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The FIFA Arab Cup, which is currently underway, is expected to give a fillip to Doha's tourism and retail sectors, according to Cushman and Wakefield Qatar (CWQ)."Looking ahead, the FIFA Arab Cup is expected to further stimulate regional tourism activity and strengthen Qatar's position as a leading sports and events destination," CWQ said in its latest report.The long-term potential for tourism growth has been reinforced by major catalysts in 2025, including the approval of the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) unified tourist visa, which will enable multi-country Gulf travel from late 2025, and the expansion of air connectivity to Australia through the Qatar Airways-Virgin Australia partnership.While performance in the hotel sector is improving, it said private sector appetite for new development remains subdued in 2025 and is unlikely to strengthen until rising visitor numbers translate into sustained growth in average daily rates across the market.In the first half of 2025, Qatar attracted a record breaking 2.6mn international visitors with a further 915,000 visitors in the third quarter (Q3) representing a slight decrease of 0.54% on an annualised basis.The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries represented the largest share of the tourist market at 36%, followed by European countries (25%), Asia and Oceania (22%), the Americas (7%), other Arab countries (7%) and the rest of Africa (3%).CWQ said within the hotel sector, one to three stars reflect the best performance with 84% occupancy, possibly reflecting the lack of supply against four and five-star establishments. Serviced apartments have decreased slightly withy 68% occupancy recorded between July and September 2025.Room demand reached 7.7mn nights between the first and third quarter of 2025, an 8% increase against the same period in 2024. The average daily rate (ADR) fell 1.6% from QR377 to QR371.On the retail sector, which remained stable through Q3 2025, supported by resilient consumer spending and continued tourism growth; CWQ said it is expected to provide a strong boost to the sector through elevated tourist arrivals and event-driven spending.Increased footfall across malls, dining destinations, and entertainment venues is anticipated as regional visitors extend their stays for shopping and leisure, it said.Retailers are likely to benefit from higher short-term sales volumes, particularly in F&B (food and beverages), sports merchandise, and experiential outlets; while landlords may capitalise through pop-up activations and extended trading hours during the tournament period."Looking ahead to the final quarter, a healthy performance in the retail sector is expected, supported by increased tourism levels and the continued prominence of prime retail and lifestyle-driven real estate destinations," it said.CWQ said performance varied across retail formats, with destination malls and lifestyle real estate outperforming older community malls, showcasing the shift in consumer preferences.While retail activity remains largely driven by domestic demand, the Q3-2025 data indicates continued strength in the sector, supported by a 2.2% year-on-year rise in tourist arrivals against the same quarter in 2024.Prime retail is performing strongly, with rents for line stores now exceeding 320 per sq m per month and even higher for small units, supported by strong occupancy levels and high footfall; while secondary retail such as community malls typically achieves lower rents, ranging from 180 to 230 per sq m per month.New supply is largely composed of open-air retail destinations with rents in the range of QR150–200 per sq m per month. Upcoming developments such as The Avenues in Al Waab and Bahara Town in Abu Hamour are expected to launch in 2026, with quoted rents ranging from QR180–220 per sq m per month.Over the past year, climate-controlled, open-air, pedestrianised, retail and F&B destinations have been successful in attracting strong tenant demand and higher rents than legacy projects, highlighting the importance of cooling technology in the prevailing climate, according to CWQ.

Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Permanent Committee for Managing Visitor Entry, has announced updates to the "Hayya" GCC Residents Visa (A2). The new features are designed to make travel to Qatar smoother and more convenient during a season rich in international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events.The updates, which will take effect on 30 November 2025, allows visitors from GCC countries to stay in Qatar for up to two months and offers multiple-entry access. These enhancements are designed to make it easier for visitors to attend a variety of events throughout the season and enjoy a seamless entry experience across all points of arrival.These updates come at a key moment as Qatar prepares to welcome regional visitors for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup alongside a packed events calendar. The new visa features allow GCC residents to move in and out of the country with ease, enabling fans to attend matches and enjoy Qatar's broader cultural and entertainment offerings. Through the Hayya Platform, Qatar continues to ensure a smooth arrival experience and strong operational readiness for the tournament and other major events during peak periods.Commenting on the new updates, Director of Hayya, Saeed Al Kuwari said: "These measures go beyond simple procedural changes. They reflect Qatar Tourism's broader vision to strengthen the country's openness to the region, facilitate visitor movement during major sports and cultural events, increase arrivals, and enhance tourism's contribution to the national economy. They also reinforce Qatar's position as a leading regional destination for tourism and international events."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.By making entry seamless for GCC residents, Qatar Tourism is enabling more visitors from neighbouring countries to enjoy the season's events, strengthening Qatar's global tourism profile, and supporting economic growth.Hayya offers five distinct visa categories: the Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4), and the Visa-Free for US Citizens (F1). 

The governor of Misamis Occidental province in the Philippines has underscored the importance of reciprocal business missions between Qatar and Northern Mindanao, describing delegation exchanges as a key pathway to explore investment opportunities in various sectors.Governor Henry S Oaminal emphasised to Gulf Times that tourism, agriculture, transportation, and food security are among the investment areas that could be explored either through business-to-business (B2B) or government-to-government (G2G) strategies.According to Oaminal, tourism promotion is being positioned alongside trade and agriculture to strengthen ties with Doha. “It can go hand in hand; the trade relationship can be posted to enhance one’s economy, particularly in Mindanao, specifically in my home province, Misamis Occidental,” the governor explained.He further said, “We are a developing province, having the potential for trade investment and agriculture. Then there is tourism, which is being highlighted by the government. We are currently developing our mountains and coastal areas, so we can organise an inbound mission from Qatar to Mindanao, and eventually, vice versa from our region to promote trade and tourism relations.”Oaminal highlighted Misamis Occidental’s natural attractions as part of the pitch to Qatari investors. He also confirmed that investment opportunities are being opened for Qatar in multiple sectors, including transportation, food security, and dairy farms.The governor said discussions with Qatari travel operators were held during the recently concluded Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025, with plans to invite them to Mindanao for a travel operators convention.“Conversely, we will also be organising an outbound mission comprising a delegation from Misamis Occidental to explore Qatar and the many possibilities where we can establish good business relationships, not only in trade but in all aspects,” Oaminal explained.Asked for a timeline for these plans, Oaminal projected that the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental would send an outbound mission to Doha “by the first quarter of 2026.”Aside from visiting QTM 2025, Oaminal was in Qatar as part of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) business delegation, which held high-level meetings with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), tourism officials, and Qatar Chamber, among others.The PCCI delegation was led by its president, Enunina V Mangio, discussed co-operation relations and networking with Qatar Chamber. The Philippine delegation comprised 40 people representing about 30 companies across sectors such as labour, real estate, monorails, construction, and water technology, Mangio told this paper on the sidelines of QTM 2025. 

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.

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.