Doha to take the spotlight as 2026 GCC Tourism Capital
Doha has been officially designated the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, a flagship title that places the Qatari capital at the center of Gulf travel and tourism initiatives for the year.
The announcement, endorsed unanimously by tourism ministers from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council last year, recognizes Doha’s rapid rise as a cultural, business and leisure destination in the region.
The title, part of a rotating regional program, follows Doha’s strategic bid spotlighting its blend of world-class infrastructure, cultural depth and commitment to sustainable tourism development. Officials said the campaign underscores Qatar’s broader economic strategy to diversify beyond energy, aligning tourism with long-term national goals under the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji described the selection as a milestone reflecting years of investment in connectivity, visitor experience and regional partnerships. Al Kharji noted that around 35 percent of 2025 visitors to Qatar came from GCC countries, helped by more than 400 weekly flights from neighboring cities and simplified travel processes.
Doha’s infrastructure assets — anchored by Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ extensive network and an integrated metro and tram system — were highlighted as competitive strengths that support seamless travel and large-scale events. The city’s 2026 tourism program is expected to include business conferences, cultural festivals, entertainment events and family-oriented activities designed to sustain economic and visitor growth.
The recognition arrives amid a record year for Qatar’s travel sector. In 2025 the country welcomed over 5.1 million international visitors, supported by over 600 events and significant marketing campaigns across global markets.
As preparations continue, Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar unveiled a detailed year-round calendar that can be downloaded. Among the prestigious events to be hosted in February, Art Basel Qatar will celebrate its debut from February 05 to February 07 at M7 and Doha Design District in Msheireb Downtown Doha, providing a platform for leading galleries and artistic talent from the region and beyond.
Doha will also welcome three prestigious sport events : The Qatar Masters Golf Championship 2026 (29th edition) takes place from February 05 to February 08 at Doha Golf Club; the 8th Edition of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge is held in Sealine on February 06, featuring MTB, duathlon and trail running races across measured desert courses. Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2026 runs from February 08 to February 14 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, attracting top international women’s tennis players in a premier WTA 1000 event.
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