Travel & Tourism

PAGE | 2 PAGE | 06 HIA second-best Historic sites international airport of Qatar: in the world A must visit

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT SPONSORS MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2019

Tourism industry booms in Qatar

Qatar is targeting cruise passengers to boost its tourism and Doha Port is aiming to attract half a million cruise passengers by 2022. The country is also poised to see huge leap in business events and sports tourism hosting high-calibre international events such as the ongoing 17th IAAF World Championships and the much anticipated FIFA World Cup 2022.

RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA Qatar’s tourism sector has witnessed stable growth atar’s tourism sector is under- of 11 percent from January to August 31, 2019. going rapid development with The country’s tourism sector is undergoing rapid milestone achievements in development, with milestone achievements in the sub Qvarious sectors. The country’s sectors of cruise, business events and sports. Preparing tourism industry is a promising market for investors and businesses. It beyond 2022, multiple new businesses are creating has witnessed 11 percent growth during thousands of job opportunities in hospitality, retail, January to August 31 this year compared F&B, and transportation. to the same period in 2018, said Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways. Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council “Together with our partners from (QNTC) and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive. both public and private sectors, we have been constantly working on imple- menting policies to develop the tourism ecosystem that helps create new business redefined airport experiences for trav- 2,680 are in Qatar. a luxury hospitality complex which is an industry with positive developments it sustainable growth and job opportunities. ellers from around the world. Looking forward, the company is architectural translation of Qatar’s has seen recently. With a stable growth that has reached Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief now focusing on its next strategic target country seal. Hosting a five-star ultra- Doha Port welcomed a record 11% as of August 2019, Qatar’s tourism Operating Officer at HIA, said: “We are of expanding its portfolio of iconic hotels luxury hotel and branded apartments, number of passengers in the 2018-19 sector has proven to be a promising very proud to be recognised by our loyal to 60 properties by 2026 after surpassing Katara Towers features twin arched season. Doha Port received 144,707 pas- market for investors and businesses,” passengers for the seamless airport expe- its previous target by two years. In Qatar, towers that rise gracefully from the sengers and crew on 44 ships during the said Al Baker. rience offered by HIA. To be named the the company has shaped the hospitality podium level and represent the crossed season. The rise in the number of tourists Qatar was recently ranked on top in World’s Second-Best Airport is a great landscape for over four decades and swords of the country’s seal. With its was a result of mainline cruise vessels the Middle East and number eight glo- achievement and testament to HIA’s high today is part of the national infrastructure incredible design complemented by expressing their interest in Doha and bally in Business Environment by the international standards. While this is a that grows alongside the country’s landscaped gardens and palm trees, the deploying bigger cruise vessels to Doha. World Economic Forum’s Travel & great recognition, we never rest on our development. hospitality complex is set to become the Qatar is targeting cruise passengers Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019. achievements, and constantly evolve to Katara Hospitality is also leading hospitality icon of the 21st Century. Other to boost its tourism and Doha Port is The country’s national carrier, Qatar deliver a true unique experience for our spectacular new projects that will properties coming up soon are Al Messila aiming to attract half a million cruise pas- Airways has inaugurated five new des- passengers.” redefine the design and presentation of Resort & Spa and Salwa Beach Resort, sengers by 2022. tinations linking Hamad International HIA’s unique shopping and dining luxury hospitality in the country. One of which will both add to the list of must- The country is also poised to see huge Airport (HIA) to the world. Qatar Airways’ offering spread across 40,000 square the organisation’s most significant visit for visitors and tourists. leap in business events and sports new routes include Izmir, Turkey, and meters of combined retail, food and bev- projects that is currently underway is Cruise tourism is also a promising tourism hosting high-calibre interna- Rabat, Morocco, which were launched erage options are also continuously Katara Towers in Lusail Marina District, sub-sector of the country’s tourism tional events such as the ongoing 17th in May; with Davao, the Philippines, expanding. IAAF World Championships and the Malta and Lisbon, Portugal, joining the The hospitality sector also expanding much anticipated FIFA World Cup 2022. network later in June. with the increasing number of hotels Some 137 events were organised in With the expansion of the route coming up in Qatar. 2018, which included international con- network, HIA looks forward to wel- Katara Hospitality, the country’s ferences, exhibitions and other business coming a rising number of travellers flagship hospitality company, continues related events. aboard Qatar’s state-of-the-art facility to expand its portfolio of iconic hotels to The annual events and festivals such to experience a unique passenger journey invest and acquire in key sought after as Qatar International Food Festival, into the world of the arts, culture and international markets, while also main- Hospitality Qatar, Shop Qatar, and hospitality. taining is strong position as market Summer in Qatar has seen successes and HIA also reported serving a total of leaders in the hospitality industry in expansion in their recent editions 9.38 million passengers in the second Qatar. It has gone a long way from 362 attracting many visitors. quarter of 2019, making it the busiest keys in 1970 to 7,896 in 2019. With QNTC’s visionary leadership, second quarter the airport has seen. The rapid development Katara Hos- clear roadmap and ambitious projects HIA has achieved second place in the pitality is witnessing is also reflected along with partnership with various prestigious 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s in the number of jobs its provides. Since stakeholders, the country’s tourism Best Awards. First receiving this award 2011 Katara Hospitality witnessed 400 industry is expected to further expand, in 2017, HIA continues to position itself percent increase in employees. It has create more jobs and further contribute as a leading global aviation hub, with a total of 6,499 employees, of which to the country’s economy.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR SUPPLEMENT COORDINATOR DESIGN Mohammed Salim Mohamed Ahmed Eltigani Idris Abraham Augusthy 2

