QT, Old Doha Port expand global cruise ties

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port joined Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in Spain to promote Qatar as a key destination in global and Gulf cruise itineraries through meetings with leading cruise operators and industry stakeholders. Their participation aims to foster long-term partnerships, enhance port infrastructure, and support sustainable growth of Qatar’s cruise sector by leveraging improved connectivity and tourism offerings.

Qatar Tourism (QT) and Old Doha Port took part in Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, held from September 16 to 17 at Las Palmas Cruise Port in Gran Canaria, Spain, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance Qatar’s role in global cruise itineraries and support sector growth. The delegation included representatives from Qatar Airways and Al Tawfeeq Travel, among other key tourism and industry partners.

The participation aimed to leverage Qatar’s recent advancements in infrastructure, global air connectivity, hotel capacity, and diverse tourism offerings to strengthen collaboration with international cruise operators and develop future cruise opportunities. This coordinated strategy is intended to position Qatar as a destination ready to deliver a seamless cruise experience.

During the event, the Qatar delegation held meetings with leading cruise lines and industry stakeholders, including La Carnival Maritime GmbH, AROYA Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and Aman at Sea. These discussions focused on establishing long-term partnerships and exploring new cruise prospects, while providing insights into emerging industry trends and future growth needs.

Qatar Tourism participated within the Cruise Arabia Alliance exhibit, highlighting regional cooperation to boost the Gulf’s cruise market. The alliance brought together Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to engage with international cruise lines and explore ways to enhance regional itineraries, increase cruise traffic through the Gulf, and reinforce Qatar’s position as a key port of call.

Omar Abdulrahman al-Jaber, director of Operations Affairs at QT, emphasized the importance of fostering strong relationships with cruise operators and positioning Qatar prominently on the global cruise map. He noted Qatar’s combination of modern cruise infrastructure, international connectivity, and varied visitor experiences as central to these efforts, with ongoing collaboration between national and regional partners to support Doha’s role within Gulf itineraries and facilitate sustainable cruise sector growth.

Engineer Mohamed al-Atwaan, chief operating officer at Old Doha Port, highlighted that Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 provided a valuable platform to engage directly with cruise lines, port operators, and tourism partners regarding their operational and service requirements. He noted that these discussions will inform future planning at Old Doha Port to enhance berthing, marine services, and the overall arrival experience for passengers, strengthening Doha as a significant port within Gulf cruise routes.

Following the exhibition, the Qatar delegation also participated in the Cruise Lines International Association Ports & Destinations Dialogue on September 18. This engagement further expanded Qatar’s collaboration with cruise lines, ports, and destinations, supporting the sector’s evolving priorities and future development.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.