INSIGHTS
Meetings and Events in Qatar: A Complete guide on where to stay, host events and experiences
The FCM Meetings & Events team went to Qatar on an exclusive familiarization aka “fam” trip organized by Qatar Tourism. Over the four-day experience, the team navigated through spacious convention centres, exhibition halls, iconic towers, and of course, got a taste of Qatari culture, experiences, desert safari and a lot more. If you are planning to host your meetings and events in the Gulf nation, we bring to you their experiences and a guide on what to do in Qatar.
Flight distance and Visa from India to Qatar
The FCM Meetings & Events team members took off from various locations and landed in the financial hub of Qatar- Doha. The flight duration from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Doha is four to five hours, making it an ideal destination for corporates who prefer short-distance flights for hosting meetings and events.
The destination also offers a visa-free entry to Indian nationals along with 100 other nationalities making it a perfect hub for global events and conferences.
Where to stay in Doha?
Our team got first-hand experience with the best hotels and resorts in Doha where corporates can arrange meetings, events, and of course accommodation. During their four-day stay in Doha, the FCM Meetings & Event’s officials stayed at W Doha Hotel and visited other properties such as the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, The St. Regis Doha and JW Marriott Marquis Doha. These hotels are undeniably loaded with world-class amenities and offer exceptional customer service.
To take the entire experience one notch higher and leave a long-lasting impression on your clients, you can explore The Katara Towers located in Qatar’s smartest city, Lusail. The crescent shaped tower features two 5-star hotels, the Raffles and Fairmont Doha.
“Qatar has all the ingredients to become a much sought-after destination for meetings and events. Its financial capital Doha has world class infrastructure, majestic venues, and culture and heritage. We enjoyed the hospitality extended by Qatar Tourism and I am confident it will see a surge in meetings and events from India,” said Manpreet Bindra, Leader, FCM Meetings & Events, Asia.
Where to host exhibitions, B2B meetings and events in Doha?
Although the hotels and resorts are well-equipped to host dynamic corporate meetings and events, there are various options for exhibitions in Doha. For instance, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), which is just 20 minutes away from the Hamad International Airport, is a state-of-the-art facility with exhibition halls that can be combined as well. It has ample parking space to house upwards of 2500 cars!
What are the sightseeing options in Doha?
Plenty! From the oldest market to the smartest cities in the world, Doha offers unique experiences, culinary delights, and the world-famous desert safari. The FCM team visited the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre which houses over 500 Arabian horses, walked through bustling Doha’s oldest market, Souq Waqif, ideal to get a whiff of perfumes and spices or shop for dates, souvenirs and textiles. Embrace Doha and Katara Cultural Village offer a deep dive into Qatari art & culture, And the National Museum of Qatar offers evocative glimpses into Qatar’s past. Besides Doha’s rich culture and heritage, it also flaunts its modern infrastructure in Lusail City, Msheireb Downtown, Stadium 974, 3-2-1 Olympic & Sports Museum, The Pearl-Qatar, and the picturesque Mina District with endless options of entertainment and dining experiences.
Now coming to the desert safari, the FCM team were transported to a different world at Khor Al Udaid, where the delegates indulged in a desert ride on a 4X4 and witnessed the “Inland Sea”, a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve, a rare example of the sea encroaching deep into the heart of the desert.
Should you plan your corporate meetings and events in Doha?
Book right away! Doha checks all the boxes for organizing corporate meetings and events, planning incentive meets, exhibitions, etc. It has all the ingredients you can ask for-- luxurious hotels, mighty convention centers, and options to unwind. To book your meetings and events, contact our team and they will customize the itinerary according to your requirements and of course, budget.
Tourism Board support
Qatar Tourism also offers a subvention support for inbound MICE groups starting as small as 10 international delegates, which is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the tourism board facilitates the connection with Qatar Airways’ business travel team to benefit from their QMICE program.