qatar tourism authority

• State of Qatar

The State of Qatar

A general guide.

• His Highness The Amir
• A Decade of Transformation
• His Highness the Deputy Amir
• Government of Qatar
• Qatar at a Glance
• Qatar National Vision 2030

Qatar has emerged as an iconic tourism, art and cultural hub, blending Arab tradition with modern global trends to share with visitors from across the world.

As a country located between East and West, about 80% of the world’s population lives within a 6-hour flight, and nationals from over 95 countries can enter Qatar without a visa.

Tourism in Qatar  

The tourism sector is one of the most important pillars for Qatar’s economic diversification, and is integral to sustaining its economic growth.

Qatar Tourism, Qatar’s official tourism governing body, carries out five core functions to strengthen the country’s status as a gateway to the world:

• Strategic planning and policy development
• The development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to promote investment opportunities in the tourism sector
• Destination marketing and promotion for both leisure and business events
• The enhancement of visitor experience in collaboration with tourist-facing entities
• The management of regulatory affairs, including the swift and efficient execution of all tourism licenses and similar services

Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030

To continue to develop the tourism sector in the State of Qatar, a National Tourism Sector Strategy was developed, aimed to be fully implemented by 2030.

Aiming to attract 6 million visitors per year by 2030, Qatar’s strategy focuses on several key areas that reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector, such as:

• Cultivating a rich collection of museums and cultural highlights.
• Hosting world-class conventions and exhibitions.
• Constructing exceptional urban developments.
• Bringing a plethora of sporting events to the country.
• Promoting outstanding educational opportunities at world-class universities.
• Building new ultramodern airport and one of the world’s most advanced rail transit systems.

National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, NMoQ gives voice to Qatar’s rich heritage through immersive, state-of-the-art exhibits.

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

MIA is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world, spanning over 1,400 years. Designed by the renowned Chinese American architect I.M. Pei, MIA is a globally acclaimed museum.

Qatar National Library (QNL)

QNL cultivates Qatar’s heritage by providing a unique environment for learning and enrichment in a culturally exceptional setting.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf takes a unique look into contemporary Arab art. With an extensive collection of modern art from across the region, Mathaf aims to promote dialogue and foster creativity.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum takes visitors on a journey from artefacts collected from the Jurassic age through to the early Islamic period and up to the present day. The museum’s collection was acquired by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani during his international travels.

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is considered one of the most innovative and technologically advanced sports museums in the world. It is a member of the Olympic Museum Network, which connects 22 Olympic museums worldwide.

Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village celebrates the region’s architectural heritage and is considered a platform to introduce the world’s cultures, by hosting concerts, shows, and exhibitions on global, regional and local levels.

Msheireb Museums

Four heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha tell stories about Doha’s history. These houses are Radwani House, Company House, Bin Jalmood House, and Mohammed bin Jassim House.

Souq Waqif is one of the oldest souqs in Qatar and now serves as a popular social and tourist spot. Historically where Bedouin tribes would bring their essential goods for trade and sale, Souq Waqif is now a bustling location where visitors can have authentic, popular dining and shopping experiences.

Al Zubarah Town and Fort

Al Zubarah Town and Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once known as a centre for pearl diving. Al Zubarah Fort is adjacent to the walled coastal city of Al Zubarah, which is considered the most important landmark of Al Zubarah archaeological site.

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Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi Chairman, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) Interview

Qatar | Tourism

OBG talks to Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA)

Interview: issa bin mohammed al mohannadi.

How is strategy being developed in terms of infrastructure in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

ISSA BIN MOHAMMED AL MOHANNADI: We are introducing the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 to continue to develop Qatar as a destination while strengthening the tourism industry, which will have many socio-economic benefits on a national scale in addition to helping prepare for hosting the World Cup. There is projected investment of $11.5bn between now and 2030 in the tourism sector as a whole, and $40bn-45bn in tourism-related projects. Gearing up for 2022 means we have to build more rooms, but we have to create a destination at the same time. We are projecting the organic growth in the sector from visitor numbers and planning the amount of rooms based on forecast demand. By doing so we are giving the local market and industry priority, and we will bridge any gaps regarding FIFA requirements. We are exploring options for temporary accommodation, such as cruise ships or floating hotels, to ensure that there is an optimal balance between supply and demand for accommodation following the World Cup.

How concerned are you by the number of hotel rooms projected to come onto the market?

