programme is a national restaurant rating initiative that sets benchmarks for service excellence and guest experience across the food and beverage sector.Open to all licensed outlets, the programme has already attracted strong participation with registrations reaching over 600 submissions currently under review and mystery dining evaluations in progress.Certified restaurants will be recognised later this year at an official ceremony, where they will be awarded plaques and promoted through Visit Qatar’s channels, increasing their visibility among both local and international audiences. – QNA

Qatar Tourism hosted a stakeholder townhall for its Taste of Qatar programme. The event gathered leading representatives from Qatar's food and beverage sector, including restaurants, cafés, chefs, and hospitality experts to mark the beginning of a national initiative aimed at setting new standards for service excellence and positioning Qatar as a world-class culinary destination.The townhall was officially opened by PR and Communications Director at Visit Qatar Jassim Al Mahmoud, in the presence of the Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi.Commenting on the programme, Chief of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism Omar Al Jaber said: "Taste of Qatar reflects our commitment to supporting the food and beverage sector with professional evaluations, constructive feedback, and recognition that enables outlets to grow and succeed in a competitive market."The agenda featured two panel discussions. The first panel explored perspectives from industry leaders on the evolution of Qatar's dining scene, the expectations of today's diners, and the importance of cultural identity in shaping the country's food and beverage offerings.The second panel focused on sustainable dining and local impact. Panelists discussed the role of regenerative farming, plant-based innovation, and global hotel strategies in creating a more sustainable and responsible gastronomic future for Qatar.The event concluded with a presentation by representatives of the MICHELIN Guide, who provided a global perspective on the standards and opportunities that drive international recognition in the dining sector.The Taste of Qatar programme is a national restaurant rating initiative that sets clear benchmarks for service excellence and guest experience across the food and beverage sector. Open to all licensed outlets, the programme has already attracted strong participation, with registrations reaching over 600 submissions currently under review and mystery dining evaluations in progress.Certified restaurants will be recognised later this year at an official ceremony, where they will be awarded plaques and promoted through Visit Qatar's channels, increasing their visibility among both local and international audiences.

Universal healthcare coverage for all citizens is a challenge for all governments. The better the treatment and freer the access, the longer the waiting lists. There is invariably a case of finite resources trying to meet demand that is effectively infinite, or at least inexorably rising. Healthcare inflation has outstripped general inflation, reaching 10-12% in many countries, and people’s expectations of both availability of health services and the standard of care rise. Also, increased life expectancy can mean that people are living longer, but sometimes with chronic conditions. Qatar is pursuing a smart policy of boosting private sector healthcare and health tourism while maintaining universal coverage. Can it square the circle of combining quality and accessibility? So the approach of Qatar merits attention. Health is a national priority beneath the Qatar Vision framework. State provision is of a high standard, through the Hamad Medical Corporation. The HMC runs the country’s principal not-for-profit hospital, the Hamad General Hospital, which is to be the subject of a major three-year renovation programme. While services will remain open during the refurbishment, some outpatient and inpatient services will be relocated. Renovation will include upgrading buildings for inpatients. There will be single rooms, higher standard facilities and investment in new technology. During the renovation, Ministers have perceived an opportunity to maintain or enhance health services for citizens and expats, while boosting the private sector and developing health tourism. In May HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud met representatives of the insurance sector, as part of a policy to encourage the development of health insurance. In 2013-2015 the Government set up a state-run insurance scheme called SEHA, but there were problems with costs and over-claiming, subsequently it perceives partnership with private insurance providers as a superior approach. Meanwhile, the Government has signed contracts with four private sector hospitals to provide treatment for uninsured patients on public hospital waiting lists. The state will pick up the cost in full. This reduces waiting lists while helping to develop private sector provision, in terms of both quality and scale. An additional advantage in developing a strong private medical sector is to make Qatar a favoured destination for health tourism. This was confirmed at the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, held in May, where HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, the Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said that positioning Qatar as a destination for health tourists was a strategic aim. Major investment in hotels, transport facilities and other key aspects of infrastructure in preparation for the FIFA World Cup in 2022 means that facilities in the country are world class. In addition, there is a high-quality, well-regarded national airline. Private sector hospitals have high-standard facilities and highly skilled doctors, helped by a favourable visa programme. Health spending has reached 12% of the national budget, which is high by international standards. There is investment in technology, including specialist AI applications that can help with diagnosis and treatment. Qatar is preparing a medical visa programme, to smooth the bureaucracy for a health tourist visitor. Omar al-Jaber, head of the Tourism Development Sector at Visit Qatar, has stated that this measure will encourage visitors for wellness and preventative treatments at resorts, as well as advanced medical procedures such as surgical operations. All the elements are in place for Qatar to compete directly with other nations that attract health tourists, such as Singapore, Dubai and Thailand. This sector is long-established globally, and has become diversified to include wellness destination and places for recuperation. Qatar now hosts a centre, the Zulal Wellness Resort, run by the Chiva-Som branded wellness retreat, established in Thailand 30 years ago. In terms of tourism, Qatar has been successful in attracting visitors for stopover tours, helped by the high reputation of Qatar Airways and the geographical location of the Gulf in between major continents. Health tourism and wellness stays would typically be longer than the four or five days of a stopover visit. Attention has been paid to every aspect of a tourist’s visit: transport infrastructure, quality of hotels, friendliness of welcome, cleanliness of resorts, personal security and quality of attractions. There is a target for the Qatar state to attract 6mn-7mn visitors by 2030, with tourism reaching 15% of GDP. Helped by investment in healthcare as well as infrastructure for vacation visits, this is looking like a feasible target. The author is a Qatari banker, with many years of experience in the banking sector in senior positions.

