Qatar has been aggressively promoting its meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry over the past decade to establish itself as a global leader in the business events sector. With massive investments in world-class infrastructure and facilities, Qatar is now able to host some of the largest international conferences, exhibitions and incentive groups.
A Hub for Global Conferences
Since becoming a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in 2001, Qatar has hosted hundreds of international association conferences annually in its capital Doha. Some of the prestigious international conferences hosted in Qatar include the International Gas Union Congress in 2017, FINA World Swimming Championships in 2014 and the International Astronautical Congress in 2012.
According to ICCA statistics, Doha hosted 36 international association meetings in 2019 with over 30,000 participants, ranking it among the top 20 cities globally for hosting international association conferences. The state of the art Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), inaugurated in 2011, can accommodate up to 20,000 delegates at a time making it an attractive option for large scale conferences.
World-Class Exhibition Centers
In addition to conferences, Qatar's exhibition infrastructure is also well suited for hosting world class exhibitions and trade shows. The massive Qatar Exhibition and Convention Centre (QECC) located in the heart of Doha city has over 130,000 sqm of event space spread across multiple giant air-conditioned exhibition halls.
Some of the major trade shows and exhibitions held at QECC annually include the Qatar Motor Show, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition and the DOHA International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference. Regional editions of international exhibitions like Gitex Technology Week, ILDEX Defence Exhibition are other key events hosted at QECC each year welcoming thousands of visitors and exhibitors.
Incentive Travel Made Easy
Qatar has also emerged as the destination of choice for many global corporations to host their incentive groups, conferences and rewards trips. Supported by its high international flight connectivity, luxury hotels and resorts, entertainment options and world-class infrastructure, Qatar offers unparalleled experiences for incentive groups.
Some of the most popular incentives activities hosted in MICE events in Qatar include desert safaris, diving tours, heritage village tours, cruises, gala dinners, awards ceremonies and sporting events. With options for meetings, activities and accommodation across 5-star hotels, resorts as well as traditional Qatar villages, incentive groups get a unique cultural immersion along with business networking opportunities.
New Air Connectivity Boost for MICE Tourism
Further facilitating international accessibility, Qatar launched the New Doha International Airport in 2014. As one of the largest airports in the region spread over an area of 14.5 square kilometers with a capacity of 50 million passengers annually, the new airport has consolidated all flight operations under one main terminal.
This has boosted business events travel with new direct air links connecting Doha to over 150 international destinations and seamless transfers between terminals. The airport features dedicated business lounges and meeting rooms as well as direct hotel connections for the convenience of MICE travelers. Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar promoting itself as the "MICE Airline", operates one of the largest fleets of modern fuel-efficient aircraft connecting Doha to more than 160 destinations worldwide.
Sustainability Front-Runner
As a front-runner in sustainability initiatives, Qatar promotes its eco-friendly infrastructure and policies to position itself as a green MICE destination. Some of the green initiatives rolled out at major event venues include banning single-use plastics, food waste management programs, renewable energy integration, recycling facilities, electric vehicle networks and green building certification for constructing infrastructure. Qatar is the first country in the Middle East to launch a MICE Green Meetings Standard in 2021 requiring event organisers to implement sustainability practices to reduce environmental impact.
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