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Lusail International Circuit (LIC), Qatar's premier motorsport venue, announced its double triumph at the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. Last year’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, hosted at LIC from November 29 to December 1 has won awards in two prestigious categories: Premier Sport Event of the Year under World Class Events, and Outstanding Destination Campaign under Digital Footprint.These accolades, presented in partnership with the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), recognise the exceptional contributions of Qatar's tourism and hospitality leaders.Selected from over 1,160 submissions and evaluated by a distinguished jury of local and international experts, the awards highlight innovations that elevate Qatar as a top tier destination. The Qatar Grand Prix 2024 stood out for its unparalleled sporting spectacle and its innovative digital campaigns that captivated global audiences, showcasing Qatar's vibrant tourism landscape."This double win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Lusail International Circuit, as well as our partners at Qatar Tourism and Formula 1. We are truly grateful to the global community that made this possible," said Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit. "Hosting the Qatar Grand Prix not only delivers thrilling on track action but also positions Qatar as a hub for international events, blending high speed excitement with cultural and touristic experiences that draw visitors from around the world."For LIC, these awards underscore the circuit's role in driving Qatar's tourism growth through world class events and cutting-edge digital engagement. The recognition affirms LIC's commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, further solidifying its status as a key player in the global motorsport and tourism arenas.LIC in a statement said it extends its deepest gratitude to its passionate fans worldwide who attended the 2024 event. Their enthusiasm and support have been the fuel behind LIC's success.LIC is gearing up for an even more spectacular Qatar Grand Prix, which is slated to be held from today until Sunday. With enhanced fan experiences, innovative activations, and a continued focus on digital outreach, LIC aims to build on this momentum and create lasting memories for attendees from every corner of the globe.

Qatar Museums (QM) has been recognised with several prestigious distinctions at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025 which was co-organised by Qatar Tourism and the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).In total, QM received four awards at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025, recognising excellence across multiple areas of cultural tourism.The Museum of Islamic Art won the Outstanding Cultural Tourism Experience Award; National Museum of Qatar won the Iconic Local Attraction Award; Qatar Museums (Institutional) won the Tourism Innovation Award; and Director of the Museum of Islamic Art ,Shaikha Nasser Al Nassr won the Emerging Leader in Tourism Award.Qatar Museums CEO, Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihicommented: "The recognition we have received at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025 is a powerful validation of our vision to place culture at the heart of national development. These achievements reinforce Qatar Museums' position as a global centre for art and culture, delivering world-class, authentic and memorable visitor experiences that continue to elevate our nation's cultural standing on the world stage."QC+, QM's strategic group for creative and commercial growth, was also shortlisted in four areas across its F&B and Hospitality portfolio, recognizing its dedication to cultural expression, and guest experience. This year's awards attracted more than 1,160 submissions, which were evaluated by a distinguished international jury from a shortlist of 195 entries.The 2025 edition also introduced an Alumni Network and new sub-categories like "Hotelier of the Year," reinforcing the event's role in driving continuous innovation and supporting Qatar National Vision 2030.

Key officials from the Philippines’ public and private sectors expressed collective optimism about robust investment collaboration with Qatar in tourism, agriculture, transportation, and trade.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025, Department of Tourism (DoT) Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar underscored the country’s unified presence in the event’s fourth edition, which will run until November 24 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).“Our participation in the event reflects the Department of Tourism’s keenness to not only promote the Philippines as a tourism destination but also to include halal tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism as our offering to the people of Qatar,” Valderrosa-Abubakar pointed out.**media[385855]**She added that the DoT’s participation, in partnership with the Embassy of the Philippines in the State of Qatar, was part of a broader effort to highlight the country’s readiness to welcome Muslim travellers and showcase its diverse tourism portfolio.From the provincial front, Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S Oaminal emphasised the natural attractions of Northern Mindanao as a key draw for international visitors. He said: “We have development initiatives on both our mountain and coastal areas; we have a beach resort that is multi-inspired because it has an ocean villa presentation and dolphin islands nearby.”He explained that tourism promotion was being positioned alongside trade and agriculture to strengthen ties with Qatar, noting that inbound missions from Doha to Mindanao could be complemented by outbound delegations from the province of Misamis Occidental.Meanwhile, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina V Mangio highlighted the chamber’s direct engagement with Qatari counterparts.**media[385856]**“That’s why we’re bringing a group of individuals who are all engaged in different sectors, and we will try to match them with their counterparts in Qatar,” Mangio explained, adding that the PCCI is keen on sharing best practices, technology transfer, partnerships, and investment exchange.Today (November 25), the PCCI is meeting officials of Qatar Chamber to discuss co-operation relations and networking. The Philippine delegation comprises 40 people representing about 30 companies across sectors such as labour, real estate, monorails, construction, and water technology, Mangio noted.Aside from Qatar Chamber, Mangio said the PCCI delegation is expected to hold meetings with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Investment Authority, and tourism authorities.Mangio emphasised that the Philippines is ready to deepen its partnership with Qatar, leveraging tourism as a gateway to trade and investment, while ensuring that the PCCI will highlight the key role that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and regional provinces play in strengthening Qatar-Philippines investment ties.