HIA recognised as second-best international airport in the world

amad International self-check-in and bag drop kiosks which During this fruitful quarter, the Airport (HIA) has are biometric enabled. This also makes national carrier of the State of Qatar, achieved second place the check-in process faster, which vastly Qatar Airways has inaugurated 5 new in the prestigious 2019 improves customer experience and destinations. Linking HIA to the world, Travel + Leisure allows more passengers to be managed Qatar Airways’ new routes include Izmir, World’s Best Awards. without physical expansion of the Turkey, and Rabat, Morocco, which were HFirst receiving this award in 2017, HIA check-in facilities. launched in May; with Davao, the Phil- continues to position itself as a leading Within the security criterion, HIA ippines, Malta and Lisbon, Portugal, global aviation hub, with redefined has increased its security capacity for joining the network later in June. airport experiences for travellers from screening in its transfer areas and With the expansion of the route around the world. reduced queuing time, as part of its com- network, HIA looks forward to wel- The Travel + Leisure World’s Best mitment to providing a seamless transfer coming a rising number of travellers Awards evaluate airports based upon experience for passengers and main- aboard Qatar’s state-of-the-art facility the direct feedback of their readers who taining high standards of security. The to experience a unique passenger vote for their favourite airport across airport has also further improved cus- journey into the world of the arts, culture the globe, upon criteria such as access, tomer service in the transfer security and hospitality. check-in, security, restaurants, areas, allowing at least 95 per cent of its In May 2019, HIA marked its 5th shopping, and design. transfer passengers to queue for under year of operations and has celebrated Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief five minutes, which is an industry- their success through a series of pas- Operating Officer at HIA, said: “We are leading achievement airport experience. The airport also handled 18,997 aircraft senger, employee and stakeholder very proud to be recognised by our loyal HIA’s unique shopping and dining HIA also reported serving a total of movements in April; 18,487 movements appreciation events, highlighting the passengers for the seamless airport offering spread across 40,000 square 9.38 million passengers in the second in May; and 18,968 movements in June, role that partners play in its fast-paced experience offered by HIA. To be named meters of combined retail, food and bev- quarter of 2019, making it the busiest which includes the total number of air- success. the World’s Second-Best Airport is a erage options are also continuously second quarter the airport has seen. craft take-offs and landings. Shortly after, as a central piece of great achievement and testament to expanding. The record-breaking second quarter Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer said: the airport’s digital strategy, HIA has HIA’s high international standards. HIA competed with some of Sky- saw passenger numbers growing by 18.9 “We are happy to witness these begun trialling systems as part of the While this is a great recognition, we trax’s top 10 airports. In addition to sus- percent compared with the same quarter extremely positive results in the second second phase of its Smart Airport never rest on our achievements, and taining a seamless passenger journey last year. Qatar’s state-of-the-art ter- quarter of 2019. This growth momentum Program which sets to initiate an constantly evolve to deliver a true and advancing its technology, HIA is minal has also handled 56,452 aircraft in passenger numbers reflects HIA’s exciting major digital transformation of unique experience for our expanding its terminal to strengthen its movements from April to June 2019, commitment to working continuously the passenger journey through