Qatar’s Hayya Platform Wins Silver Stevie® Award for Government Technology Innovation
Qatar’s digital transformation journey continues to gain international recognition. Hayya, the country’s official e-visa platform operated by Qatar Tourism, has been awarded a Silver Stevie® Award in the Technical Innovation of the Year in Government Technology category at the 2026 Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence.
The award recognises Hayya’s evolution into an AI-powered digital platform that is transforming how visitors access Qatar through faster, smarter and more integrated government services.
From Visitor Platform to National Digital Ecosystem
Originally introduced as a visitor entry platform, Hayya has grown significantly since 2024 into a connected digital ecosystem supporting tourism, government services and major international events.
Today, the platform brings together visa applications, identity verification, approvals, payments, notifications and access services into one seamless digital journey, making travel to Qatar more efficient for visitors.
AI Driving Faster Visa Processing
A key factor behind Hayya’s recognition is its use of advanced technologies to simplify and automate the visa application process.
The platform incorporates AI-powered features such as:
- OCR-based document extraction
- Passport data parsing
- ICAO photo compliance checks
- Automated validation workflows
These innovations have helped reduce manual processing while improving speed and accuracy.
In 2025, Hayya processed nearly 850,000 applications, averaging one e-visa every 35 seconds. During the same period, application correction rates dropped to just 5%, reflecting significant improvements in processing efficiency.
Commenting on the achievement, Saeed Al Kuwari, Director of Hayya, said:
“This award is a testament to Hayya’s unwavering commitment to enhancing our services through innovation, technology, and user-centric solutions that deliver a seamless, hassle-free travel experience from visa application through to arrival.”
Supporting Qatar’s Digital Future
Operated by Qatar Tourism, Hayya serves as the country’s official e-visa platform and central digital gateway, helping streamline visitor access through integrated visa processing and event services within a single platform.
As Qatar continues investing in smart government initiatives and digital innovation, Hayya is playing an increasingly important role in delivering faster, more connected and user-friendly travel experiences for visitors from around the world.
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