HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, opens the 21st edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition
Under the patronage of His Excellency, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2025 opened to the public on January 30th at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The 21st edition, organised by Qatar Tourism and brought by Visit Qatar, was inaugurated with a ceremony attended by HE Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, and Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar. The event also welcomed various ministers, ambassadors, and dignitaries. Commenting on the opening of the exhibition, HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar remarked: ““The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition is a prime example of Qatar’s ability to host world-class events that captivate global audiences, showcasing our growing status as a leading MICE destination in the region. This prestigious event not only celebrates the artistry of luxury craftsmanship but also aligns with our vision to create an ecosystem that attracts international business and encourages cultural exchange. As we unveil the 21st edition, we are delighted to offer industry professionals and global visitors the opportunity to engage in exclusive networking opportunities, while experiencing the unique fusion of heritage and modernity that defines Qatar. This year’s exhibition brings together the world’s most esteemed brands and designers, highlighting the artistry and innovation that define the industry.” QNB, the platinum sponsor of DJWE 2025, reiterated its longstanding commitment to this prestigious event. Commenting on this sponsorship, QNB Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, said: “We are proud to always be among the first financial institutions to support local brands and provide encouraging incentives to Qatari entrepreneurs in all sectors and be a part of their success story. Sponsoring this prestigious event confirms the values of the QNB brand focused on bringing the culture of excellence and success to our business.” The week-long exhibition will feature exquisite collections, statement pieces, and innovative designs from over 500 brands including Al Fardan Jewellery, Al Majed Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Luxury, Amiri Gems, Fifty-One East, Al Muftah Jewellery, Blue Salon, Bvlgari, Arts and Gems and much more. In addition, the exhibition will host a diverse range of international brands, as well as established Qatari designers such as Ghand Jewellery, Kaltham’s Pavilion, M Royal Collection, Al Ghla Jewellery, and emerging Qatari designers Alya Jewelery and the One & Only Jewellery, continuing its tradition of blending heritage with innovation. The exhibition will also see the return of three highly anticipated pavilions including the Qatari Turkish, and Indian pavilions, each highlighting unique craftsmanship. Commenting on their participation, Ali Hussain Alfardan, Vice Chairman of Alfardan Group and President of Alfardan Jewellery, said: “In a historic first, this year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone as several prestigious brands, including Vacheron Constantin, Chopard, and other renowned jewelers, have chosen to showcase their collections at Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition before their appearance at the Geneva International Gem and Jewellery Show. He also shared: “It is a privilege to have contributed to designing a limited edition watch for Vacheron Constantin in celebration of their 270th anniversary, adding a personal touch to this remarkable milestone. Mr. Jamil bin Mahdi Al Majed, Vice Chairman of Al Majed Jewellery, said: “We are very thrilled to participate in the 21st edition of the DJWE and display the latest luxury designs for international and local brands.” In line with the traditions of previous editions, Al Majed Jewellery has established new exclusive partnerships with leading brands that will be unveiled during the exhibition in addition to the many brands that operate under the umbrella of Al Majed Jewellery and are achieving unique success in the Qatari market, said Mr. Jamil Al Majid. Commenting on this year’s exhibition, H.E. Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani, said: “Since its inception in 1994, Amiri Gems has actively participated in raising the level of jewelry and precious watches trade in the State of Qatar in proportion to the purchasing power of Qatari citizens, which is considered one of the highest in the world. Hence, the decision to participate in the permanent annual participation in the Doha Watch and Jewellery Exhibition, from its first edition to its 21st edition this year, was the ideal strategic choice for Amiri Gems to continue presenting everything new in the world of luxury, sophistication and beauty. Finally, we would like to thank those in charge of managing the exhibition for their hospitality, management and development in a significant way, which contributes to increasing the success and reputation of the exhibition regionally and globally.” Fifty-One East has been a proud exhibitor at the DJWE since its inception, reinforcing its position as Qatar’s premier destination for timeless elegance. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Bader Al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Fifty One East, said: “We are honored to participate in the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, an event that has firmly established itself as a beacon of luxury and craftsmanship, not only on Qatar’s map but also on the international stage. Each year, the DJWE attracts a distinguished audience of collectors, connoisseurs, and clients from Qatar and around the world, reflecting the nation’s growing influence as a global hotspot for luxury. At Fifty-One East, we take pride in carefully selecting some of the rarest pieces and latest novelties from the brands we represent, ensuring they meet the grandeur and prestige of this remarkable event.” He added, “We extend our appreciation to the organizers for their dedication to creating such a remarkable platform. We invite all visitors to explore our pavilion and discover novelties from the world’s most esteemed brands, promising a journey of exquisite wonders.” Mr. Abdullah Almuftah Deputy Chairman of the Board at Al Muftah Jewellery, said: “Almuftah Jewellery, established in 1984, is proud to unveil an exquisite selection of jewellery and watches from prestigious global brands at the
