Qatar Tourism Strengthens Cruise Tourism Ambitions at International Cruise Summit Madrid 2026
Qatar Tourism’s participation at ICS Madrid 2026 highlights its plans to expand cruise partnerships, enhance passenger experiences and position Doha as a leading cruise destination in the Arabian Gulf.
Qatar Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to growing the country’s cruise tourism sector at the International Cruise Summit (ICS) Madrid 2026, held on 10-11 November 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
With Visit Qatar sponsoring this year’s summit, the participation highlighted Qatar’s long-term strategy to attract international cruise operators, develop new itineraries and strengthen its position as both a cruise port of call and a homeport in the Gulf.
Qatar’s Cruise Tourism Vision Takes Centre Stage
Representing Qatar Tourism, Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Chief of Operations Affairs, participated in a discussion titled Destination in the Spotlight on 10 November.
In conversation with Virginia López Valiente, Founder and CEO of Cruises News Media Group and the International Cruise Summit, Al Jaber discussed Qatar’s tourism development, future plans and opportunities for cruise operators and travellers.
He emphasised that cruise tourism remains an important part of Qatar’s wider tourism ambitions, particularly as cruise deployment decisions are planned several years in advance.
The Qatar Tourism delegation, representatives from Old Doha Port and members of the Cruise Arabia Alliance also met with international cruise lines to explore future partnerships and itinerary opportunities.
Why Doha Is Emerging as a Cruise Destination
Qatar’s appeal to international cruise operators lies in its combination of modern infrastructure, global connectivity and accessible visitor experiences.
Key advantages include:
- Modern port infrastructure: Doha Port supports international cruise arrivals and passenger services.
- Global connectivity: Qatar Airways connects travellers to more than 170 destinations through Hamad International Airport.
- Extensive accommodation: More than 42,000 hotel rooms support visitors planning stays before or after their cruises.
- Compact geography: Travellers can explore cultural attractions, restaurants, beaches and desert landscapes within a single port visit.
- Cruise itinerary potential: Doha can serve as both a destination on regional cruise routes and a starting or finishing point for voyages.
Qatar Tourism is also working with relevant partners to review entry and immigration procedures and improve port operations, aiming to make arrivals and departures more efficient for cruise passengers.
Building a Stronger Gulf Cruise Tourism Network
Qatar joined the Cruise Arabia Alliance in 2025, becoming part of a regional initiative to promote the Arabian Gulf as an international cruise destination.
Through this collaboration, Qatar Tourism aims to support multi-destination itineraries that allow travellers to experience several Gulf destinations during one journey.
This regional approach creates opportunities for cruise lines to develop more diverse routes while introducing international visitors to the Gulf’s cultural, leisure and tourism offerings.
Supporting Qatar’s National Tourism Strategy 2030
Qatar Tourism’s participation at ICS Madrid aligns with the country’s National Tourism Strategy 2030, which focuses on strengthening Qatar’s international appeal, diversifying tourism experiences and improving the overall visitor journey.
With continued investment in port operations, airline connectivity, hospitality and industry partnerships, Qatar is working to establish Doha as an increasingly attractive destination for international cruise travellers.
For visitors, this could mean more opportunities to discover Qatar through cruise itineraries that combine Doha’s cultural heritage, contemporary attractions and natural landscapes with destinations across the wider Gulf.
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