facial passengers.” ability to scale and compete with leading marking a 5.48 percent increase com- to strongly grow the airport and ensure biometric recognition across all key pas- HIA has achieved significant mile- airports while increasing connectivity pared to the same quarter last year, said it to be the experience of choice for all senger touchpoints. stones within the criteria for which it for airlines and passengers. The a statement. travellers. It is also a testament to the For the second consecutive year, HIA has been voted as the second best inter- expansion will include retail, dining, first In detail, HIA has served 3,427,723 rapid growth of Qatar Airways which has received “Best Airport for Passenger national airport. Passengers have been and business lounges in the North Node, passengers in April; 2,792,445 in May; currently operates a modern fleet of Experience” ranking from AirHelp, the given autonomy for the check-in process hoping to meet the demands of the and 3,152,384 in June. These numbers more than 250 aircraft via its hub at HIA world’s leading air passenger rights through the airport’s Smart Airport increasing number of passengers and are inclusive of passengers arriving, to more than 160 destinations specialist. Program which has introduced enhance the comfort and quality of the departing and transferring through HIA. worldwide.” Summer Entertainment City receives 75,000 visitors round 75,000 visitors classic retro games such as Pac- clothes to home decors. thronged Summer Man, Atari and Sega. Visitors to the SEC also Entertainment City The main areas of the SEC enjoyed watching live perform- A(SEC) after 54 days of 2019 also included amusement ances by artistes presented in giving fun and excitement to rides, skills games with prizes, cooperation with different residents and visitors. The bespoke trampoline park, a kids embassies such as Georgia, ‘Summer in Qatar’ (SiQ) center- driving school setup, giant Bangladesh, Indonesia and piece held at the sprawling blocks park for kids to play and India, as well as interacting with 29,000sqm Doha Exhibition and build with large lego-type roaming artistes and mascots. Convention Centre opened on blocks, a 1,000sqm ocean ball SEC was an integral part of June 4 and temporarily closed soft play area, Qatar’s first the vibrant SiQ program curated its doors on July 13, then reo- InflataPark spread over by QNTC and its more than 30 pened on August 9 running for 1,200sqm, the world’s largest partners from the public and another 15 days. bounce castle, a 1,200sqm skate private sectors for residents and This year’s SEC featured park, synthetic ice skating, and visitors to enjoy the season’s First snow-themed park opens at DFC more than 85 games and activ- Spider Climbing tower. festivities. ities, a main attraction at of Over 45 food options and The programme contained atar’s first-ever indoor snow themed park Snow Dunes opened its doors to the which was the biggest indoor more than 50 retail outlets were a wide range of activities for visitors at Doha Festival City Mall in August. Spreading over more than 9,500 Virtual reality (VR) and Gaming among the other offerings at people of all ages and interests. Qsquare meters, the park offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for the zone which attracted many SEC, making it a one-stop shop These included family-friendly whole family as well as food & beverages outlets, retail store and party rooms. Snow gamers to some of the world’s for visitors of all ages. The food entertainment shows, concerts Dunes is the third indoor theme park operated by Trimoo Parks at DHFC after The Angry most advanced VR simulators stalls and carts offered a variety and comedy performances by Birds World and Virtuocity. and gaming station. The zone, of cuisines while the retail top international artistes, which was spread on a outlets sold anything from fra- summer camps for children and 6,000sqm area, also featured grances to ready-to-wear youth, thrilling experiences and 3