AL MOHANNADI: Growth in the number of visitors per year has been one of the highest and fastest in the region. We are averaging an increase of 11-13% in the number of visitors every year. The world average is 3-4% and we are achieving four times that. In line with FIFA’s requirements, we anticipate having 50,000-60,000 rooms. However, we are developing the local industry in line with demand. We have to ensure we do not impact the private sector or local investors, so we will develop based on organic demand in the market.

Currently we have 14,000 rooms, with another 5000 expected to come to the market in the next four years. This will bring the total to 19,000, and based on demand we will add an additional 11,000 to bring the total to 30,000. We will cover the remainder for FIFA requirements through alternative options, such as cruise ships.

How is QTA working to encourage greater private sector involvement in the industry?

AL MOHANNADI: As the regulator, we are encouraging and educating the private sector on where best to invest, in line with the objectives of the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which considers a larger role for the private sector in developing the industry. For example, in the hospitality sector, sporting events typically do not cater to guests who use four- and five-star hotels, so the medium to lower-end segment is where we are encouraging private sector investment. However, as an authority, we are not directly investing and can only advise investors on the statistical performance of segments, while offering recommendations.

It is important to note that investment in the oneto three-star segment is not just for the World Cup but is also in line with our new strategy to diversify our targeted tourism market toward more budget-conscious regional visitors. To encourage greater private sector involvement, favourable investment laws have been enacted, including laws that allow 100% foreign ownership in most tourism-related projects.

How can Qatar transition from being primarily a business destination to a leisure destination? Is this the plan, or is it more about achieving a balance?

AL MOHANNADI: The focus of the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 is to diversify our offerings and cater to the leisure segment. We aim to promote the readiness of our products and focus on positioning. First, we want to continue to build on our strength as a meetings, incentives, conferences and events destination.

Second is developing the country as a family fun and recreation destination to cater to regional visitors. The final positioning of the new strategy is an authentic experience that serves everyone, including Arab and nonArab visitors. The Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and Katara cannot be franchised, they are genuinely Qatari. Our goal is to position Qatar on the world tourism map as a preferred destination for various segments.

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Qatar Tourism Launches Double the Discovery in Cooperation with Saudi Tourism Authority & Discover Saudi

Doha, March 06 (QNA) - Qatar Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority and KSAs leading DMC Discover Saudi (part of Almosafer) have joined forces to launch the exciting new campaign, 'Double the Discovery'. This was announced during their participation at ITB Berlin Convention.

The campaign aims to promote tourism in both neighbouring GCC countries, offering international visitors in both countries the chance to explore the rich cultural and historical wonders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a single trip. With carefully curated travel packages, 'Double the Discovery' opens a world of possibilities for travellers, providing unique and immersive experiences that showcase the diverse landscapes, architectural marvels, and vibrant traditions of both countries.

The award-winning national carrier, Qatar Airways, will serve as the official airline partner of the campaign. Visit Qatar and Visit Saudi will identify the main markets for launching and promoting travel packages through tour operators in each market. Discover Qatar and Discover Saudi are the local DMC partners in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, said: "Launching the new campaign aims to enhance collaboration among GCC destinations, offering global visitors a rich cultural experience. The goal is to showcase the unique qualities of Arab and GCC culture and increase visitor numbers in alignment with Qatar and Saudi Arabia's strategic goals." His Excellency added: " The significant growth in tourist numbers in 2023 and hosting 4 million visitors last year demonstrates Qatar's exceptional tourism offerings across cultural, sports, and recreational activities, as well as top-notch services in transportation, travel, and hospitality sectors." Commenting on their participation, CEO and a Member of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin said:" Saudi is experiencing phenomenal growth, welcoming more than 20 million inbound visitors in the first three quarters of 2023 compared to 16 million in all of 2022. As the entertainment hub of the middle east, we have a dynamic offer for visitors with an ever-growing calendar of sports, music and cultural events to experience. Partnering in this campaign will make it even easier for visitors to experience more of the culture and heritage that the region has to offer in addition to enjoying the modern and vibrant cities we have to explore." CEO of Almosafer Muzzammil Ahussain added: "We are pleased to partner with Qatar Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority through our DMC Discover Saudi, to enhance experiences for visitors coming to the GCC. This initiative will not only drive tourism into the Kingdom, in line with national tourism agenda of Saudi Arabia, but also give travellers the opportunity to explore these two exciting destinations in one visit, whilst experiencing best-in-class services." As part of the campaign, extensive city guides will be provided to tourists, offering relevant and detailed information about the top attractions, things to do, shopping venues, and restaurants in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These guides aim to assist travellers in making the most of their visit and experiencing the best each city has to offer.

