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Msheireb Properties, the leading sustainable real estate developer in Qatar, won four awards at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025, marking Msheireb’s continued success at the prestigious awards for the third consecutive year. The Awards, presented by Qatar Tourism and World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), recognise innovation and excellence in the nation’s tourism sector, aiming to raise awareness of Qatar as a world-class tourism and leisure destination. Msheireb Properties received recognition across multiple categories: Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) was named Leading Sustainable Attraction: in the hospitality sector, Ammar Samad from Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som received the Community Leadership award; The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha won Exceptional Spa Experience; and Liang at Mandarin Oriental, Doha was recognised for Exceptional Fine Dining Experience. These recognitions reflect Msheireb Properties’ integrated approach to creating destinations that honour Qatari heritage whilst embracing innovation, sustainability, and cultural excellence. From MDD’s pioneering sustainable urban development and smart city technologies to Msheireb Museums’ preservation of Qatar’s rich heritage through immersive storytelling, the awards acknowledge the commitment to meaningful experiences that serve both residents and visitors whilst supporting Qatar National Vision 2030. Msheireb Properties CEO Ali Mohammed al-Kuwari said: “This recognition celebrates the collective efforts of our entire team in creating meaningful experiences that honour Qatari heritage whilst embracing innovation and excellence across all aspects of our work. We remain committed to developing destinations that are not only sustainable and accessible, but also deeply rooted in authentic Qatari culture and values”. As a key cultural and tourist destination, MDD contributes to the growth of Qatar’s tourism sector by promoting cultural exchange, nurturing social interaction, and championing sustainability. The city embodies the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship, accessibility, and responsible tourism. “These recognitions reflect the dedication of our entire team across all our divisions. We remain committed to preserving Qatar’s rich cultural heritage whilst pushing the boundaries of sustainable development and inclusive design,” al-Kuwari said. 

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.

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.

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

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.