trategically located at multiple dining options, luxury spas, and hospitality. crossroads of Europe, sports and gyms. Asia and Africa, Qatar T Self-contained beachfront resorts SCENERY & NATURE Eight key combines the attractions in and around Doha, plus downtown prop- of a dynamic and erties, boutique hotels and serviced T Year-round sunshine on clean forward-looking modern apartments. sandy beaches, desert dunes, wind- Ssociety with the courtesies and traditions sculpted rock formations, gypsum caves of its deeply-rooted culture. One of the EVENTS FACILITIES & EXPERIENCE and mangrove lagoons. reasons to world’s most prosperous and rapidly T Varied cityscapes — from dra- developing economies, Qatar has T World class exhibition and con- matic high-rise towers to the narrow emerged in recent years as a one of the ference venues, including Qatar National alleys of the souq. Bold modern archi- region’s most rapidly developing leisure Convention Centre and the new Doha tecture with traditional elements, The destinations as well. Exhibition and Convention Centre. Pearl-Qatar, Katara, green parks, elegant choose Qatar The State’s hospitality industry T Outstanding international events public buildings, spacious residential ranks amongst the world’s best in terms experience — venue for numerous UN con- districts. of service and amenities and the cul- ferences, global summits, trade fairs, T Khor Al Adaid — the spectacular tural attractions, shopping, dining and sports tournaments and cultural ‘inland sea’ with its own unique recreational and sporting facilities are festivals. ecosystem. first class. In short, Qatar offers the best T Innovative incentives – luxury and of both worlds — great business oppor- adventure, exotic venues, safaris and CULTURE & HERITAGE tunities and great leisure dhow cruises, Qatari-themed receptions experiences. and gala dinners. T Cultural attractions: Museum of T Efficient business event planning Islamic Art, Mathaf Arab Museum of LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY services — comprehensive range of event Modern Art, Msheireb Enrichment Centre, organizers, stand designers/contractors, galleries, theatres and performance T State-of-the-art Hamad Interna- shipping companies, translators, A-V spe- venues. tional Airport – a major aviation hub with cialists and other support services. T History and heritage: Al Zubarah extensive worldwide connections. archaeological site, forts and towers, T Strategically located at the heart of TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS ancient rock carvings and settlements. one of the world’s most prosperous and T Authentic experiences: Souq rapidly developing regions. Crossroads of T Experienced tour operators — Waqif, camel racing, dhow cruises, desert Asia, Europe and Africa. standard tours and tailored itineraries. trips, falconry, handicrafts, henna, music T Mid-way between Europe (7 T Plentiful taxis, limousine services, and dance. hours flying time) and major Far Eastern car hire and wide range of group T Public art and architecture: works and African capitals (9-10 hours). Some transport options available. by IM Pei, Jean Nouvel, Richard Serra, 14 hours to East Coast USA. T Efficient telecommunications, Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and many T Home to Qatar Airways, one of broadband and mobile reception. other world famous names. the world’s fastest growing airlines. Its T English widely spoken and under- expanding network currently serves 150 stood. Other major languages spoken in LEISURE ACTIVITIES destinations. the hospitality sector. T The region’s leading cultural des- HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION LIFESTYLE & ENVIRONMENT tination: historic sites. T Sports: golf, full range of water T Wide choice of world-class T Flourishing tradition of hospitality sports, diving and fishing. accommodation, including top interna- rooted in Qatar’s age-old heritage. T Desert adventures: safaris, sand tional and regional hotel brands. Luxury, T Islamic society, tolerant towards boarding, camel riding, overnight camping value and superb service. other religions and welcoming to and much more. T Purpose-built hotel meeting facil- foreigners. T Superb shopping, dining and ities and specialist events teams. T Safe, crime-free ‘first world’ envi- family entertainment … or simply a T Spacious well-appointed accom- ronment. Efficient utilities. relaxing escape on the beach, by the pool modation with outstanding recreational T Sophisticated cosmopolitan life- or at a luxury spa. amenities — pools/private beaches, style combined with old world courtesy www.visitqatar.qa