In addition to city guides, the joint travel packages offered as part of the campaign will include airline tickets, accommodation, and transportation, catering to different purposes and lengths of stay. Discover Qatar offers 'Stopover' packages that cater to different preferences, including access to various kinds of hotels and beach facilities. These packages are available in three categories: standard, premium, and luxury, ensuring that travellers can find the perfect accommodation option that suits their style and budget.

Senior Vice President of Discover Qatar Steven Reynolds said: "Discover Qatar is delighted to be part of this initiative together with Qatar Tourism and Saudi Tourism Authority. Double the Discovery offers travellers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical wonders of both countries in a single trip. Simplifying the process for international customers, this one-of-a-kind campaign puts together all the components of an ideal trip into curated packages to discover diverse landscapes, architectural marvels, vibrant traditions and truly immersive experiences." Discover Saudi will offer a variety of enticing packages, such as '2 nights Jeddah, 2 nights Makkah, 2 nights Madinah' and '2 nights Jeddah and 3 nights AlUla'. These packages allow visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, with convenient arrangements for accommodation and transportation.

Enhancing tourism prospects for families and adventurous travellers in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the latest campaign in both countries aims to provide a wide range of tourism opportunities for families, as well as adventurous solo or group travellers. This collaborative effort focuses on offering diverse experiences, including shopping, cultural exploration, educational activities, coastal attractions, and state-of-the-art relaxation options. (QNA)

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Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide (2024)

Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 06 February 2024.

The State of Qatar offers experiences combining old and new, traditional and modern. The country’s tourism sector is undergoing rapid development with milestone achievements in various sectors.

Qatar is also an important business hub, particularly for its robust oil and gas industry. Many trade shows and business conferences take place in Doha throughout the year.

In 2019 Qatar witnessed a huge leap in visitor arrivals with 2.1 million visitors, a double-digit growth compared to 2018. This article explains the types of visas, when to visit, public transport, local attractions, and other important things to consider before visiting Qatar.

Visiting Qatar: Types of Visas

Hamad international airport, qatar airways, cruise tourism, qatar weather, where to stay in qatar, public transportation, places to visit in qatar, how to dress while in qatar, qatar currency, working hours in qatar, faq on visiting qatar.

Did You Know? Thanks to Qatar’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, 80% of the world’s population is within a 6-hour flight from Qatar, and more than two-thirds can enter Qatar visa-free.

Qatar offers several visa options for visitors. Here are the common types of visit visa options:

Gateway to Qatar

Qatar is centrally located globally, close to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Flights from around the world touch down at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport daily, making Qatar the perfect place for layovers and visits.

Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is modern and rapidly developing, with much construction underway. It is home to most of the country’s best museums and examples of cultural heritage. 

Qatar connects to various destinations worldwide, making it an extremely busy transit spot. In fact, Hamad International Airport (HIA) has fast become the global gateway for overseas travellers. Opened in April 2014, the state-of-the-art airport is conveniently located just south of Doha city.

HIA is certified as a 5 Star Airport by Skytrax and was ranked the Best Airport in the World at the 2021 and 2022 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The airport currently serves more than 30 million passengers annually and is undergoing further expansion to support more than 50 million.

Qatar Airways, the award-winning national carrier, is certified as a 5-Star Airline for its airport and onboard product and staff service quality.

The Qatar Airways network connects Doha with more than 150 popular destinations worldwide, including most major cities throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia & North, and South America.

Cruise tourism brings over 100 thousand visitors annually to Qatar, enabling them to enjoy the many landmarks that are mere minutes from Doha Port. The peak season runs from October to May, allowing visitors to enjoy the country’s pleasant winter weather during that time.

Qatar has two major seasons: Summer and Winter. May to September can be considered summer, while December to February is the cooler season. March to April and October to November are the transition months.

Summer temperatures are routinely 50°C during the day and often more than 40°C at night. It’s important to wear sunblock, cover yourself and drink plenty of water when going outside during the day.

During cooler months (December to February), the temperatures average between 14°C and 25°C on most days.

Since most of the attractions are within a couple of hours distance from Doha, you do not have to stay at different hotels during your Qatar vacation.

Doha has the presence of almost all major hotel chains in the world. You can choose from a range of Qatar hotels from TripAdvisor .

Doha’s city centre is just 15 minutes drive from the airport by car. To get from HIA to the city, you can take Airport Taxis available at Arrivals Terminal or request your hotel to arrange a private hotel transfer. It is possible to rent a car at the airport or at the hotels. An international driving license is required for visitors to drive in Qatar.

