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Visit Qatar has successfully concluded the inaugural Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, held from December 10 to 13 in Lusail, marking a major milestone in Qatar’s growing international sporting calendar. The four-day event brought together elite athletes, amateur competitors and community participants from across the world, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading host of world-class endurance sport.The event attracted a total of 5,171 participants across all race categories, reflecting strong international interest and community engagement. Running events saw 3,087 participants, with 2,334 runners competing in the 5km community run and 753 children taking part in the 1km run. Triathlon participation totalled 2,084 competitors, including 63 athletes in the Youth Super Sprint, 1,125 competitors in the 100km Open race, 255 participants in the inaugural T100 Age Group World Championship, and 642 athletes in the Sprint Triathlon. Participants from the United Kingdom topped the list of nationalities, accounting for 11% of competitors, followed by Qatar at 10%, the Philippines at 6%, France at 2%, and Germany at 1%.Ahmed Al Binali, director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, said: “The Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final delivered an outstanding celebration of elite sport, complemented by strong community participation. From world-class competition in Lusail to thousands of participants across running and triathlon events, the four-day programme highlighted Qatar’s proven capability to host major international sporting events that engage athletes, residents and visitors.”In the men’s professional race, New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde was crowned T100 Triathlon World Champion after completing a perfect season, winning every T100 race he entered. He was joined on the podium by Morgan Pearson of the United States in second place and Belgium’s Marten Van Riel in third.In the women’s race, Great Britain’s Kate Waugh secured her first T100 World Championship title following a consistently strong season. She was followed by fellow Briton Georgia Taylorbrown in second place, with Swiss Olympian Julie Derron completing the top three.The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour features more than $8mn in total athlete prize money and compensation. The individual men’s and women’s winners of the T100 Race to Qatar series each received $200,000, in addition to race-specific prize earnings from the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final.Qatar’s global positioning as a hub for international sporting excellence continues to grow, with the 2025 T100 Triathlon World Championship further enriching its sporting legacy and highlighting its position as a leading destination for world-class sporting events.

Visit Qatar announced the return of the 25N51E Music Festival, which will take place on January 30, 2026 at Stadium 974, bringing one of Qatar’s most exciting electronic-dance music experiences to life with an extraordinary lineup of international artists across two dynamic stages.The 25E Main Stage will feature global headliners including Calvin Harris, Alesso and Afrojack, each renowned worldwide for their chart-topping hits and dynamic live performances. The 51N Stage will offer a curated experience for electronic music fans, showcasing NTO and Ben Bohmer, both celebrated for their innovative sounds and ability to craft captivating performances.Named after Qatar’s geographic co-ordinates, 25° North, 51° East, the festival stands as a cultural and musical landmark event, symbolising Qatar’s unique position on the map as a growing hub for world-class entertainment.The lineup will continue to expand with new artist announcements in the weeks ahead, promising an even more vibrant festival experience. 

Visit Qatar signed an agreement with The Ironman Group in Doha to bring the globally recognised Ironman 70.3 triathlon series to Doha for the first time, with the inaugural race scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The event, dubbed Visit Qatar Ironman 70.3 Doha, is expected to attract elite athletes, age-group competitors, and supporters from across the world, further strengthening Qatar’s position as a global sports destination. Visit Qatar CEO Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi said: “Bringing the Ironman 70.3 series to Qatar reflects our continued ambition to position the country as a leading global hub for major international sporting events. This agreement strengthens Qatar’s growing sports tourism sector and showcases its ability to deliver world-class experiences supported by exceptional infrastructure, and an unmatched visitor offering. Together with our partners, we are committed to delivering a race that meets Qatar’s ambition, and global vision.” The triathlon will feature a swim, bike, and run, with courses designed to showcase Doha’s urban scenery and some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, organisers said. Ironman Group CEO Scott DeRue told 'Gulf Times' that Qatar stood out as a natural choice for hosting the race: “This is one of the most incredible destinations in the world for sport, with a rich history of hosting major sporting events”. He added that the event is an early-season race that is perfect for athletes getting ready for big spring and summer races because it will provide qualifying spots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. DeRue highlighted Doha’s distinctive appeal for athletes, citing the city’s landscape, culture, and hospitality, saying: “The beauty of the city, its culture, and how welcoming the community is were all really important factors in bringing Iroanman to Qatar. He described the announcement as the result of long-term discussions."

Visit Qatar is set to present one of the world’s most celebrated composers and pianists, Ludovico Einaudi, performing live in Doha on January 9, 2026 at the Katara Amphitheatre.Doors will open at 8pm for an evening promising an extraordinary blend of emotion, artistry, and world-class music.Known for his minimalist yet deeply evocative compositions, Ludovico Einaudi has captured global audiences with performances that seamlessly fuse classical tradition with contemporary sensibilities. His music, featured in internationally acclaimed films such as Nomadland and The Intouchables, has made him one of the most-streamed classical musicians worldwide.As Qatar continues to attract visitors from the region and around the world, the highly anticipated Ludovico Einaudi concert reflects Visit Qatar’s commitment to hosting world-renowned talent and delivering unforgettable experiences that further enhance the country’s appeal as a leading global tourism destination.This event forms part of Qatar Calendar’s activities, which provides residents and visitors with a comprehensive guide to explore a wide range of events, including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. 