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Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Advanced reservation is required. © 2019 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. 4 5 TION National Museum of Qatar INA Museum of DEST Islamic Art he National Museum of Qatar xperience 14 centuries in a (NMoQ) has become the nucleus of few hours at the Museum Ttourism in the country, being the of Islamic Art — one of the most visited cultural destination with the leading collections of influx of visitors every day. The long EIslamic art in the world. MIA’s mag- queues of museum-goers especially on nificent and imaginatively weekends are evident of the popularity presented displays of the finest art of the Jean Nouvel-designed innovative and artefacts from across the museum. Islamic world have earned it rec- From the outside, the stunning desert ognition among the world’s top rose structure is a magnet for visitors but QATAR cultural institutions. Marvel at upon entry into the building , museum- award winning collections which goers are even more awed with its rich feature paintings, glassworks, met- and immersive content. Having proba- alwork, ceramics, textiles and bly the largest permanent video manuscripts and cover periods as installation in the world, NMoQ has much important as Mughal and Safavid. of its indoor space made of cinematic dis- No visitor can fail to be play zones where specially-commissioned impressed by the quality and diver- films are projected on. sity the collections, housed in a It has close to 3,000sqm of projec- modern architectural masterpiece tion surfaces for screening films including designed by IM Pei, winner of the 120 custom 4K and 8K video projectors. 1983 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Nine commissioned films are projection The museum ensures fresh inter- mapped in high resolution on the sur- Corniche est through its constantly changing faces of each gallery creating an programme of special exhibitions. immersive audio-visual experience and 7-kilometre long waterfront promenade which stretches for the entire length of Doha Bay, the Cor- The MIA is also home to indoor and bringing to life the narratives of the col- niche offers spectacular vistas of the city, from the dramatic high rise towers of the central business outdoors cafes, a gift shop and lections on display in an extraordinary Adistrict to the bold shapes of the Museum of Islamic Art. Traditional wooden dhows lining the Bay IDAM, a world class restaurant. and stunning way. evoke echoes of Qatar’s great seafaring past. The Corniche provides a green, vehicle-free pedestrian space Onsite guides are also available to in the heart of the capital with cafes, restaurants, outdoor exercise facilities and a running track. assist visitors.

Dahl Al Misfir Cave n innovative interpretation of the Katara region’s architectural heritage, this Apurpose-built development’s egarded by visitors as one of impressive theatres, galleries and per- Qatar’s most vividly exciting des- formance venues stage a lively Rtinations, the 40M deep cave can year-round programme of concerts, give off a phosphorescent glow which shows and exhibitions. Among the most has an otherworldly look. The glow is famous of these is the Doha Film Insti- the result of Gypsum deposits which tute’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival, which The Pearl-Qatar are found in the centre of the penin- takes place in November each year. The sula and have given rise to the Institute also showcases a programme of geological phenomena known as indoor and outdoor film screenings he Pearl-Qatar is a man- ‘desert roses’ (clusters of roughly rose- throughout the year. made island off the West shaped gypsum crystals). Most notably, Visitors can also find other recreational TBay coast featuring Medi- the 40M deep cave at Dahl Al Misfir attractions, including top class restaurants terranean-style yacht-lined was formed largely of fibrous gypsum offering a variety of cuisines, and a spacious, marinas, upmarket residential that sometimes gives off a faint, moon- well-maintained public beach with water towers, villas and internationally like phosphorescent glow. sports. Visitors will also find much to enjoy renowned hotels, as well as lux- over a night time stroll along the prome- ury shopping at top brand name he three-decade old Al Dosari Zoo and nade, with its expansive views of Doha’s boutiques and showrooms. Game Reserve is hugely popular in Qatar Al Dosari Zoo skyline, as well as a rich array of seaside A popular dining spot with Tamong residents and visitors. The zoo and food stalls and markets. dozens of restaurants, its game reserve has an animal safari park, a zoo, The Cultural Village Foundation – waterfront promenades are an amusement park, exhibition centre herit- Katara provides an exceptional experience lined with cafes and restau- age and maritime museums, theatre area and to visitors through the Al Thuraya Plane- rants serving every taste a small market. Al Dosari Zoo and Game tarium which offers a variety of — from a refreshing ice cream Reserve is planning to expand to welcome more documentaries and movies for children in to a five-star dining experi- visitors expected from the upcoming 2022 FIFA both Arabic and English to enrich their ence. The Pearl-Qatar is a World Cup. The Game Reserve and Zoo, which knowledge about the space and different popular visitor attraction by is one of the oldest such facilities in the coun- galaxies in the universe. The Al Thuraya virtue of its chic elegance, out- try, is planning to add a new building that will Planetarium located in Katara Building 41 door atmosphere and al fresco house a new exhibition centre, VIP area and is equipped with high-tech large screen dining. Hence its inviting other facilities to attract more visitors. The with a capacity for 200 visitors which gen- description as the ‘Arabian expansion plans also include setting up an edu- erates panoramic shows for the Riviera’. cation centre, veterinary clinic for animals, a audience. gym among other facilities.