For travelling around the city, you can use the official taxi network called Karwa Taxi or pre-book a taxi using mobile apps like Uber or Careem . Even though Qatar has a network of public buses, they are not recommended for first-time visitors as their frequency is not guaranteed.

Another option would be to use the newly constructed Doha Metro. You can read our complete guide to Doha Metro here: Doha Metro Map, Stations, Timings, Ticket Prices

Qatar has a long list of interesting places to visit. Some of the more popular attractions include:

• National Museum of Qatar
• Museum of Islamic Art
• Katara Cultural Village
• The Pearl Qatar
• Mall of Qatar, Place Vendome, and other shopping malls

You can see a comprehensive list of tourist places in Qatar here .

Since Qatar is an Islamic country, it is important to dress appropriately. Loose-fitting and modesty-covering clothing is the preferred style. Women are not required to wear the hijab or veil their heads in public.

Tourists are generally expected to cover their shoulders and knees at a minimum. Beachwear is acceptable at private beaches and swimming pools inside hotels.

The national currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). One QAR is equivalent to 100 Dirhams. Qatar Banknotes are available in values of QAR 500, 200, 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1. Coins in circulation are 25 Dhs (QAR 0.25) and 50 Dhs (QAR 0.5).

Since Qatar Riyal is pegged to US Dollar, the value of USD 1 is around QAR 3.64. Banks and ATMs across the country take major international credit cards and debit cards.

• Normally, the work week in Qatar is from Sunday to Thursday.
• Government offices operate from 7 am to 2 pm.
• Private offices operate from 8 am to 4 pm, or 9 am to 5 pm.
• Shopping malls generally are open from 10 am to 10 pm and up to midnight on weekends.

Most shops and offices change their working hours during Ramadan . Visitors should refrain from eating and drinking in public, except in hotels, during the hours between sunrise and sunset.

Which is the best time to visit Qatar?

Is it safe to visit qatar, can you drink alcohol in qatar, is qatar expensive to visit, how many days would i need to visit qatar, related articles.

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• How Much Cash and Gold Can Your Bring To Qatar

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9 thoughts on “Visiting Qatar: The Complete Guide (2024)”

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Hi, I am planning to transit to travel to Thailand through Qatar in September. I want to take the opportunity to explore Doha. So I plan to have a 20-hour lay-over In Doha. I have a valid UK, US and Schengen Visa, My question is do I need to apply for a Qatar Tourist Visa or a Transit Visa to be able to explore Doha City? Thanks in anticipation of your response/

Hi, my query is after my passport renewal I need to update new passport number on my QID. How can I do it? Only my company PRO can do it or I can also do it?

Hi Saddam, Please see this: https://www.dohaguides.com/change-passport-number-in-qatar-id/

Is to possible to change or extend tourist visa to work visa.?

Hi Shibla, In some cases, if your work visa is approved, you may be allowed to change your visa type without leaving the country. There will be an additional fee. Note that this may not be possible in all cases.

Hello. We arrive in Qatar at DOH November 24 at 6 AM. Are we allowed to leave the airport and visit the area for 8-10 hours that day? Thank you in advance for your reply.

Hi Robert, Due to the World Cup, the visa-on-arrival service (or any kind of tourist visa) is unavailable during that period. As per the current rule, you need a Hayya Card to visit Qatar from 1 November, and it is only available for those with a match ticket. There is still five weeks to go before your travel date. So please check back after a few weeks in case the rules change.

Greetings. can you please send me a paper map of Doha? Thanks a lot! Have a nice day!

Hi Reuven, If you are in Qatar, you can buy a paper map from any book store or supermarket. If you are outside Qatar, you can buy on Amazon. Good day to you.

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Maui Travel Updates

News Releases

Hawai‘i tourism authority launches qurator.

For Immediate Release: June 26, 2024 HTA Release (24-17)

