The tiny Middle East nation of Qatar, located on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf, is banking on tourism as a way to diversify its economy beyond natural gas and oil, which have made the country one of the wealthiest in the world.

The tourism effort includes not only high-profile international sporting events, as seen in last year’s FIFA World Cup, but also a newly built cruise ship terminal in the capital city of Doha.

“In line with the national strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, we are expanding our tourism value proposition and are excited to welcome travelers from around the world to experience the best of Qatari hospitality both on sea and land,” said Qatar Tourism Vice President of International Markets Philip Dickinson.

Luxury Hotel Offerings

As Qatar’s tourism grows, many new luxury hotels have opened in 2022, and more are scheduled to debut this year.

These include several international properties, such as St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha, Le Royal Méridien City Center Doha, Andaz Doha and Rosewood Doha.

“The cruise sector has been an instrumental part in propelling our tourism growth forward,” Dickinson added. “Hosting the single most popular global sporting event with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has led Qatar to develop in-depth plans to boost tourism, with an ambitious target to welcome over 6 million visitors a year by 2030.

“A fundamental part of this is attracting more cruise passengers [and ships] homeporting from Doha. The new Grand Cruise Terminal is located in central Doha near the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif traditional marketplace. The terminal can welcome up to 12,000 passengers per day and host two megaships at one time. Various attractions at the terminal include an aquarium and art gallery.”

The skyline of Doha, Qatar. (photo via SHansche/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Cruise Tourism Numbers

Qatar Tourism predicted it would welcome more than 200,000 cruise visitors during 95 ship calls in the 2022-23 season, which ran from November through April.

The cruise terminal itself is striking, with more than 1,000 arches that pay homage to classic Arabian architecture. It houses the Middle East’s largest aquarium, according to Qatari tourism officials.

Cruise lines that have sailed to or from Qatar, or have plans to in 2023, include MSC Cruises (which christened its new MSC World Europa in Doha in November 2022), Costa Cruises, Ponant, Emerald Cruises, TUI and Silversea Cruises.

Myriad Selling Points

Qatar is a fascinating country that offers modern skyscrapers, beautiful top-tier hotels, high-end retail shops and desert adventures including camel rides. In winter, temperatures can range from a low of 57 degrees Fahrenheit to highs of about 77. Plus, the nation gets about 320 days of sunshine per year.

It’s not difficult to get to or around the country. Qatar Airways serves more than 150 destinations and is often rated among the best in the world, along with Hamad International Airport. The modern Metro system links many of the top tourism attractions.

Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. (photo via Drablenkov/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

Respecting Local Culture

Visitors should be aware that they are expected to “show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public places. In malls, it is appropriate to cover the shoulders and wear clothing over the knee,” according to Qatar Tourism. Alcohol is not available in most restaurants, except those in major international hotels. Often, watermelon or orange juice is served with meals.