Stunning dunes

atar’s many dunes, with their spectacular views, are a major attrac- Qtion for tourists who wish to undertake recreational safaris. Qatar’s largest area of sand desert lies to the south-west of the capital, with its high dunes a major attraction both for recreational safaris or simply to enjoy the spectacular landscape. The area is also popular as a day destination for families wishing to picnic in a unique environment. Tourists will also find an array of local stores en route where supplies can be purchased before heading into the desert. The desert scenery con- stantly changes depending on the time of day and light conditions. The breath-taking colours of sunrise and sunset are especially dramatic and the clear night skies offer a rare treat for stargazers. 6

Cultural treasures Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

heikh Faisal’s private museum at Al Samriya tells the story of SQatar through the personal col- lection of one man and his family. The collection features a fascinating array of more than 15,000 exhibits covering a spectrum of arts, personal artefacts and equipment, as well as many everyday household and tra- ditional items that evoke a flavour of Qatari life in the pre-oil era. One feature of the museum is its extensive collection of carpets and beautifully preserved vintage vehicles. For more information about the museum and opening hours, please check the fol- lowing link: http://fbqmuseum.org/ Mathaf: Arab Al Zubarah Fort Museum of Located on Qatar’s north-west coast and comprising the immaculately restored Al Modern Art Zubarah Fort and surrounding 60-hectare archaeological works, this UNESCO World ocated in Doha’s Education Heritage site is one of the most extensive and best preserved examples of an 18th– City, Mathaf museum, designed 19th century settlement in the region. It covers the remains of a walled coastal town Lby the acclaimed French that once ranked as one of the Gulf’s most important pearl diving and trading centres Historic sites of Qatar architect Jean-François Bodin, is the with links extending to the Indian Ocean. The fort houses a visitor’s centre. According only institution of its type in the to UNESCO, Al Zubarah was one of a long line of prosperous trading towns around the region, hosting modern art exhibits coast in what is present day Qatar. UNESCO said: “Al Zubarah bears a unique testimony and programmes offering an Arab to the human interaction with both the sea and the harsh desert environment of the perspective on contemporary art. region. Pearl divers’ weights, imported ceramics, depictions of dhows, fish traps, wells The museum is a uniquely spec- and agricultural activity show how the town’s development was driven by trade and A MUST VISIT tacular arts space containing a col- commerce, and how closely the town’s inhabitants were connected with the sea and lection of more than 6,000 works, their desert hinterland.” spanning the 1840s to the present day. Mathaf’s artistic vision is to Barzan Towers Al Koot Fort promote exhibitions that are both his- Located in the suburbs of Doha in the village of Umm Salal Mohammed, the recently torical and experimental in their restored towers were built between 1910 and 1916. Barzan means ‘the high place’ and One of the most stunning examples of early 20th century architecture in nature. The museum’s permanent col- the towers may have served as a lookout to protect local water sources and as an observ- Qatar happens to be right in the centre of the city. Al Koot Fort (also known as lection is an outstanding showcase of atory to determine the dates of the lunar calendar. The buildings were extensively Doha Fort) was built in 1927 and first used primarily as a police station to protect both historical and contemporary restored in 2003 and the towers measure 16 meters in height. While their exact role the nearby Souq Waqif. The square-shaped white fort has towers – three cir- modern Arab art. Among those fea- has never been fully determined, it is thought the towers were built near the seas both cular and one rectangular – crowned with traditional Qatari-style battlements tured include internationally to keep a look out for approaching ships and to monitor local pearl divers. Since reo- at each corner. The fort has been turned into a museum, and visitors can see renowned and award-winning figures pening to the public, the towers are equipped with air conditioning. local handicrafts on offer, including glasswork, oil painting and ceramics. such as Etel Adnan (Lebanon), Farid Belkahia (Morocco), Saloua Raouda Choucair (Lebanon and Faraj Daham Al Wajba Fort Al Jassasiya rock carvings (Qatar). Mathaf is linked by shuttle bus Situated 15 km. west of Doha, Al Wajba fort was built in the late 18th or early 19th Al Jassasiya rock carvings on the north-east coast comprise a total of 874 to the Museum of Islamic Art. century and is one of the oldest forts tourists will discover in Qatar. Its historical impor- carvings, known as ‘petroglyphs’, the earliest thought to date from Neolithic Qatar is home to a number of tance derives from being the site of a famous battle at which the Qatari forces defeated times. Discovered in 1957, they consist of various designs and patterns such as other stunning art galleries and the Ottomans in 1893, as well as being the residence of the Sheikhs during various cups in rows, rosettes, ships and foot marks. Al Jassasiya is the most impressive public spaces. These include: The periods of its history. For visitors, one of its most prominent features are its four looming of a dozen rock-carving sites to be found in Qatar. Rock carvings can also be recently redeveloped Doha Fire watchtowers, which stand out impressively in stark contrast to everything else in the found elsewhere in Qatar, including along the coast. The site also of home to a Station is a community of studios predominantly flat area. number of carvings such as boats, footprints and signs. www.visitqatar.qa offering residency programmes for artists. 7

