by Qatar’s Rising MICE Industry
Qatar has emerged as an attractive MICE destination in the Middle East region over the past decade. With large investments in infrastructure and amenities, Qatar offers world-class facilities and services for hosting meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. The Qatar National Tourism Council recognizes the economic potential of the MICE industry and is promoting the country aggressively as a global hub for business events and exhibitions.
State-of-the-Art Convention Centers
Qatar has several world-class convention centers that can host events of any size and scale. The Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) located in West Bay is one of the largest convention centers in the Middle East with a total capacity of over 20,000 people. The spacious halls and meeting rooms at QNCC equipped with advanced audio-visual and technical facilities make it an ideal venue for major international conferences, product launches, trade shows, and cultural events. Along with QNCC, Lusail International Convention and Exhibition Centre and Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre are rapidly developing into premier MICE destinations in the country.
Luxury Hotel Infrastructure
Qatar offers a wide range of luxury hotels that cater to the accommodation needs of event organizers and delegates. Major international hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin etc. operate numerous five-star properties in Qatar. Most of the high-end hotels are situated near the convention centers ensuring easy accessibility. Moreover, hotel room rates in Qatar are very competitive compared to other regional markets. The well-appointed guest rooms, banquet halls, and recreational facilities at Qatari hotels provide delegates with a comfortable experience.
State-of-the-Art Airport
Qatar has invested heavily in infrastructure development with the flagship project being the newly built Hamad International Airport which serves as the main gateway for international travelers visiting the country. The two-terminal airport equipped with modern facilities and retail options has a current capacity of around 30 million passengers annually. It takes only about 40 minutes to travel from the airport to key areas in central Doha, making it very convenient for delegates to arrive and depart smoothly for events. The airport is also strategically located to serve as a transit hub, connecting passengers from East and South Asia, Africa, Europe and Americas.
Vibrant Culture and Heritage
Besides world-class infrastructure, Qatar offers visitors a glimpse into its rich culture and heritage. Historical sites like the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif with its traditional shopping areas, and Arabian palaces provide a memorable cultural experience. The Corniche waterfront promenade is a popular area for recreation and photography. Delegates can take time off from business meetings to explore this fascinating Gulf culture or experience the thrill of desert activities like dune bashing and camping. Qatar also promotes its local Arabian cuisine and brings out the vibrant cultural ethos of the region through various festivals and events held annually.
Untapped Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Potential
While Qatar has made significant strides into developing its MICE sector over the last decade, the industry is still in its nascent stage. Compared to its GCC peers like Dubai, the sector has plenty of untapped potential. With major global sports and entertainment events scheduled during 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Qatar, the MICE industry is expected to scale new heights. The Qatari government along with industry stakeholders are determined to firmly position Qatar on the global MICE map. By continuously upgrading facilities and services while promoting the country as a unique blend of modern infrastructure and cultural heritage, Qatar will surely emerge as a leading MICE destination in the Middle East region over the long-term.
Going forward, Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) aims to consolidate its position and achieve MICE tourism targets over the next decade. More high-profile conventions, trade shows and exhibitions are being planned to take advantage of the growing industry. Marketing campaigns will focus on highlighting Qatar’s unique business event proposition to international planners and associations. Private sector partnerships will play an increasingly important role in developing auxiliary services and attractions. With proactive support and visionary leadership, Qatar is poised for strong growth in the MICE sector, which can potentially contribute billions of dollars to the economy annually by 2030. The country’s national tourism strategy prioritizes developing niche industries like medical, knowledge, and sports tourism in parallel. This balanced diversification approach will establish Qatar as a leading multi-dimensional tourism hub in the entire Middle East
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
