Strengthens Cruise Tourism Ambitions at International Cruise Summit Madrid 2026

Doha, Qatar — 13 November 2026: Qatar Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Qatar’s cruise tourism sector through its participation in the International Cruise Summit (ICS) Madrid 2026, held in Spain from 10 to 11 November, with Visit Qatar serving as a sponsor of this year’s event.

The participation highlighted Qatar’s efforts to attract international cruise operators, strengthen industry partnerships and position Doha as a regional destination for cruise tourism.

Organised by Cruises News Media Group, the summit brought together senior executives from cruise lines, port authorities, tourism destinations and maritime organisations to discuss trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the global cruise industry.

Qatar Showcases Its Cruise Tourism Vision in Madrid

Representing Qatar Tourism, Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Chief of Operations Affairs at Qatar Tourism, participated in a discussion titled “Destination in the Spotlight” on 10 November.

During a conversation with Virginia López Valiente, Founder and CEO of Cruises News Media Group and the International Cruise Summit, Al Jaber highlighted Qatar’s tourism development, future ambitions and opportunities for cruise passengers, operators and industry stakeholders.

The discussion explored Qatar’s growing tourism offering and the importance of maintaining long-term relationships with international cruise operators.

Al Jaber emphasised that cruise tourism is an important component of Qatar’s wider tourism strategy, particularly because cruise lines plan vessel deployment and itineraries several years in advance.

He explained that Qatar Tourism continues to work with cruise companies and industry partners to explore future deployment opportunities and itineraries that could bring more international visitors to the country.

Strengthening Partnerships with International Cruise Operators

Alongside the summit sessions, representatives from Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port participated in meetings with cruise lines and industry stakeholders.

Members of the Cruise Arabia Alliance also attended the event, supporting discussions on regional cooperation and opportunities to expand cruise tourism across the Gulf.

The meetings focused on strengthening existing relationships and exploring possible future collaborations with international operators.

By maintaining close engagement with cruise companies, Qatar Tourism aims to increase awareness of Doha as an attractive destination for cruise calls and as a potential starting or ending point for cruise itineraries.

Old Doha Port at the Heart of Qatar’s Cruise Tourism Offering

Old Doha Port plays an important role in Qatar’s cruise tourism infrastructure, providing a gateway to the capital’s cultural landmarks, hospitality attractions and visitor experiences.

Qatar offers cruise operators an integrated tourism ecosystem combining port facilities, international air connectivity and a wide range of accommodation options.

Through Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways, which serves more than 170 destinations, the country provides international connections that support cruise passengers travelling to and from Doha.

Qatar also offers more than 42,000 hotel rooms, supporting opportunities for visitors to extend their stays before or after a cruise.

The country’s compact geography allows cruise passengers to explore cultural attractions, dining destinations, beaches and desert landscapes during a single port visit.

These advantages support Doha’s potential as both a port of call, where ships stop during their itineraries, and a homeport, where passengers begin or end their cruise journeys.

Improving the Cruise Passenger Experience

Qatar Tourism continues to review entry and immigration procedures and improve port operations to deliver a more efficient experience for cruise passengers.

These efforts involve coordination with key stakeholders, including Old Doha Port and Qatar Airways, to support smoother passenger journeys and strengthen the destination’s appeal to international cruise operators.

The objective is to provide a more connected visitor experience, from arrival and immigration to transportation, accommodation and excursions.

Regional Cooperation Through Cruise Arabia Alliance

Qatar joined the Cruise Arabia Alliance in 2025, supporting regional efforts to develop the Gulf as an international cruise destination.

Through the alliance, Qatar Tourism works with regional partners to encourage multi-destination cruise itineraries that allow travellers to experience several Gulf countries during a single journey.

Regional collaboration is expected to play an important role in developing cruise routes, promoting destinations and strengthening relationships with international cruise companies.

Supporting Qatar’s National Tourism Strategy 2030

Qatar Tourism’s participation at ICS Madrid 2026 forms part of its wider commitment to the National Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to strengthen Qatar’s international tourism position, diversify visitor experiences and support long-term economic development.

By combining modern cruise infrastructure, aviation connectivity, accommodation capacity and cultural attractions, Qatar aims to expand its role within the international cruise industry.

The summit provided an opportunity to showcase these strengths while developing relationships with operators and industry partners that could support future cruise seasons.

As Qatar continues to invest in tourism development and international partnerships, cruise tourism remains an important component of the country’s strategy to attract visitors and create new opportunities across the hospitality, transport and tourism sectors.