24-17 HTA Qurator.pdf

HTA’s official mark of quality will be the broadest certification of its kind for businesses and organizations HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is excited to announce Qurator, its official mark of excellence for Hawai‘i-based and operating businesses. The broadest visitor industry certification of its kind, Qurator serves to guide visitors to Hawai‘i products and experiences that incorporate responsible tourism practices, while adding value and recognizing those businesses for their positive contributions to the environment, community and economy. Interested businesses can apply for Qurator certification at www.Qurator.Travel. “Qurator isn’t just a stamp of approval,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA board chair. “It speaks to a set of brand values for the Hawaiian Islands, that we care deeply about our land, our people, our culture, and our guests. It’s a recognition of the interdependent relationship between businesses, visitors and our broader local community.” To achieve Qurator certification, businesses are evaluated based on the program’s six categories of criteria: Environment, Cultural Support, Equity, Safety, Community, and Guest Experience. Thirteen businesses, including Alaska Airlines, Bishop Museum, Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i, Hāna and Beyond, Hawai‘i Forest and Trail, HI Honey Farm, Hawaiian Airlines, Holo Holo Charters, Keoki’s Paradise, Maui Chocolate Tour, Southwest Airlines, Stargazers of Hawaiʻi, and Trilogy Excursions have already been certified under Qurator in a pilot program that launched in May. “As Maui’s oldest family-owned sailboat company, Trilogy has strived to be a leader in the marine hospitality industry for decades,” said Riley Coon, director of sustainable tourism with Trilogy Excursions. “We mālama and embrace our kuleana for the marine environment, educating our guests and staff about Hawai‘i and how to minimize our impact. Driven by our core belief — ‘o ka pono o nā kai’ (to better the condition of our oceans) — we are thrilled that HTA highlights our industry’s positive impacts through the Qurator program.” “Qurator exemplifies HTA’s commitment to championing businesses and organizations that enrich our community as a whole,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “Many travelers want to make responsible choices, and with Qurator, visitors can easily identify businesses that align with their values and contribute to a more sustainable, regenerative Hawai‘i.” Each Qurator survey is specifically tailored to the size, situation, and type of the applying business and contains 150-225 questions selected out of the 300 total criteria within the Qurator universe. The criteria are designed to apply to businesses of any size and any travel vertical, including airlines, cruise lines, hotels, food services, tours, transportation, attractions, retail, and beyond. Businesses may participate and be recognized in as few or as many categories as they wish. This unique Qurator feature allows small and specialty businesses to be recognized for their efforts without having to compete head-to-head with larger competitors. The self-evaluations are completed at their own pace, then handed over to an independent third party for scoring and auditing for truthfulness and accuracy. In addition to being recognized in any of the six categories of excellence, Qurator will award several tiers of overall certification for superior performance across all categories. “Qurator Certified” is the base level, with top performers becoming “Qurator Honored” and the highest scoring partners becoming “Qurator Elite.” Kilohana, the tourism division of CNHA, worked with HTA on the creation of Qurator. The broad nature of Qurator resulted in the development of a set of standards that are unprecedented in scope compared to other tourism-based certifications. “The global standards stop at tours and accommodations,” said Jon Peahl, quality assurance manager with Kilohana who previously worked on quality guidelines for health and safety, animal welfare, and human rights globally. “We had to create something which hadn’t previously existed: standards to cover everyone from cruise lines to surf schools.” Qurator was designed as a community-first program, seeking input from more than 100 outside groups before the criteria were written. This broad base encompassed more topics than any other program of its kind. Some of Qurator’s contributors included: the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Aotearoa’s Qualmark, the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai‘i, TripAdvisor, UNITE Here Local 5, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hawai‘i Department of Health, Colorado Tourism Office, U.S. Cultural and Heritage Marketing Foundation, Susannah Wesley Community Center, Expedia, Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism, ILWU, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, LGBTQIA+ Travel Alliance, Travaras, City & County of Honolulu Good Food Program, A3H, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Queensland Tourism, Hawai‘i Green Business, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaiian Electric, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hawai‘i Restaurant Association, Humane Society of Hawai‘i, and other industry and advocacy groups. A 24-member advisory committee of representatives from the visitor industry, business associations, government, and non-profits also provided guidance to the development of Qurator.  The Committee was divided into two sub-committees to focus on “place” and “people” and met 6 times between November 2023 and April 2024.   Qurator is the broadest-encompassing visitor industry mark of quality in the world under several metrics: ● Qurator is not limited to any one vertical market segment, offering the broadest eligibility of any program in tourism. All businesses in the visitor industry are welcome to participate in Qurator as long as they are: physically present in Hawaiʻi, fully licensed, and in good legal standing. ● Qurator touches on topics generally overlooked by most travel certification programs, seeking to recognize businesses that take responsible actions that help to mitigate a wide range of problems. In addition to traditional issues like environment and cultural preservation, Qurator dives into more obscure topics like wage inequality, human trafficking, communicable disease, and noise and light pollution. ● Qurator is cause-neutral and doesn’t require partners to participate in all categories. Businesses can be recognized for contributing in whatever way they are able, whether that means providing good jobs, protecting wildlife, or nurturing Hawai‘i’s culture. Smaller businesses in particular can struggle to meet ambitious certification goals set forth by other programs, but Qurator seeks to broaden the playing field so that small, local businesses can be equally celebrated. To learn more about Qurator and apply, visit www.qurator.travel .