The Hayya platform, recently moved under the umbrella of Qatar Tourism, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 2mn successfully processed e-visa applications in the period following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.This achievement highlights Hayya's capacity to handle large volumes efficiently and reaffirms the platform’s position as a primary tool for facilitating visitor entry to Qatar and enhancing the overall tourism experience, a statement said Wednesday.Since April 2023, the platform has processed an average of more than 60,000 applications per month until Wednesday, while the number of active users on the Hayya mobile app has reached 2.7mn to date.Commenting on the milestone, Saeed al-Kuwari, director of Hayya, said: "Following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we enhanced the Hayya system to accommodate and manage multiple types of visas."By implementing the right technologies and aligning them with security requirements, the system has proven highly effective, as reflected in recent statistics. These improvements have greatly supported the tourism sector by streamlining processes and elevating the overall visitor experience."The Hayya platform has consistently demonstrated its scale and efficiency. During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, it received over 2.4mn applications and recorded a peak of 50,000 applications in a single day, with 49,155 visitor entries processed in just 24 hours.This milestone underscores Qatar’s commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, while further reinforcing the country’s position as a leading global destination for travel and tourism.Originally designed to manage fan entry during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Hayya has since transformed into a comprehensive e-visa ecosystem, offering five distinct visa categories: the Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4), and the Hayya Visa Waiver for US Citizens (F1).The soon-to-launch Hayya 2.0 will deliver an enhanced experience across both the web portal and mobile app. Key upgrades include a streamlined payment gateway and improved portal features, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly journey for visitors and businesses alike.Operated by Qatar Tourism, Hayya serves as Qatar’s official e-visa digital platform. As Qatar’s central digital gateway, Hayya streamlines access to the country through integrated visa processing and event access, all within a single, user-friendly interface.The platform is designed to facilitate e-visa services while integrating events, domestic tourism, transport, lifestyle experiences, and everyday services into one unified solution for living, traveling, and connecting.Beyond enabling smooth entry via airports and land borders, Hayya encourages visitors to explore Qatar’s cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and vibrant year-round events. The platform also supports major events by delivering tailored digital solutions for organisers, delegates, and attendees.

Qatar Tourism (QT) continues to shine a spotlight on the nation’s diverse and influential talents with its ‘Voices of Qatar’ series as it features Peruvian-born chef, Edgar Hurtado.Serving as culinary director for the Four Seasons Doha, overseeing its 11 outlets, Hurtado is sharing his unique approach to Latin American cuisine, deeply influenced by Qatar’s vibrant culinary landscape and his own dedication to ingredient discovery.“The sense of taste is very important – the sounds, the aroma, the place,” he said, noting that it’s about creating a holistic experience.The 'Voices of Qatar' series, accessible on the Visit Qatar YouTube channel, aims to celebrate local talent and their impact on Qatar’s past, present, and future. Through interviews and personal narratives, the initiative offers both residents and visitors an immersive perspective into the rich heritage and dynamic contemporary culture of the nation.QT noted that the series explores behind the scenes with cultural changemakers across various fields, from master chefs and innovators to artists and sports champions. The stories of challenges overcome, triumphs achieved, and positive changes enacted are designed to inspire travellers to visit Qatar and witness firsthand the ripple effects of their contributions.In the video, Hurtado, who proudly states, “I am from Peru,” expressed his excitement about contributing his distinctive flavours to Qatar. “We are always searching for new ingredients in Doha,” he said. “We have a lot of influence from Europe, Asia, Africa...”He cited his admiration for Heenat Salma Farm, located near Doha, saying: "To see the vegetables coming out from the soil, it was amazing”. This connection to fresh, local produce is central to Hurtado’s culinary philosophy at Curiosa, noting that “this is what I try to do at Curiosa, with the food, with the flavour you will have a kind of explosion in your mouth”.He believes his cooking shares a fundamental similarity with Qatari cuisine while meticulously highlighting the authentic tastes of Latin America: “It is amazing the options that you have here in Doha, discover a new flavour”.Hurtado also credits his wife with instilling in him the importance of sharing his culinary passion. “My wife taught me one time, ‘You'd always need to share your way to cook, share my passion, it is a privilege, I love it’”.Hurtado joins a roster of individuals featured in ‘Voices of Qatar’, including: Tania al-Majid (deputy director of Curatorial Affairs, National Museum of Qatar or NMoQ); chef Noof al-Marri (master of the Desert Rose Café, NMoQ); Amal al-Shammari and Shaima Sherif (directors, Embrace Doha); Mohammed al-Sada (pearl diver); Khalifa al-Haroon (founder, I Love Qatar); artists Maryam al-Homaid and Yousef Ahmad; street artist Mubarak al-Malik; rally champion Nasser al-Attiya; Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata (executive director, Earthna); Nada al-Sulaiti (founder and designer, Hairaat); Ghanim al-Sulaiti (vegan guru and eco-entrepreneur); and young explorers.