Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port expand global cruise ties

Qatar Tourism (QT) and Old Doha Port took part in Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, an event held at Las Palmas Cruise Port in Gran Canaria, Spain, from September 16 to 17. The Qatar delegation aimed to bolster Qatar's standing in global cruise routes and foster the industry's ongoing growth. Key partners, such as Qatar Airways and Al Tawfeeq Travel, joined the delegation.

The visit centered on leveraging Qatar's recent advancements, including modern infrastructure at Old Doha Port, extensive air connectivity, ample hotel rooms, and a variety of tourism experiences. By promoting these, the delegation sought to increase cruise travel opportunities and forge stronger connections with cruise operators through collaborative efforts.

During the exhibition, the delegation met with representatives from Carnival Maritime GmbH, AROYA Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, and Aman at Sea. These interactions focused on solidifying long-term partnerships and investigating future cruise opportunities. QT participated as part of the Cruise Arabia Alliance stand, underscoring the significance of regional cooperation in expanding the Gulf's cruise scene.

Omar Abdulrahman al-Jaber, director of Operations Affairs at QT, stated, "Our priority is to strengthen relationships and establish long-term partnerships with cruise operators, while positioning Qatar on the global cruise tourism map in the upcoming seasons." "Qatar boasts robust cruise infrastructure, global connectivity, and a diverse array of visitor experiences, and we will persistently collaborate with our national and regional partners to enhance Doha's role within Gulf itineraries and support the sustainable expansion of Qatar's cruise and tourism sector," he added.

Engineer Mohamed al-Atwaan, COO at Old Doha Port, remarked, "Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 provided us with a valuable chance to interact directly with cruise lines, port operators, and tourism partners regarding their evolving needs, ranging from berthing and marine services to overall arrival experiences." "These conversations will aid in our planning at Old Doha Port as we team up with Qatar Tourism and our industry allies to enhance operational readiness and support Doha's position as a vital port of call within Gulf itineraries."

Following Seatrade Cruise Med, the Qatar delegation also engaged in the Cruise Lines International Association Ports & Destinations Dialogue on September 18, further extending their collaborations with cruise lines, ports, and destinations, all aimed at advancing the sector's future priorities.