Media Contacts:

T. Ilihia Gionson Public Affairs Officer Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (808) 973-2255 (o) [email protected]

Qatar is welcoming 102 countries visa-free, check your visa status here .

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Visa information

Visa-free entry or Hayya e-visa

Qatar is one of the world's most welcoming countries for visitors. Chances are that you probably don’t need a visa. Nationalities from  102 countries can enter visa-free, and all others can apply for an e-visa using the Hayya platform online.

Get expert help to book a dream Qatar trip

Need some help planning your next Qatar holiday or business trip? With Qatar Concierge, our dedicated travel team is here to help you book flights, plus guide you on the best hotels, restaurants, attractions and more. Call  0161 527 4409  and they’ll be happy to help. Please note that this service is not for visa queries, please visit our  Visa page  for more information.

What visa do I need to travel to Qatar?

Enter visa-free

Enter visa-free as GCC citizen.

Visa required

Apply for an A2 Entry Visa on the Hayya portal.

Visa on Arrival, Discover Qatar Hotel reservation required

Book your (visa-on-arrival eligible) hotel stay on Discover Qatar before you travel; and pay your Visa fee (QAR 100) at the airport. Or apply online in advance for Hayya A2 visa.

Visa on arrival

Get your visa on arrival for a fee (QAR 100) at the airport.Alternatively, apply for your Hayya visa online – choose A2 visa.

Visa on arrival, Discover Qatar Hotel reservation required

Book your Discover Qatar accommodation before travel to get your visa on arrival, alternatively, you can apply online for a Hayya A2 Entry Visa in advance.

The visitor's passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival in Qatar and must hold a confirmed hotel booking on arrival. 

Apply for an A3 Entry Visa on the Hayya portal.

Book your (visa-on-arrival eligible) hotel stay on Discover Qatar before you travel; and pay your Visa fee (QAR 100) at the airport. Or apply online in advance for Hayya A3 visa.

Get your visa on arrival for a fee (QAR 100) at the airport.

Alternatively, apply for your Hayya visa online – choose A3 visa.

Book your  Discover Qatar  accommodation before travel to get your visa on arrival, alternatively, you can apply online for a Hayya A3 Entry Visa in advance..

Confirmed round ticket is required. The visitor's passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival in Qatar. 

Apply for an A1 Entry Visa on the Hayya portal.  You will also require a Discover Qatar  hotel reservation during the application process.

Once your visa is approved you will be asked to pay the visa fee.

Get your visa on arrival for a fee (QAR 100) at the airport. Alternatively, apply for your Hayya visa online – choose A1 visa.

Book your (visa-on-arrival eligible) hotel stay on Discover Qatar before you travel; and pay your Visa fee (QAR 100) at the airport. Or apply online in advance for Hayya A1 visa.

Enter visa-free or get easy access with Hayya

Enter visa-free OR apply now for a Hayya A1 Entry Visa.

The visitor's passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival in Qatar. 

Book Discover Qatar accommodation before you travel to get your Entry Visa on arrival.

Book your Visa on Arrival hotel on the Discover Qatar website before you travel. 

Then, you can either get your Entry Visa at the airport OR apply now for a Hayya A1 Entry Visa and skip the paperwork when you land.

Need an e-visa?

The Hayya platform makes visa processes easier for all foreign visitors. This, includes the residents of countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council travelling with companions. 

1. Register

Go to www.hayya.qa or download the app to register

2. Upload documents

Upload the documents listed for your visa

3. Submit your application

We'll notify you as soon as your e-visa is approved

4. Pay the fee

Pay the fee and receive your e-visa on your device

5. Welcome to Qatar!

Experience the holiday of a lifetime in Qatar

About Hayya

Check how to apply for each type of visa

Download the Hayya e-visa app

Register and submit your application in just a few minutes, then start planning your unforgettable visit to Qatar.

Frequently asked questions about Qatar visas

Mandatory health insurance.

We recommend all travellers visiting the State of Qatar to have a valid health insurance policy covering Qatar's medical facilities. Those who don’t already have an insurance policy are welcome to purchase one on arrival in the State of Qatar. For more information on travel insurance, click  here .