Visit Qatar has won six awards, including two Gold, at the 2025 SMARTIES Saudi Arabia Awards, organised by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The organisation received Gold Awards in the categories of Innovative Use of AI in Advertising and Personalisation, alongside three Silver Awards for AI-Powered Audience Engagement, AI-Driven Creative Excellence, and Customer Experience and UX Design. Reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer, Visit Qatar also received the Best Use of AI in Marketing Award. This achievement follows the success of Visit Qatar's recent digital campaigns, including "Qatar Goes WILD! 5M Visitors, No Brakes!" aimed at adventure-driven audiences, and "5M Visitors Qatar Just CHANGED THE GAME!" which celebrated record visitor numbers. Supported by an advanced digital ecosystem featuring a hyper-personalisation messaging engine, real-time dynamic creative optimisation, and extensive big data analytics, these campaigns delivered relevant and engaging travel experiences tailored to audience interests and behaviours The award-winning campaigns were delivered in collaboration with strategic partners Mindshare Qatar and Smartifai, who contributed to the development of AI-powered marketing solutions based on big data insights and real-time audience engagement, enhancing campaign performance and impact across global markets.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is thrilled to announce that Algerian music legend Cheb Khaled, in collaboration with Visit Qatar, will take the stage on Saturday, 29 November 2025, for an unforgettable live performance at the Lusail Live Stage (concert area) during the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025. Fans can expect a night full of the legendary rhythms of raï, combining world class live music with the excitement of Formula 1 racing. Known as the “King of Raï,” Cheb Khaled (Khaled Hadj Ibrahim) was born in Oran, Algeria in 1960. At the age of 14, he formed the Cinq Étoiles (Five Stars) band and began performing at various events. Khaled rose to international fame with his 1993 hit “Didi,” which topped charts across Arabic speaking audiences as well as in Europe and Asia. Over his career, he has sold more than 80.5mn albums worldwide, receiving numerous awards, and has become one of the best selling Arabic language artists. His music transcends borders, with performances on stages such as The Tonight Show in 1993, and highlights including the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Elle a dû quitter l’école une heure plus tôt pour un rendez-vous chez le médecin.Africa. His songs convey messages of love, tolerance, and peace, earning him fans across generations and continents. Fans attending the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix can enjoy Cheb Khaled live on Saturday night with single day Saturday tickets available starting at QR500 for General Admission. Three Day Grandstand tickets are also available but limited only to the Turn 3 Grandstand (QR1,000; student price QR800). Access to Cheb Khaled’s performance is included with all ticket types. Hospitality packages offering premium viewing experiences are also available. Tickets are selling fast for Qatar’s premier motorsport and entertainment event. Fans can secure their place by visiting tickets.lcsc.qa.

Visit Qatar is set to participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, from Nov 4–6 at ExCeL London, leading a delegation of 48 partners, including hotels, resorts, and destination management companies.As one of the world’s leading global travel and tourism exhibitions, WTM serves as a strategic platform to spotlight Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, strengthen partnerships, and attract new business and investment opportunities in line with the country’s national tourism strategy.Visit Qatar will present the country’s expanding tourism ecosystem within the dedicated Qatar Pavilion, located at Stand S8-210.The Qatar Pavilion will feature a two-level design covering 700sq m with an additional 150sq m mezzanine, offering engaging spaces for networking and business meetings.The stand will immerse visitors in Qatar’s rich culture and modern experiences through a series of creative activations and showcases.Highlights include a range of engaging and interactive activations including a dedicated cultural zone featuring live demonstrations of calligraphy, Kohl and perfume making, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Qatari traditions and craftsmanship. Guests will also enjoy a taste of Qatari hospitality through the Qinwan coffee and dates experience.To further enhance visitor engagement, a special 4D immersive activation will bring Meryal Waterpark to life through multi-sensory visual, audio, and water effects, providing an exhilarating preview of one of Qatar’s newest attractions. In addition, a dedicated Qatar Calendar showcase will offer insights into the country’s upcoming events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Through Taste of Qatar, the nation’s culinary stories are being recognised, celebrated, and shared with the world, a Visit Qatar statement said Saturday. Taste of Qatar, launched by Qatar Tourism following the debut of the Michelin Guide Doha 2025 and developed in collaboration with the global research firm Ipsos, is the nation’s official restaurant rating programme. For diners, spotting the Taste of Qatar plaque at an entrance is a promise that every detail has been perfected, every plate prepared with care, and every guest welcomed with the warmth and hospitality Qatar is known for. Earning a Taste of Qatar certification is a journey of dedication. Restaurants, cafes, and local dining concepts are awarded a 1–3 star rating, with the coveted 3-star status reserved for those who consistently achieve a 90% or above rating in multiple inspections throughout the year. These inspections capture the essence of an outlet’s service, quality, and hospitality. Mystery dining visits ensure that every experience is authentic, while aggregate scores reflect a commitment to excellence over time. To be considered, outlets must first, register and remain active on the programme’s official portal, pass the Ministry of Public Health’s Watheq inspection and demonstrate consistent quality across food, service, and ambiance. Every year, 3-star certified outlets will be honoured at the Taste of Qatar Certification Ceremony. The celebration brings together chefs, owners, to recognise their achievements, receive their official plaque.

