Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port participated in Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, held on September 16 and 17 at Las Palmas Cruise Port in Gran Canaria, Spain, as part of efforts to enhance Qatar’s position in the global cruise industry. The delegation included key partners such as Qatar Airways and Al Tawfeeq Travel, aiming to showcase Qatar’s growing capabilities, including modern infrastructure at Old Doha Port, robust air connectivity, hotel capacity, and diverse tourism offerings.
The Qatar delegation engaged in meetings with several international cruise lines and industry leaders, including Carnival Maritime GmbH, AROYA Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and Aman at Sea. These discussions focused on forging long-term partnerships and identifying future cruise opportunities, while gaining insight into current trends and sector growth requirements. Qatar Tourism’s participation took place within the Cruise Arabia Alliance stand, underscoring the region’s collaborative approach to expanding the Gulf’s cruise market.
This collaboration with neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries aims to strengthen regional itineraries and increase cruise traffic throughout the Gulf, positioning Qatar as a key port of call on these routes. Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, director of Operations Affairs at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the significance of cruise tourism within Qatar’s broader tourism strategy. He highlighted that the country intends to leverage its strong cruise infrastructure, global connectivity, and varied visitor experiences to reinforce Doha’s role in Gulf itineraries and support the sector’s sustainable expansion.
In addition to strategic discussions, Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port continue efforts with public and private sector partners to enhance destination and operational readiness. These initiatives focus on improving the cruise passenger experience, developing high-quality shore excursions, and encouraging travelers to extend their stays before and after cruise visits.
Eng. Mohamed Al-Atwaan, chief operating officer at Old Doha Port, noted the importance of coordinated operational standards and infrastructure in driving cruise tourism growth. He stated that direct engagement with cruise lines, port operators, and tourism partners during the event provided valuable feedback on requirements related to berthing, marine services, and overall arrival experiences. These insights will guide Old Doha Port’s planning and development as it works alongside Qatar Tourism and industry stakeholders.
Following the conference, the Qatar delegation also attended the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Ports & Destinations Dialogue on September 18. This participation further expanded Qatar’s engagement with global cruise lines, ports, and destinations, supporting ongoing collaboration aimed at addressing the future priorities of the cruise tourism sector.