Visa-free entry

Visa-free entry is now the new term defining previously “visa on arrival”. Nothing changed except the name. 

Qatar-Oman Joint Tourist Visa

This visa is issued upon arrival and is valid for 30 days for the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman. It allows for multiple entry to both countries and is extendable for an additional 30 days for a fee. Citizens of the following countries are eligible for the joint visa:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City

Qatar Transit Visa

Qatar Airways passengers transiting in Hamad International Airport for a minimum of 5 hours are eligible to apply for the Qatar Transit Visa. It is free of charge, valid for up to 96 hours (four days) and open to passengers of all nationalities.

For more information about Qatar Transit tours, please click  here .

Is it your first time visiting Qatar?

Qatar is ready to welcome you, so find all of the info you need to make the most of your stay.

How to get here

Qatar is conveniently located at the meeting point of East and West, making it only a 6-7 hour journey from major international hubs on average.

Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the main entrance to the State of Qatar, serving as the crucial connection between the East and the West.

Things to know before travelling

Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here.

Getting here

Planning your trip to Qatar? Check how to get here.

Travel tips

Make the most of your visit with our handy travel guide.

Getting around

From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar.

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How Oman Looks to Grow Tourism: No Mega-Hotels Here

Josh Corder , Skift

June 25th, 2024 at 9:00 AM EDT

As the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue their mega-projects, we look at Oman's 'calmer' approach to tourism.

Josh Corder

Tourism in the Middle Eastern country of Oman is improving. The Gulf nation was hit hard by Covid and had long struggled to recoup its tourism sector. But government measures are helping.

Unlike the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Oman has largely stayed away from giga-projects and mega-hotels to spark tourism. Instead, the country focuses heavily on its heritage sector to boost travel, as well as its natural environment.

The country aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to 10% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2040. Oman also plans to attract 11.7 million tourists by 2040. To achieve these goals, the country is looking to attract more than $51 billion in investment.

Here are the latest tourism figures:

• 767,900 visitors year-to-date by April 2024 compared to 668,168 up to the same point last year.
• Revenues from three- to five-star hotels rose 10.7% to $242 million.
• Hotel occupancy increased by 7%.
• Around 4.3 million tourists visited Oman last year.

Oman’s Tourism Drives

One key development in Oman recently has been the extension of its ‘Khareef’ season. Khareef is the monsoon season in Oman, and an important period in the tourism calendar as temperatures drop and travelers flock to cooler parts of the country.

Traditionally, Khareef is promoted by Oman from late June to early September, but this year has been extended to a full three months of promotions to spur tourism.

Running from June 21 to September 21, Khareef is often Oman’s busiest travel period. In 2023, the season brought in close to one million travelers. Officials hope the extra few weeks of promotion will draw an additional 300,000 visitors.

In Salalah during this year, temperatures can range from 68°F to 77°F, a stark contrast to the wider Middle East during summer.

Recent Success

According to research from the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC), in 2023 Oman’s tourism GDP contribution increased by almost 35%, totaling 2.8 billion Omani Riyals ($7.2 billion). The sector witnessed job growth of 15%, employing 191,500 people.

Last year, international visitors put 1.1 billion Omani Riyals ($2.8 billion) into the economy, a 69% increase from 2022, while spending by domestic travelers hit 1.4 billion Omani Riyals ($3.6 billion).

WTTC is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to more than 3.3 billion Omani Riyals ($8.5 billion) in 2024, 7.6% of the country’s economy, and is projected to employ more than 206,000 people across the country.

Collaborative Efforts

Surrounded by tourism powerhouses such as Dubai and the ever-growing Saudi Arabia , Oman has become increasingly focused on collaborations with nearby countries to boost its tourism.

In March, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism launched a ‘See Double’ campaign, prompting travelers to visit both destinations during their summer holidays.

That same month, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman signed a pact to promote cruises across all four destinations. The cruise sector contributed around 380,000 tourists into Oman before the pandemic.

The Sultanate has also been a key voice in promoting the upcoming ‘GCC zone’ visa.

Unified Travel in the Gulf

In October 2023, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman agreed to form a ‘ GCC zone ‘ for visas, a similar situation as the Schengen Zone across the EU. This visa was first mentioned in May 2023 at a conference in Dubai, where the countries’ ministers shared their hopes to unite the GCC so tourists would consider cross-country travel like they do in Europe.

This new visa comes under the banner of the “Gulf Strategy for Tourism 2023-2030,” which ministers also said is in the works. The meeting also looked into the establishment of a GCC Tourism Statistics Platform.

