Qatar Most Open Nation In Visa Facilitation

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Victor Bolorunduro | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: With 102 countries granted visas on arrival as of the last count, Qatar has become the most open country in the world in terms of visa facilitation, the Chairman of Qatar tourism (QT), H E Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, has said.

Speaking at the 2024 Global Exhibitions Day (GED) hosted by QT with UFI, the Global Association of the exhibition Industry, yesterday, Al Kharji noted that Qatar's commitment to hosting large-scale global events is an important means by which it is fulfilling the objective of becoming the fastest-growing tourism destination in the Middle East by 2030.

The event, which marked the inaugural GED celebration in the Middle East, was also attended by Sheikh Jabor bin Yousef bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions & Conferences (AUIEC), Naji El Haddad, Regional Director of UFI, and other dignitaries and industry leaders.

Al Kharji said,“We have welcomed over six million visitors between 2023 and this year. In 2023, we welcomed over four million visitors, and up until April 2024, we have received another two million visitors.”

The QT Chairman noted that MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) has become one of the priority pillars driving growth in Qatar's tourism sector, which Qatar recognises as integral to its strategic goals.

“The inclusion of Qatar's national development strategy further reinforces this message. Here in Qatar, we boast nothing short of state-of-the-art MICE facilities, with two world-class venues offering a combined exhibition capacity of 70,000 square metres,” he added.

Al Kharji noted that Qatar is building a strong calendar of exhibitions and major business events.

“We successfully hosted the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, the Geneva International Motor Show, the World Summit 2024, the Qatar Economic Forum, and just last week, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the project. The second half of 2024 promises to be even greater as we are making a diverse portfolio of exhibitions including travel and tourism, real estate, construction, and design, among others,” he said.

The GED event included discussions on topics like“Unlocking Opportunities: Qatar's Business Events Industry Outlook and Potential” and“Challenges and Solutions for Venues of the Future.” Running under the theme 'Exhibitions are catalysts to sustainable futures', the GED is focusing on four key pillars: exhibitions drive progress, exhibitions facilitate economic growth, exhibitions are sustainable, and exhibitions connect people.

In his remarks, Sheikh Jabor Al Thani noted that the industry is growing by leaps and bounds, which is an indicator of the reward on investment over the years and the attractiveness of the region.

“Without mincing words, we can see that this industry is taking a huge step forward in the region, and the future can only be brighter,” he said.

Meanwhile, UFI President Geoff Dickinson, who addressed the gathering via video link, thanked Qatar Tourism for hosting the event and for being a truly valued Diamond Sponsor of UFI.

“Today we celebrate exhibitions around the globe and the important role they play as vital gateways for organisations to build relationships around the world. For centuries, exhibitions have allowed the human race to share new ideas, see new products and technologies, and forge vital relationships to advance economic growth and development,” he said.

Qatar Tourism has been a Diamond Sponsor of UFI since 2018, the highest tier of partnership for UFI. Qatar Tourism and the UFI share a long-standing history as strategic partners to develop the MICE industry in the country. In addition, the sponsorship also promotes Qatar's participation in UFI's global network of members and strategic key markets. Qatar hosted the UFI MEA Conference last year, which further augmented Qatar's exhibition sector by positioning Qatar firmly in the exhibition market.

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