Visit Qatar attends FITUR 2025, Spain’s leading international trade fair
Visit Qatar led a delegation of 10 hospitality and corporate partners at FITUR 2025, the premier global meeting point for tourism professionals focusing on Spanish and Latin American markets. The five-day event, held from January 22–26 at IFEMA Madrid, provided Visit Qatar with a platform to present the latest tourism developments and offerings in the country to a global audience. This year’s edition also featured over 100 leading companies showcasing innovative solutions designed to advance the global tourism industry. Visit Qatar’s participation underscores its commitment to highlighting Qatar’s rich cultural heritage and tourism offerings, further strengthening its presence in Spanish and Latin American markets. By engaging with key stakeholders at FITUR, Visit Qatar continues to position itself as a top global destination. This year’s booth featured Qatar Airways as a corporate partner and included hospitality partners from Qatar’s leading hotels and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) such as W Doha Hotel and Residences, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and Villa, Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, Mondrian Doha, Sharq Village& Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, The Outpost Al Barari. DMC partners included Discover Qatar, 365 Adventures, and Al Jaber DMC. A major component of FITUR 2025 was highlighting the various sectors influencing the tourism landscape, including technology, cruise tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), sports, and more. Visit Qatar remains committed to elevating Qatar’s international profile by participating in prominent events such as FITUR, where travel professionals, leaders, and companies are able to come together and explore the latest trends.
Visit Qatar announces five-year partnership with Professional Triathletes Organisation
From 2025 to 2029 the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final to be held in Doha Visit Qatar, the Professional Triathletes Organisation, World Triathlon, and the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation have announced the hosting of the Triathlon World Championship Finals Qatar T100 from 2025 to 2029. This comes as part of a five-year partnership agreement between Visit Qatar and the Professional Triathletes Organisation. The inaugural Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final will be held from December 11th – 13th, 2025. The swim leg will take place in the Arabian Gulf, while the bike and run legs will navigate through Doha and Lusail, passing several iconic landmarks such as the Lusail Stadium. The multisport festival weekend will also offer a series of swim, bike, and run events for amateurs, including the chance for amateur athletes to participate in the new 100km triathlon distance (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run) alongside the best professional triathletes in the world. Commenting on the partnership, Eng. Abdulaziz Al–Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Professional Triathletes Organisation to host the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in our vibrant cities for the next five years. This event underscores Qatar’s growing reputation as a premier sports destination, showcasing our commitment to hosting world-class international sporting events. Qatar’s infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and rich sports culture offers the perfect environment to host this event. This collaboration further strengthens Qatar’s position as a global hub for sports tourism, inspiring both professional athletes and enthusiasts alike.” Antonio F. Arimany, President of World Triathlon, who have designated the series as the ‘Official World Championship Tour of long-distance triathlon’, added: “The T100 Triathlon World Championship Final represents a new chapter for our sport, combining elite competition with global accessibility and participation. As we continue to grow triathlon around the world, confirming the presence of the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final on the calendar for the next five years is another major milestone for our great sport in this dynamic region. Partnering with Visit Qatar and the Qatari Triathlon Federation to host this prestigious event in Doha ensures not only a world-class experience for professional athletes but also an incredible opportunity for the broader triathlon community to connect with our sport. Qatar’s dedication to innovation and excellence aligns seamlessly with our vision for the T100 series, and we’re excited to see triathlon thrive in this dynamic and inspiring destination. Mass participation events are once more thriving alongside the elite racing around the world and really building into a major movement in the Middle East.” Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, said at a press conference held in Doha: “We have always been clear about our strategy for the T100 Triathlon World Tour – to feature iconic locations and create a world-class destination for our series. This five-year partnership with Visit Qatar allows us to achieve that vision in one of the fastest-growing, family-friendly tourist destinations in the world, which welcomed more than five million visitors last year. Qatar’s residents and visitors are showing increasing demand not only to attend world-class sporting events but also to participate in them. The legacy of major events like the FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 has encouraged such demand. The season-long series will be known as the T100 Race to Qatar and will not only be a spectacular finale for our new professional series, but also provide opportunities for amateur swimmers, cyclists, and runners – from first timers to the inaugural T100 Age Group World Championships.” He added: “Qatar is a nation with a deep respect for its heritage, yet one that is firmly focused on the future. In addition to its role as a hub for global universities and cutting-edge health and research centres, the country has a rapidly growing sports ecosystem, including training, sports medicine, and wellness facilities. This aligns perfectly with the goals we have for the T100 series.” Abdulaziz Al Tamimi, Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation President said, “As President of the Qatar Triathlon Federation, I am thrilled to announce that hosting the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final over the next five years marks a significant milestone in strengthening Qatar’s position as a global hub for sports. This prestigious event aligns with our vision to elevate triathlon in Qatar and support our athletes in achieving international excellence.” “As a passionate triathlete, it has always been a dream to witness a world-class event like this in our homeland. Hosting this championship simplifies logistical challenges for athletes and reflects Qatar’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture. Developing our national team is a key priority, as we prepare our athletes to compete globally and proudly represent Qatar. The presence of elite triathletes offers opportunities for inspiration and growth, encouraging the community to embrace the sport.” he added. He concluded by saying, “This championship will inspire younger generations to adopt active lifestyles, aligning with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. By hosting this event, we reinforce Qatar’s legacy of organizing world-class sporting events that promote health, wellness, and resilience. We look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from around the globe to share in this incredible experience and celebrate the sport of triathlon together.” The list of athletes for the 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour was announced earlier this month, with a remarkable group of Olympic champions and World Championship winners from 13 countries participating. The women’s field will be led by American and Belgian Olympians Taylor Knibb and Marten Van Riel, who won the inaugural T100 Triathlon World Championship Finals in Dubai, becoming the first-ever T100 series world champions. Each athlete will have to compete in at least five of the ten T100 races during the season, with their four best scores plus their result in the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, where points will count double, contributing to their final T100 standing. Qatar’s global positioning as a hub for international sporting excellence continues to grow, and events such as the 2025 T100 Triathlon World Championship contribute to its
Visit Qatar hosts first Arabia Luxury Travel Show in Doha
Visit Qatar hosted the Arabia Luxury Travel Show for the first time in Doha, which ran from January 12 to 15. Designed to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading luxury destination in the Middle East, the event welcomed over 160 luxury tour operators and (MICE) Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions agents from key markets, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and the Baltic States. More than 50 distinguished hotels, destination management companies, and tourism boards from across the region including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and the Indian Ocean participated in the event. Together, they highlighted the Middle East’s world-class luxury offerings, further solidifying the region as a hub for premium tourism. The four-day event featured a comprehensive agenda, at the event’s Host Hotel, the Ritz Carlton – Doha, including two days of one-on-one B2B meetings to facilitate important business engagements. The last two days were dedicated to networking events between buyers and exhibitors. Commenting on the success of the event, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said: “The Arabia Luxury Travel Show has provided Visit Qatar a platform to showcase Qatar’s unique luxury offerings to key international markets. By engaging directly with influential buyers and travel professionals, we continue to position Qatar as a leading destination for discerning travellers. This event aligns with our strategic vision to expand Qatar’s footprint in the global luxury tourism sector while strengthening our presence in key markets.” The 2025 Arabia Luxury Travel Show covered key themes including luxury travel, as well as Doha’s appeal as a family-friendly destination. The successful hosting of this event underlines Visit Qatar’s commitment to advance the country’s visibility as a global luxury hub, further solidifying the objectives of the Qatar Tourism Strategy. The participants had the opportunity to explore Qatar, visiting its vibrant souqs, world-class museums, immaculate desert, immersing themselves in the rich culture, and marveling at the stunning skyline.