Hospitality sector sees surge in tourists

atar National infrastructure, facilities on the Tourism Council, ground, and suitable envi- (QNTC), the state- ronment that help in hosting Qbacked agency mega events that attracts responsible for governing and tourists. Qatar Airways, the promoting the country’s country’s national carrier, con- tourism sector, has reaffirmed nects to over 150 destinations its commitment to continue around the world. That helps supporting the industry. in attracting more tourists The hospitality sector is direct to the country, which is Upcoming benefiting from a surge in increasing fast. The average tourists coming to the country. number of tourists coming to tourist Hotels and resorts are doing participate at a mega event is attraction brisk business as their occu- 7,000 or even more, and each Qetaifan etaifan Projects Company, a subsidiary of Katara pancy ratio has risen signifi- participant spends at least Hospitality which was established to develop and cantly this year compared to $500. These spendings not Island Qmanage Qetaifan Island North, signed a contract last year, helped by a sharp only benefit to the tourism and with WhiteWater West for the manufacture, shipment and increase in tourist inflow to the hospitality industry, but also water installation of the water park rides. The contract was signed country. According to official have percolating effects to by Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qetaifan data, the number of tourist’s other sectors of the economy. park Projects’ Managing Director, and Geoff Chutter, White- arrival to Qatar reached over Qatar’s hospitality sector Water West’s Chief Executive Officer. 1.05 million in June 2019 (YTD). continued to win accolades Qetaifan Projects was established due to the increasing Occupancy ratio is a crucial as it has been ranked best in demand for high-quality tourism facilities and the need to gauge of the hospitality the Middle East for a second develop more in this sector. Qetaifan Island North devel- industry as high occupancy consecutive year, by the opment, part of Lusail city, features seven beaches, making rate shows high turn out of Guest Experience in the it a distinctive waterfront of the city. The island has an area guests for hotels and resorts. Middle East Report, released of 1.3 million square meters, and the island’s projects span The increase in guest by hospitality and travel data approximately 830 thousand square meters. numbers was witnessed by all providers Olery, a report in Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that categories of hotels, shows May said. the Island’s water park is considered the most important the data. Akbar Al Baker, Sec- element on the island and the preferred destination for Qatar has received more retary-General of QNTC, said: visitors. As Qetaifan Island North in general, and the number of tourists this year “Qatar’s hospitality sector water park will host large numbers of visitors, including compared to last year, driven remains a key engine of our Qatar’s residents as well as tourists with its opening coin- by a series of coordinated tourism vision. We congrat- ciding with the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha. measures taken by concerned ulate our partners in the The signing follows the plan of local and global part- authorities to boost tourism private sector for their con- nerships developed by Qetaifan Projects to contribute in the country. According to tinued growth, and their focus to the revitalisation of the tourism sector in Qatar. It QNTC, Qatar received on providing travellers with follows the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding 588,000 visitors during the unparalleled hospitality and with tour operators considering the high interest and first quarter of this year, authentic experiences.” The demand on this sector, in partnership with Katara Hos- reflecting an increase of 10 Olery report confirms that pitality, Qatar National Tourism Council and Qatar percent compared to the Q1 Qatar’s hospitality sector is Airways. This is in addition to the signing with Rixos last year. best in class, and a model for International Hotel Chain to operate the hotel, retail Qatar has all the needful the industry and the region. outlets, water park and the beach club in Qetaifan Island North . GET THE SPECIAL TREATMENT

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