Katara Hospitality at QTM 2025: Four Years as a Founding Partner Championing Qatar’s Tourism Vision
Reading Time: 5 minutesKatara Hospitality, Qatar’s leading global hotel owner, developer, and operator, marks a major milestone as it returns for the fourth consecutive year as a Founding Partner at Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2025. Its continued partnership underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting Qatar’s tourism strategy, strengthening the nation’s hospitality sector, and advancing the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030. As QTM 2025 gathers global tourism leaders, travel innovators, and international hospitality brands, Katara Hospitality’s influential presence goes beyond representing a distinguished portfolio of world-class properties. It stands as a powerful reaffirmation of Qatar’s rising position as a dynamic, world-class global tourism hub. Driving the Future of Hospitality in Qatar and Beyond The hospitality sector remains the backbone of Qatar’s tourism industry, playing a vital role in supporting economic growth, cultural exchange, and destination competitiveness. Katara Hospitality continues to elevate Qatar’s tourism landscape through: 1. Elevating the Guest Experience With exceptional service standards, luxury accommodations, and innovative dining experiences, Katara Hospitality reinforces Qatar’s reputation for refined Arabian hospitality—turning every visit into an unforgettable journey. 2. Accelerating Economic Diversification As one of the region’s largest hospitality employers, Katara Hospitality contributes significantly to job creation and supports a broad ecosystem of suppliers, innovators, and service providers, both locally and globally. 3. Showcasing Qatar’s Cultural Identity Through its hotels and hospitality teams around the world, Katara Hospitality serves as a cultural ambassador for Qatar, offering authentic experiences that highlight Qatari warmth, heritage, and vision. In the context of QTM 2025, Katara Hospitality’s continued leadership underscores the fundamental role of premium hospitality infrastructure in Qatar’s expanding tourism ambitions. A Vision Rooted in Purpose & National Pride “Our enduring commitment to QTM as a Founding Partner is a source of immense pride and a testament to our core belief: that Qatar is destined to be a global beacon of luxury and hospitality… We are not simply building assets; we are building bridges that welcome the world to Qatar’s doorstep.”— Shoaa Al Semaiti, Manager – Marketing & Communications, Katara Hospitality Global Partners Applaud Katara Hospitality’s Leadership at QTM 2025 Katara Hospitality’s participation brings together a distinguished collection of international hotel partners—all of whom praise the impact and importance of QTM as a global platform: Raffles & Fairmont Doha – Andrew Steele “QTM remains an exceptional platform to highlight Qatar’s leadership in the luxury space… We are proud to support the nation’s 2030 vision.” The Savoy London “We are pleased to unveil our newly redesigned rooms and suites at QTM 2025. It’s a fantastic space to engage with global industry leaders.” The Plaza New York – Sam Ioannidis “Qatar represents a strong strategic opportunity… I am honoured to participate for the second consecutive year.” Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne – Chris K. Franzen “We proudly represent Switzerland’s hospitality heritage. QTM strengthens our connections with GCC travellers seeking authentic and premium experiences.” Hotel Park Doha – Ziad Nasrallah “QTM celebrates innovation and excellence. We are proud to position Hotel Park Doha as one of Qatar’s leading outdoor leisure destinations.” Al Messila Resort & Spa – Kazem Shamas “QTM enables us to showcase our private villas, wellness offerings, and culinary experiences to a global audience.” Mövenpick Hotel Doha – Dan Sebastian “Each year, QTM inspires us to elevate guest experiences and connect with global markets.” Carlton Cannes – Pierre-Louis Renou “As a participant since day one, QTM holds a special place for us.” Somerset West Bay Doha – Prem Kumar “This reflects our shared commitment to exceptional hospitality and service.” Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh – Bassam Dzhaafar “QTM reinforces our commitment to memorable guest experiences.” Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan – Gianrico Esposito “We proudly represent Milanese elegance and look forward to expanding our partnerships across the GCC.” Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas – Petr Pisecky “This event showcases the strength and vibrancy of Qatar’s tourism sector.” InterContinental Madrid – Giuseppe Vincelli “QTM strengthens our connections with international travel partners.” Dana Club – Ahmad Hussaen Al Abdulla “We proudly support Qatar’s journey to becoming a global tourism leader.” Sharq Village & Spa – Alper Can Bulcum “We proudly represent Qatari hospitality and Ritz-Carlton elegance at QTM.” Sealine Beach Resort – Marko Jovanovic “We celebrate five years of QTM participation—each edition bringing stronger partnerships and new opportunities.” The Amstel Hotel – Tom Krooswijk “Our presence strengthens ties with the Middle Eastern luxury travel market.” Sheraton Grand Doha – Peter Katusak-Huzsvar “We proudly showcase our rich heritage and Michelin-starred experiences at QTM.” The Westin Excelsior Rome – Marc Lannoy “QTM provides meaningful opportunities to discuss sustainability, innovation, and wellness.” Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha – Vincent David “We look forward to highlighting our role in elevating Qatar’s all-inclusive luxury experience.” Jouri, A Murwab Hotel – Oksana Uzkureli “We proudly reflect the spirit of warm, genuine Qatari hospitality.” The Adria, London – Dominik Feller “QTM allows us to connect with partners who continue to make The Adria part of their London story.” A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Global Growth As Qatar continues its journey to become one of the world’s most influential tourism destinations, Katara Hospitality stands at the forefront of national progress, innovation, and global expansion. Through its leadership at QTM 2025, the company reinforces its long-standing mission: To elevate Qatar’s global hospitality footprint and create transformative travel experiences for the world.
Visit Qatar Announces Lusail Sky Festival and Eid Al-Fitr Activities
Reading Time: 2 minutesVisit Qatar in collaboration with Qatari Diar announces the Lusail Sky Festival, the largest event of its kind in the region, will take place from April 3rd to 5th 2025, 16:00 – 22:00, coinciding with Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. Taking place at Lusail’s iconic Al Saad Plaza, where visitors can enjoy a unique visual experience in an open-air setting, with free activities available to all. The Lusail Sky Festival will showcase an array of aerial performances, including international aerobatics, skydiving, skywriting demonstrations, and high-speed jet displays. Audiences will witness planes creating intricate formations with coloured smoke, laser displays, and aerial pyrotechnics, alongside spectacular drone shows. Adding to the spectacle, the festival will include skydiving demonstrations, nightly laser and fireworks displays synchronised with music and light effects, and an extraordinary drone show featuring over 3,000 illuminated drones and 150 aircraft equipped with pyrotechnics, creating mesmerising imagery in the night sky. Beyond the aerial performances, visitors can enjoy a diverse entertainment programme on the ground, including a food zone with 14 food trucks and carts offering a variety of culinary options, as well as an entertainment theatre featuring live performances and family-friendly activities. More events and attractions during Eid Al-Fitr A variety of music and entertainment events are in store during Eid Al Fitr, featuring both established and emerging talents. U Finio will host a concert on 4th April, featuring Abdulaziz Al-Dweihi and Hisham Mahrous, while Doha Golf Club will present performances by rising star Too Late, and renowned artist Nick Carter, offering a rich and diverse musical experience. Additionally, the Disney-inspired musical theatre production, The Magic Box, will run from April 3rd to 12th, 2025 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, bringing another dimension of entertainment to the Eid celebrations. Must-visit attractions-The Pearl-Qatar, a key destination with marina views, luxury retail, and fine dining. Nearby, Gewan Island features Qatar’s longest air-conditioned pedestrian walkway and holds two Guinness World Records for the largest outdoor air-conditioned shopping mall and the largest outdoor interactive lighting canopy. In Al Waab, West Walk integrates retail, dining, and year-round events, with a pedestrian promenade featuring innovative cooling technology. For cultural experiences, the Mina District offers waterfront cafés and pastel-coloured buildings in a picturesque setting. Katara Cultural Village remains a key attraction, featuring artistic exhibitions, open-air performances, and scenic beachfront areas. Qatar’s beaches provide a mix of relaxation and adventure. Sealine Beach in Mesaieed offers swimming, camel rides, and desert safaris. Umm Bab Beach on the western coast provides a tranquil camping experience. Doha Beach Club offers luxury amenities and dining, while Doha Sands Beach features a vibrant leisure atmosphere. West Bay Beach combines an urban skyline with a relaxing shoreline and premium services. Residents can take advantage of exclusive offers from Visit Qatar, with discounts across various categories, including food and drink, beauty and spa, health and fitness, leisure and entertainment, hotel stays, and retail services. To access these exclusive offers, visit the link https://visitqatar.com/content/dam/visitqatar/events-calendar/march-2025-events/eid-2025/EID-Alfitr-Offers-2025.pdf.