It will either roll out this year or next and has been universally praised by tourism leaders.

“This new Schengen-style visa is huge for [GCC] tourism and Ras Al Khaimah will see a huge benefit,” said Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority CEO Raki Phillips at the  Skift Global Forum East 2023 .

“There is nothing more important than a collaborative approach. We should compete collaboratively. In this part of the world, we want to be collaborative. That could mean visa processing, hotels, and airlines.” 

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Tags: middle east report , oman , oman tourism , Tourism news

Photo credit: Oman plans to attract 11.7 million tourists by 2040. bhart9070 / Pixabay

Qatar is welcoming 102 countries visa-free, check your visa status  here .

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Hotel establishments

License services

Issue tourism license for hotel establishments.

This service describes the procedure for issuing a tourism licence for a hotel establishment (Under-Classificaton). Upon obtaining the permanent classification certificate, the hotel must apply online for a service called “Amend Tourism Licence for Hotel Establishments” to pay the difference between the Under-Classification Star Rating approved by the council. The tourism licence is valid for 5 years.

• Applicant must be listed as either owner, partner, or authorized signatory on the commercial registration.
• There may not be another open request of the same type.
• The commercial registration must be valid for at least 1 day on the day of submission.
• The commercial permit must be valid for at least 1 day on the day of submission.
• The commercial activities required must be contained in the commercial registration and commercial permit.
• The establishment registration must be valid for at least 1 day on the day of submission.
• The Civil Defense Certificate must be valid for at least 1 day on the day of submission.
• The Security Systems Certificate must be valid for at least 1 day on the day of submission.
• The insurance policies must be valid for at least 1 day on the day of submission.
• The applicant’s identification card must be valid at the time of application.
• The manager’s identification card must be valid at the time of application.

Documents required

• Copy of Commercial Permit.
• Copy of Commercial Registration.
• Copy of Building Completion Certificate.
• Copy of Civil Defense Certificate.
• Copy of Security Systems Certificate.
• Copy of Establishment Identification.
• Copy of Public Library Insurance Policy.
• Copy of Building Insurance Policy.
• Copy of proof of registration in the performance statistics program.
• The fee is QR 500.
• Fees are paid after the application is approved.

Instructions

• Login to the portal.
• Enter basic information of the hotel facility license
• Enter the hotel facility organization structure and add ‘‘General Manager’’ data in this step.
• Enter Facilities data.
• Attach the required documents.
• Confirm the accuracy of the entered data.
• Submit the Service application.

Amend tourism license service for hotel establishments

This service describes the procedures required to amend tourism licence information for a hotel establishment, and includes the following types of amendments:

• Updating tourism licence information
• Amending Classification Rating (following licence issuance or renewal of Classification Certificate)
• Must have a non-temporary Classification Certificate if amending the rating,
• Tourism licence must be active if updating tourism licence information or amending the rating.
• Copy of commercial permit.
• Copy of commercial registration.
• Copy of supporting documents chosen to update.
• The Tourism License information amendment fee is QR 50.
• If amending the Classification rating, the difference between the two rating fees is paid.
• Choose the organization that you want to amend.
• Choose the type of amendment needed (amend classification grade- amend organization information).
• Attach the documents required.

Renew tourism license service for hotel establishments

This outlines the procedure for renewing the tourism license for a hotel establishment. The tourism license is valid for 5 years.

• The application may be submitted maximum one month before the license expires.
• The license renewal fee for a one-star hotel or cruise is QR 20,000.
• The license renewal fee for a two-star hotel or cruise is QR 40,000.
• The license renewal fee for a three-star hotel or cruise is QR 55,000.
• The license renewal fee for a four-star hotel or cruise is QR 70,000.
• The license renewal fee for a five-star hotel or cruise is QR 100,000.
• The license renewal fee for a tourism camp is QR 12,000.
• An additional 5% of the license fee will be paid for each month or part of it in case the license renewal is delayed.
• Choose the organization that you want to Renew Tourism license for.

Cancel tourism license service for a hotel establishment

This service describes the procedures required to cancel a tourism license for a hotel establishment.

• An announcement of license cancellation must be published in an official daily newspaper while the cancellation procedures are administered.
• Tourism Activity Cancellation Certificate from the commercial registration.
• Tourism Activity Cancellation Certificate from the commercial permit.
• Copy of the announcement of license cancellation in an official daily newspaper.
• The fee for cancelling a tourism license for a hotel establishment is QR 500.
• The fees are paid after the application is approved.
• Choose the organization that you want to cancel.

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