Jake Peacock Vs. Shinji Suzuki Muay Thai Clash Added To ONE 171: Qatar On February 20
8 January 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization, today announced that another marquee bout has been added to ONE 171: Qatar, presented by Visit Qatar, scheduled for Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday, February 20. English-Canadian star Jake Peacock will face Japanese veteran Shinji Suzuki in a three-round bantamweight Muay Thai contest. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can visit here. ONE 171: Qatar will also feature two massive World Title showdowns. ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his gold against #1-ranked contender Wei Rui, while ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face interim titleholder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a World Title unification bout. More blockbuster matchups for ONE 171: Qatar will be announced at a later date. ONE Championship would like to thank official ONE 171 presenting partner Visit Qatar, official media partner Media City Qatar, official telecom partner Ooredoo, and official venue partner Lusail Sports Arena, as well as global energy drink partner Monster Energy and global blockchain partner Sui. ONE 171: QatarLusail Sports ArenaThursday, February 20, 2025 ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship(C) Jonathan Haggerty vs. (1) Wei Rui ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship(C) Joshua Pacio vs. (IC) Jarred Brooks Welterweight MMARoberto Soldic vs. Dagi Arslanaliev Bantamweight MMABibiano Fernandes vs. Kevin Belingon Featherweight MMA(3) Shamil Gasanov vs. (4) Martin Nguyen Atomweight MMA(5) Ayaka Miura vs. Ritu Phogat Bantamweight Muay ThaiJake Peacock vs. Shinji Suzuki About ONE Championship™ONE is the world’s largest martial arts organization, ranking among the world’s top-five sports properties for viewership and engagement with a cumulative reach of over 400 million fans, according to Nielsen. ONE produces and distributes world-class events across more than 190 countries, featuring martial artists and World Champions from over 80 nations and all styles of martial arts including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and more. ONE can be viewed on many of the largest global free-to-air and digital broadcasters, including Prime Video, Sky Sports, Globo, beIN SPORTS, Channel 7 HD, Seven Network, SuperSport, DAZN, La Liga TV, Claro Sports, Star Sports, iQIYI, One Sports, U-NEXT, Coupang, NET TV, Vidio, Mediapro, Skynet, Mediacorp, Match TV, and more. About Visit QatarVisit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism, the regulatory body of the tourism sector in Qatar. Visit Qatar’s mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar’s calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar’s network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Visit Qatar wins prestigious Microsoft AI Excellence Award and MENA Digital Awards
Visit Qatar is awarded with three prestigious awards, highlighting its dedication to adopting innovative technologies and transforming how travellers experience Qatar. These awards include the Microsoft AI Excellence Award for the Visit Qatar GenAI Chatbot Trip Concierge and two MENA Digital Awards: The Gold Award for Best Application (Mobile/Tablet) and the Silver Award for Best Web Platform. The Visit Qatar GenAI Chatbot Trip Concierge, an AI-powered travel companion, was celebrated for redefining travel planning. Available on both the Visit Qatar website and mobile application, it offers personalised itineraries and insights in over 50 languages, making travel planning seamless and inclusive. Backed by Microsoft Azure and Adobe CMS, this innovative tool empowers users to explore Qatar’s tourism and travel with ease. Its debut at the World Summit AI Qatar 2024 received enthusiastic feedback, particularly for its ability to provide accurate and culturally relevant recommendations for Arabic-speaking users. The Visit Qatar app was recognised with the Gold Award at the MENA Digital Awards for its seamless integration of a unified profile and the Visit Qatar Pass, which unlocks savings of up to 50% on various experiences. Designed with the user in mind, the app enables travellers to personalise their journey, discover exclusive offers, and redeem discounts effortlessly. These features have made the app an essential companion for anyone exploring Qatar. The Silver Award for Best Web Platform was awarded in recognition to the Qatar Tourism Awards platform for its enhanced accessibility and user-friendly design. Key updates include a transparent submission process, real-time tracking tools, and targeted communication strategies that kept participants engaged. These improvements led to a remarkable increase in user interaction, doubling the number of award submissions and achieving a significant rise in time spent on the platform. Aligned with Qatar’s National Development Strategy, the GenAI Chatbot Trip Concierge, Visit Qatar mobile app, and tailored platforms that digitise workflows serve as key components in establishing a world-class digital ecosystem. These initiatives demonstrate Qatar’s leadership in the responsible adoption of cutting-edge technology, enhancing the visitor experience at every stage of their journey to Qatar.