Visit Qatar to Host Michael Bublé’s Debut Live Concerts This May
Reading Time: < 1 minuteVisit Qatar is set to welcome global music icon Michael Bublé for the first time in Qatar, as he takes the stage for two live performances on May 23rd and 24th at Al Mayassa Theatre, Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Early bird sales are available from February 19th to 28th with general ticket sales opening to the public on April 1st, 2025. This highly anticipated concert is part of Qatar’s dynamic calendar of events, which features world-class exhibitions, a variety of live performances, and major sporting competitions, catering to a diverse audience. The Grammy Award-winning artist Michael Bublé, known for his signature blend of pop and jazz, will bring his unique live performances to a diverse audience in Doha, one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Al Mayassa Theatre, a premier venue designed to host theatrical and musical productions, will provide concertgoers with an immersive experience. With a capacity of over 2,000 and a state-of-the-art sound system, the theatre offers the ideal setting for this event. Early bird tickets for Michael Bublé’s concerts are now available at https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa/music/28863/michaelbuble?presales=MjAyNS0wMi0xNCAxNDo0OTowOV9tOXI6 and https://doha.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/97792/michael-buble-in-doha
Junior’s Opens Fifth Branch in Al Wakrah, Bringing its Famous Dining Experience to the Community
Reading Time: 2 minutesDoha, Qatar – February 16th, 2025 – junior’s Qatar is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest branch in Al Wakrah, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion across Qatar. The highly anticipated event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family entertainment, and exclusive offers for attendees, creating an unforgettable experience for all. This new location is junior’s fifth branch in Qatar, following the successful opening of the Izghawa branch earlier in January 2025. The expansion into Al Wakrah is a testament to junior’s continued growth and its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience to customers in more communities across the country. The New Love is excited to bring its popular food, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere to the Al Wakrah community, further strengthening its presence in Qatar. “We are thrilled to open our doors to Al Wakrah and be a part of this vibrant community. It’s a major step in our strategic plan to expand our footprint in Qatar,” said Mr. Abdulla Al Ansari, CEO of Al Ansari Group and Founder of junior’s. “We have received countless requests from the customers to bring junior’s to this part of Qatar, and we are glad to bring them The New Love. Our goal is to serve high-quality food and create a warm and welcoming space where families and friends can come together. This opening represents our ongoing commitment to investing in our local community and catering to our customers wherever they are.” junior’s expansion into Al Wakrah underscores the brand’s commitment to fostering stronger community connections and enhancing customer experiences throughout Qatar. By bringing the same great food and service to a new location, junior’s ensures that its loyal customers have even more convenient access to their favorite dining experience. With each new location, junior’s further solidifies its position as a key player in the Qatari dining scene, blending quality, community, and consistency in every burger served. Whether it’s a casual meal with family or a gathering with friends, junior’s continues to be the destination where unforgettable moments are made.
