A contribution from UFI Diamond Sponsor: Qatar National Tourism Council

The first half of 2019 has been very successful for the exhibition sector in Doha, a trend which is slated to continue over the course of the year, with an increasing number of exhibitions to be held in the city. One of the biggest gas exporters in the world, Qatar has been diversifying its economy, with major developments underway – from the construction of multi-purpose cutting-edge venues, to developing infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Qatar.  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that Qatar’s GDP will grow by 3.1% in 2019.  These developments have shone a spotlight on Qatar, piquing the interest of exhibition organizers worldwide.

The impact on the business events industry is already visible, with Qatar hosting several trade exhibitions and business events over the next few months.  Starting in September 2019, when DMG-organized BIG5 Construct Qatar and Ports, Roads & Rails Evolution take place, followed by INDEX Qatar in October.  The month continues with Cityscape by Elan, Informa and HEYA Arabian Fashion Exhibition by Qatar National Tourism Council and Design Creations.  November kicks off with by Hospitality Qatar, organized by IFP. And the year wraps up with the 2nd International Partnerships Exhibition and Conference – IPEC2019, organized with the participation of 19 countries and supported by more than 12 governmental entities. Several other exhibitions, conferences and events are taking place over the next few months, amounting to over 120 business events by the end of the year.

Qatar’s main conference and exhibition venues boast a combined capacity of 70,000 square meters, and offer exhibition organizers state-of-the-art facilities and flexibility in tailoring the venue to specified needs and save on set-up costs. Exhibition organizers can find detailed information for Doha Exhibition and Convention Center and Qatar National Convention Center.

In addition to this, Qatar has been ranked the most open country in the region by UNWTO.  This is largely thanks to a visa policy that enables more than 85 nationalities to enter visa-free.  The national airline, Qatar Airways connects more than 160 destinations worldwide to Doha, and has been voted the World’s Best Airline for 2019.  Moreover, a 2019 Olery Guest Experience in the Middle East Report ranked Qatar’s hospitality sector first in the Middle East.  This makes the entire end-to-end visitor experience one to remember.

Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), has developed a range of products and incentives for the MICE industry, ensuring we remain globally competitive and deliver relevant tools to International Exhibition Organizers.

QNTC’s range of products and incentives cater to:

  • Trade Exhibitions
  • Trade Exhibitions with a Conference
  • Hosted Buyers Program
  • Corporate Meetings & Incentives
  • Congresses & Conventions

Qatar National Tourism Council extends an invitation to all exhibition organizers to visit Qatar, experience the country’s MICE and leisure tourism offering first-hand, and discuss how we can help make their next event memorable.

For more information on events due to be hosted in Qatar visit https://www.visitqatar.qa/businessevents/welcome/business-events-in-qatar/event-calendar-2019 or contact us at businessevents@visitqatar.qa.