Visit Qatar successfully concluded its 2025 International Representation Offices meeting, held in Doha from Oct 13-15. The three-day event gathered 32 senior representatives from Visit Qatar’s 11 international offices, alongside departmental directors, and members of the International Markets Management team, Qatar Tourism said in a statement Wednesday. The meeting served as a platform to review performances, share market insights, and align strategies for 2026, reinforcing Visit Qatar's vision of unified global representation. It provided an opportunity for open dialogue between Visit Qatar and international offices spanning China, India, Russia, Iran, KSA, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, the UK, and the CIS, with the newly appointed USA office participating for the first time. The agenda featured departmental presentations, strategy sessions, and panel discussions led by the International Markets team, with contributions from Visit Qatar's Marketing, Festivals and Events, Partnerships, and PR and Communications departments. The event concluded with an open networking session connecting international representatives with local stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and explore new business opportunities. The International Representation Offices meeting is a cornerstone of Visit Qatar's global engagement strategy. It was launched in 2024 to enhance coordination, strengthen brand consistency, and identify new market opportunities. (QNA)

Visit Qatar signed a multi-year entertainment partnership with MELT Live, the global events company chaired by entertainment icon Steve Harvey, aimed at establishing the country as a premier hub for culture, lifestyle, and world-class events.The collaboration, sealed in Doha Wednesday, will introduce internationally recognised platforms to Qatar, with two flagship events set to debut in 2026.The signing ceremony was led by Qatar Tourism chair and chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji and MELT Live Events chairman Steve Harvey.FuelFest Qatar, a high-energy festival that merges international car culture with live music, is designed to unite automotive enthusiasts and feature global talent; while the Golf Classic by Steve Harvey is a unique lifestyle and sporting event blending competitive golf, top-tier entertainment, and celebrity participation, intended to provide a major platform for global exposure.Al-Kharji highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, saying: “This strategic collaboration with MELT Live reflects our ambition to strengthen Qatar’s position as a global destination for major cultural and lifestyle events.“By introducing distinctive international platforms such as FuelFest and the Golf Classic, we are diversifying Qatar’s events calendar, creating new opportunities for engagement, and showcasing the country’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.”Speaking at the announcement, Harvey underlined the foundational philosophy of his company and his attraction to the region, noting that “MELT is an acronym: M stands for the merging of cultures and ideas; E is for the enlightenment and empowerment of people; L is for learning and leadership; T is for trade and technology”.He said the launch of MELT Live in the Gulf region was motivated by the desire to merge global ideas and address misconceptions about the Middle East.“The appeal was to come here and to open up other people’s eyes about the Middle East to try to get rid of some of the misconceptions here,” Harvey said, highlighting Qatar’s unique characteristics.“I've never been anywhere where there’s complete peace... The whole thing about MELT was the merging of cultures and ideas because we have more similarities as people than we do differences,” he added.Harvey said the initial events are designed to introduce high-profile business and celebrity figures to the region. He noted that FuelFest, which originated as a spin-off from the Fast & Furious film franchise, draws large international audiences and significant automotive presence.“The future looks so bright, we could do so many things because of the willingness of Qatar, just the openness that they have towards us. It’s an honour to be in Qatar to witness this exciting new chapter with Visit Qatar and MELT Live. These events are about more than entertainment – they’re about building connections, celebrating culture, and creating unforgettable experiences,” he added.According to Visit Qatar, this landmark agreement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration and underscores its commitment to expanding the nation’s events portfolio, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, and attracting global audiences to experience Qatar’s unique blend of hospitality and world-class entertainment.A diverse calendar of additional events is currently being planned by MELT Live and Visit Qatar, with more information expected to be announced in the coming months.

Visit Qatar held two dialogue sessions in Mumbai recently, engaging the country’s leading tour operators and wedding planners.This is part of Visit Qatar’s growing economic and industry partnerships with India, one of the organisation’s priority growth markets, a statement said.During the interactive sessions, Visit Qatar chief executive engineer Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi spoke alongside a number of representatives who highlighted key upcoming initiatives and potential opportunities for further collaboration between the two countries and attract more travellers and event organisers to Qatar.Through presentations, interactive question and answer sessions, recognition ceremonies, and networking, the events showcased Qatar’s world-class hospitality, seamless connectivity, and diverse offerings, reinforcing its position as the luxury destination of choice for Indian travellers and wedding celebrations, the statement added.