Qatar International Food Festival 2025 kicks off with an unforgettable culinary showcase
Reading Time: 3 minutesVisit Qatar inaugurates the 14th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) with a grand opening ceremony at Hotel Park today, kicking off a ten-day long celebration of gastronomy and entertainment. The festival will feature over 100 local vendors, 27 international restaurants and cafes, and plenty of entertainment shows. QIFF 2025 is set to be the largest and most exciting edition to date. The festival promises an unparalleled culinary experience, showcasing global and local flavours, while also reflecting Qatar’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading destination for cultural exchange and tourism. During his opening remarks, Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said, emphasised QIFF’s significance in positioning Qatar as a premier global destination for gastronomy and hospitality. He said: “The Qatar International Food Festival has evolved into a global platform that celebrates culinary excellence while reflecting Qatar’s rich cultural diversity and commitment to innovation. Its continued success underscores the pivotal role of the hospitality and dining sectors in advancing Qatar’s tourism landscape, serving as a key driver in delivering world-class experiences to visitors and residents alike.” Among the highlights of this year’s festival is the experience of the epitome of culinary excellence at the Michelin Guide Village, where you can savour exclusive creations from some of the world’s finest Michelin-star chefs. QIFF Ring, which is a competition Arena, where visitors will witness chefs cook and compete on centre stage. In addition, a Cooking Studio will welcome renowned chefs from both Qatar and abroad, hosting interactive workshops and cooking classes. For those seeking a truly unique experience, Dinner in the Sky offers an exhilarating dining adventure suspended 50 meters above the ground, providing guests with stunning views of the entire festival and the Doha skyline. This year’s festival expansive location is divided into immersive districts, each offering unique dining experiences and interactive activities. The Flavours within Qatar section celebrates Qatar’s rich culinary landscape and showcases both traditional street food and fine dining, while the Latin Food District offers authentic dishes such as tacos, empanadas, and ceviche, providing a taste of Latin America. The International Flavours District brings together global street food and gourmet flavours, while the Healthy Corner focuses on plant-based and sustainable cuisine. The Coffee & Bakeries Corner serves as a haven for coffee and dessert enthusiasts, offering artisanal coffee and a wide range of sweet treats. The QIFF VIP Area provides an exclusive, luxurious dining experience with gourmet food, personalised service, and top-tier decor, offering a refined atmosphere for guests seeking a premium experience. Families are also invited to enjoy daily movie screenings, kids’ workshops within QIFF Juniors, and other engaging outdoor activities, ensuring entertainment for visitors of all ages. QIFF 2025 runs until February 22nd, offering visitors an unmissable chance to indulge in the world’s finest flavours, explore new culinary trends, and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere that has become synonymous with this signature event. Visitors attending QIFF are advised to park at the DECC parking facility and access Hotel Park via the designated tunnel. Alternatively, those using the DECC Metro Station can reach Hotel Park with a short walk. For more information and updates, visit https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar/qatar-international-food-festival follow @qiff.qa on social media.
Disney The Magic Box Premieres in Doha in April 2025
Reading Time: 2 minutesDisney The Magic Box highly anticipated premiere at the prestigious Al Mayassa Theatre from April 3rd to April 12th, 2025, as part of its global tour. These musical promises to captivate audiences with over 75 of Disney’s most beloved songs, brought to life through breathtaking choreography, puppetry, and stunning visual effects. Presented by Fever, the leading global live entertainment discovery platform, Proactiv Entertainment, a renowned promoter of large-scale productions, and in partnership with Visit Qatar. This collaboration underscores Visit Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the country’s entertainment landscape. By securing internationally acclaimed productions such as The Magic Box, Visit Qatar continues to elevate Doha’s position as a premier destination for world-class cultural and family-friendly experiences. The production features over 75 iconic Disney songs from legendary composers, including Alan Menken, Elton John, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer. Audiences can look forward to timeless hits such as “A Whole New World” (Aladdin), “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (Encanto), “How Far I’ll Go” (Moana), “Circle of Life” (The Lion King), “Let It Go” (Frozen), and “This Wish” (Wish). Following its successful run in Buenos Aires and South Africa, Disney ‘The Magic Box is set to mesmerize audiences in Doha. The musical’s international creative team includes Thaddeus McWhinnie Phillips (Co-Book writer, Director, and Set Designer), Lynne Kurdziel Formato (Choreographer), Isaac Saul (Musical Director, Arranger, and Orchestrator), and Felipe Gamba Paredes (Creative Producer, Co-Book writer). Fans eager to experience the magic can buy tickets from Virgin Megastore or Fever. For more details on Visit Qatar’s upcoming events, visit visitqatar.com. SHOW INFORMATIONVenue: Al Mayassa TheatreOpening Date: April 3rd, 2025Running Time: 90 minutes (no intermission)Recommended Age: 6 years and above (No children under 3)Performance Schedule: Weekends: Saturdays – 14:00, 17:30Ticket Prices: Starting at QAR 85
Baraha Musical Concert Returns at Msheireb Downtown Doha
Reading Time: 3 minutesDoha, Qatar – 9 February 2025: The Baraha Musical Concert is back at Barahat Msheireb, taking place over three days on 14, 15, and 18 February – with a unique blend of Gulf folk music and animated soundtracks in an open-air setting at Msheireb Downtown Doha. In collaboration with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO), this year’s Baraha concerts are an opportunity to enjoy live performances while savouring a three-course meal in one of Doha’s most iconic destinations. Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Msheireb Properties, said: “The Baraha Musical Concert is all about bringing people together through music, combining contemporary and traditional sounds in the beautiful setting of Barahat Msheireb. With live performances and great food, it’s an experience that feels grand and intimate. We love seeing residents and visitors come together to enjoy these special moments, and it’s exciting to keep finding new ways to celebrate our heritage while embracing modern creativity.” Gulf Folk Music Meets Western Orchestral Sounds The first two concerts, on 14 and 15 February, will spotlight Gulf folk music, preserving traditional melodies while incorporating Western orchestral elements. The performance will pay tribute to Qatar’s maritime heritage, with a focus on the ‘Fijiri’ music style, a traditional genre linked to pearl divers and the sea. Dr. Nasser Sahim, Deputy Executive Director of QPO, discussed the significance of this initiative. “Since the blending of Gulf folk music with Western classical instruments in 2022, there has been increasing interest in these efforts to preserve local music. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra serves as a cultural ambassador for Qatar, showcasing local music to a wider audience. Through our orchestral direction, we highlight the themes and cultural stories of Qatar, bridging cultural understanding through music,” Dr. Sahim explained. Among the compositions composed by Dr. Sahim that will be featured include Spirit of Maqam, Al Freasa Ashory, Al Barehaa, Khamary – Samry Ma Agwa, Adsani, Lewaa Dance, Ya Hmood, An Yehremoona, Al Maena Yeqool, Helwa Magroora, and Ana Ya Khely. Anime Soundtracks Take the Stage On 18 February, the Baraha Musical Concert will present a unique experience with “Animated Volume 1: Msheireb Edition,” a performance that has captivated audiences since its debut in 2019. Growing in popularity among Doha audiences, the concert combines the magic of orchestral music with beloved anime soundtracks and attracts both classical music lovers and anime fans alike. “The upcoming concert promises a captivating celebration of anime music, offering fans the chance to hear iconic tracks from beloved shows, performed by a world-class orchestra. Highlighting the vital role music plays in anime, the concert will bring characters and stories to life with powerful performances of pieces from Death Note, Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Detective Conan, The Lion King, and Arabic songs like Grendizer and Iron Man. This unique event blends orchestral music with anime culture, inviting the audience to sing along with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and their soloists.” said Merve Kenet Bulun, Artistic Lead and part of QPO. Tickets for the Baraha Musical Concert are available in a variety of packages and include a three-course meal from a 5-star hotel in Msheireb Downtown Doha. Silver individual seating is priced at QAR 500 per seat, while Platinum and Gold ticket tables for multiple guests are available. Tickets can be purchased via the Msheireb Downtown Doha website.
