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Qatar outpaces Saudi Arabia and UAE in tourism growth with 147% surge

People ride camels on the dunes in Al Wakrah, south of Doha, on December 12, 2022, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. AFP
  • The surge in tourism can be attributed to Qatar's strategic investments in luxury offerings, and a visa-free entry policy for citizens of 102 countries
  • Qatar has effectively leveraged high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup to enhance its global tourism profile, alongside significant infrastructure development

Doha, Qatar – Qatar has emerged as the leading player in the Middle East tourism sector, boasting an impressive 147% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, as reported by UN Tourism. This growth positions Qatar ahead of its regional competitors, with Saudi Arabia experiencing a 73% increase and the UAE’s Dubai seeing an 11.4% rise in international visitors during the same period.

The surge in tourism can be attributed to Qatar’s strategic investments in luxury offerings, a visa-free entry policy for citizens of 102 countries, and the implementation of its National Tourism Strategy 2030. The government aims to attract 6 million international visitors annually by 2030, underscoring tourism’s critical role in the nation’s economic diversification efforts.

Qatar has effectively leveraged high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup to enhance its global tourism profile, alongside significant infrastructure development, including new airports and transportation systems. Hamad International Airport (DOH) serves as the primary hub, connecting travelers to 116 destinations worldwide.

Strategic partnerships and marketing campaigns, such as ‘Double the Discovery’ with Saudi Arabia, further encourage travel between countries. Qatar also continues to host a variety of cultural and sporting events to keep tourism thriving year-round.

The economic impact of Qatar’s tourism sector is substantial, contributing approximately QAR 81.2 billion to the GDP in 2023 and supporting around 286,000 jobs. Visitor spending reached QAR 60.4 billion last year, with expectations for further growth in 2024.

With ambitious goals and continued investment in hospitality and tourism infrastructure, Qatar is solidifying its position as a premier global destination, setting the stage for sustained growth in the years to come.