After years of delays, Cairo is finally set to open the Grand Egyptian Museum on Saturday -- a long-awaited, billion-dollar showcase of pharaonic grandeur that Egypt hopes will help revive tourism and boost its troubled economy. Seventy-nine delegations, including 39 heads of state and government, are expected at the ceremony, which begins at 7:30 pm local time (1730 GMT). Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain and Denmark will be among those sending representatives, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. In the nights leading up to the opening, shafts of light have illuminated both the pyramids and the museum's colossal facade -- a prelude to Saturday's spectacle. Set on a gentle slope overlooking the Giza Plateau, just beyond the shadow of the pyramids, the museum was built with major financial and technical support from Japan, and spreads across nearly half a million square metres. It houses more than 100,000 artefacts, half of which will be on display, making it the world's largest collection devoted to a single civilisation, according to Egyptian officials. Inside, visitors will enter vast, light-filled halls with soaring ceilings and sand-coloured stone walls that echo the surrounding desert. **media[375988]** At the centre of the main atrium stands an 83-tonne statue of Ramses II, the pharaoh who ruled Egypt for 66 years and presided over its golden age. Unlike the cramped, century-old Egyptian Museum in central Cairo, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) features immersive galleries, precision lighting, virtual-reality exhibits and even a children's museum. One highlight is a live conservation lab, visible through floor-to-ceiling glass, where visitors can watch restorers assembling a 4,500-year-old solar boat buried near Khufu's pyramid. The undisputed star of the show, however, is King Tutankhamun's collection of more than 5,000 objects, many displayed together for the first time. The museum opens to the public on Tuesday, showcasing thousands of funerary artefacts previously scattered across Egypt. Setbacks More than two decades in the making, the GEM faced multiple hurdles, including political unrest, regional conflicts and the Covid-19 pandemic. Observers caution that its long-term success depends on stable tourism and strong supporting infrastructure. Egyptian archeologist Hussein Bassir said the museum's future hinges on "regular maintenance to preserve the building and its treasures". "If the current momentum is not maintained, the museum could quickly lose its appeal and visitor numbers could drop," he told AFP. Egypt's tourism sector, a vital source of foreign currency and jobs, has been repeatedly shaken over the past decade and a half, from the 2011 uprising to waves of unrest and sporadic terrorist attacks in the aftermath. **media[375986]** Elhamy al-Zayat, former head of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, told AFP the museum was part of a broader plan to transform the entire Giza Plateau. "Egypt has created an entirely new cultural and tourist zone" at the plateau, with a nearby airport and upgraded visitor facilities at the pyramids, he said. Roads leading to the plateau have been refurbished, digital ticketing introduced and air-conditioned electric buses now glide past the pyramids. In recent years, tourism has shown signs of recovery, with 15 million visitors travelling to Egypt in the first nine months of 2025 and generating $12.5 billion, up 21 percent from a year earlier. Officials believe the GEM alone could draw up to seven million visitors annually, potentially bringing total visitor numbers to 30 million by 2030. Yet some observers are cautious, saying regional instability, including the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan, as well as economic pressures, threaten to challenge the museum's potential to deliver a major boost for Egypt's tourism sector.

Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented wave of cultural, economic, and sports activities in November, as Doha prepares to host a series of international conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and championships, highlighting its position as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and excellence.From Sustainability Week to the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Doha Film Festival, and Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism, the events cover sectors such as sports, economy, health, education, and culture, reflecting Qatar's vision of promoting international dialogue and supporting sustainable development.Nov 1-7: Qatar Sustainability Week led by Earthna, 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week will highlight sustainability efforts.Nov 3-27: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Qatar is set to host its third global tournament under the supervision of FIFA, after it has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 World Cup November 4-8: KIDS EXPO 2025 Under the theme "Our Children are the Greatest Treasure," the second edition of the Expo will be held to raise awareness about children's rights.Nov 5-8: Qatar Boat Show 2025 Held at the Old Doha Port, the second edition of Qatar Boat Show 2025 will combine heritage, luxury, and innovation in yachting.Novr 11-13: Qatar Medicare 2025 Qatar Medicare stands as Qatar's first International Healthcare and Medical Trade Exhibition and Conference, convening an extensive network of healthcare stakeholders.Nov 17-19: Rowad 2025 Conference Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding," Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 is considered the most influential event in the State of Qatar's entrepreneurship sector. This year's edition will focus on the requirements for international growth and expansion beyond local markets.Nov 20-22: 17th Gulf Heart Association Conference The conference will cover numerous topics of advanced and general cardiology. It aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and research on all aspects of heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.Nov 20-23: 5th Qatar Taekwondo Open Championships The Championship will bring together international athletes.Nov 20-28: Doha Film Festival Doha Film Festival upports talent, promots cultural dialogue, and showcases innovative visions.Nov 24-25: 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) centers around the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education." WISE 12 aims to deepen discussions on the purpose of education and its pivotal role in serving humanity.Nov 24-26: Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism 2025 (QTM 2025) QTM 2025 is a prominent platform in the field of travel and tourism, bringing together leading global destinations to showcase the latest trends in sports tourism, conferences and exhibitions tourism, business and cultural tourism, and leisure tourism.Nov 25-26: MWC Doha 2025 MWC25 Doha is the first-ever edition of the GSMA's MWC Series to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event marks a key milestone in positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation and transformation.The conference will explore three key themes: AI Nexus, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in powering innovation; Intelligent Economies, centered on secure digital infrastructure and next-generation networks; and Connected Industries, highlighting the growing impact of emerging technologies on daily life and economic systems.Nov 27-29: 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC Qatar 2025) The Conference brings together specialists, policymakers, and researchers to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of primary health care.Nov 28-30: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship It is one of the season's most anticipated races.This vibrant calendar underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to solidifying its position on the global events map, attracting international expertise, and affirming its leadership in building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

Doha’s hospitality market remains “stable” as tourism demand remains robust in 2025 with steady growth, especially in the leisure and staycation, which hold considerable untapped potential, according to KPMG in Qatar.Post-2022, the market stabilised with ADR (average daily rate) and RevPAR (revenue per available room) remaining above pre-World Cup levels amid steady growth in visitor arrivals, KPMG in Qatar said in its latest report.“Qatar’s hospitality sector rebounded steadily post-pandemic, supported by new events, attractions, and tourism initiatives,” the report said.As of YTD (year-to-date) August 2025, occupancy stands at about 69%, ADR at QR429, and RevPAR at QR300, reflecting a resilient performance, it said, adding Qatar’s hospitality sector continues to sustain “strong” momentum.February posted the strongest results, with occupancy at 82.5% and ADR at QR490, driven by favourable winter weather and major events such as the Global Champions Arabians Tour and the Web Summit.January and April also benefited from the pleasant climate, sustaining occupancy levels above 76%, it said, adding March saw the sharpest dip, with occupancy falling to 52.3% and ADR to QR369, reflecting muted demand during Ramadan, when shorter business hours and fewer leisure activities typically curb travel.From May to August, the market cooled, with RevPAR easing to QR243 in August, reflecting the off-peak summer period when high temperatures typically reduce travel in the region.KPMG in Qatar said tourism today is no longer defined by a single experience but by a spectrum of segments that cater to different traveller motivations. From sports and eco-conscious tourism to adventure, heritage, leisure, and staycations, the sector is evolving to meet diverse preferences, it said.“These segments collectively strengthen Qatar’s positioning as a diverse, year-round destination, appealing to international, regional, and domestic travellers,” it said.On leisure and staycation, it said such developments bring year-round demand drivers that balance Qatar’s tourism sector, particularly during weekends, holidays, and off-peak seasons, ensuring steadier performance.“The segment holds considerable untapped potential, especially through developing tailored staycation packages for international tourists and residents, families, couples, and young professionals, while also diversifying experiences beyond accommodation,” it said.By integrating wellness, recreation, dining, entertainment, adventure, and cultural activities into staycation offerings, Qatar can elevate these short breaks into comprehensive lifestyle experiences that strengthen domestic and regional demand, according to KPMG in Qatar.Qatar is positioned to spearhead new projects and initiatives that align with the latest trends shaping the hospitality and tourism sector, it said, highlighting The West Bay Beaches and Al Safliya Island Development project.By integrating entertainment and hospitality into a single destination and delivering it through a PPP (public private partnership) model, the project aligns with global trends of diversified tourism development supported by private investment, it said.“The West Bay Beaches and Al Safliya Island developments go beyond tourism, creating wide-ranging impacts across human, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. By enhancing quality of life, strengthening cultural identity, diversifying the economy, and embedding sustainability, they contribute directly to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030,” the report said.

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.