27. Aug.

47’000 m2 of World Class MICE Venue: Premier Destination Qatar

Qatar, a dynamic and rapidly growing nation in the Middle East, has firmly established itself as a premier destination for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Read here the smartville digital coverstory from the gifted digital shaper Roland Kümin and his interview with Peter Hall, President Middle East, Informa Markets.

By Roland Kümin* || 27 August 2024

Wow-factor! The outstanding Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).

With its strategic location, cutting-edge infrastructure, and commitment to excellence, Qatar offers unparalleled opportunities for global connections and driving business for international companies.

The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)

At the heart of Qatar's MICE industry is the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Opened in 2011, the QNCC is a world-class venue designed to host a wide range of events, from large-scale international conferences to intimate corporate meetings. The centre boasts a total area of 200,000 square meters, with a main conference hall that can accommodate up to 4,000 delegates, three auditoriums, and 52 meeting rooms. This versatility makes the QNCC an ideal location for events of all sizes.

The Qatar National Convention Centre offers a variety of exceptional venues designed to impress. Its spaces blend functionality and flexibility to cater for specific event needs such as Meetings, Conferences, Exhibitions, Weddings and special events. In addition to the venues, QNCC provides comprehensive catering services to ensure a seamless and successful event.

The QNCC is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced audio-visual technology, high-speed internet connectivity, and comprehensive event management services. The centre is also committed to sustainability, featuring energy-efficient design elements and a LEED Gold certification. These features not only provide a seamless event experience but also align with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the global MICE industry.

Michael Michael (picture), CEO of Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) says: «The future of the MICE industry is exciting. Personalisation and interactivity, driven by technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, are taking centre stage. We are actively investing in these technologies and enhancing infrastructure to create immersive and engaging environments.»

Other State-of-the-Art Venues

In addition to the QNCC, Qatar offers a range of other state-of-the-art venues that cater to the diverse needs of the MICE industry. The Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), for instance, is another premier venue located in the heart of Doha's bustling West Bay district. With 47,700 square meters of exhibition space and the capability to host over 30,000 visitors, the DECC is perfect for large-scale trade shows and exhibitions.

The St. Regis Doha and the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel also provide luxurious settings for high-end corporate events and meetings. These venues offer a blend of traditional Qatari hospitality and modern amenities, ensuring that delegates have a memorable and productive experience.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup: A Testament to Qatar's Capabilities

One of the most significant events that showcased Qatar's ability to host large-scale international events was the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Held from November 20 to December 18, 2022, this international football tournament brought together teams and fans from around the world. Qatar proved its capacity to organize and manage an event of such magnitude, emphasizing its logistical capabilities, security measures, and hospitality.

The World Cup was not just a sporting event but a celebration of cultural diversity and global unity. Qatar successfully created an environment where people from different backgrounds and cultures could come together peacefully and enjoy the spirit of the game. This achievement underscores Qatar's potential as a host for other major international events, reinforcing its reputation as a global MICE destination.

Fostering Global Connections

Breathtaking: The Doha Skyline.

Qatar's strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an ideal hub for international business and trade. The country's national airline, Qatar Airways, connects Doha to over 160 destinations worldwide, making it easily accessible for global delegates. This connectivity is crucial for fostering international collaborations and business opportunities.

Moreover, Qatar's government has made significant investments in enhancing the country's MICE infrastructure as part of its National Vision 2030. This commitment is evident in the continuous development of new venues, hotels, and transport facilities, ensuring that Qatar remains at the forefront of the global MICE industry.

Driving Business for International Companies

Qatar's thriving economy, driven by its vast natural gas reserves and diversification efforts, provides a conducive environment for business growth. The country offers a stable political climate, a robust legal framework, and a favorable tax regime, making it an attractive destination for international companies looking to expand their footprint.

The MICE industry plays a pivotal role in driving business for these companies by providing platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and deal-making. Events hosted in Qatar often attract high-profile attendees, including government officials, industry leaders, and decision-makers, creating opportunities for meaningful engagements and partnerships.

Numbers and Statistics

The impact of Qatar's MICE industry is reflected in impressive numbers and statistics. According to the Qatar Tourism Authority, the country hosted over 150 international events in 2022, attracting more than 100,000 delegates. The QNCC alone has hosted over 1,000 events since its inception, welcoming millions of visitors from around the world.

The economic impact of the MICE industry in Qatar is significant. A study by Oxford Economics estimated that the MICE sector contributed approximately $1.3 billion to Qatar's GDP in 2022. This contribution is expected to grow as Qatar continues to invest in its MICE infrastructure and expand its portfolio of international events.

Conclusion

Qatar's emergence as a leading destination for the MICE industry is a testament to its strategic vision, world-class infrastructure, and commitment to excellence. With venues like the Qatar National Convention Centre and the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, Qatar offers unparalleled opportunities for fostering global connections and driving business for international companies. The successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup further demonstrated Qatar's capability to organize large-scale events, bringing together people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

In conclusion, Qatar is not just a destination for events; it is a gateway to new opportunities, collaborations, and growth for businesses worldwide. As the country continues to enhance its MICE capabilities, it is poised to play an increasingly vital role in the global business landscape.

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«We see Qatar as a pivotal hub in the region»

smartville digital Interview with Peter Hall, President Middle East, Informa Markets

Peter Hall, thank you for joining us. How significant is Qatar in the global MICE industry?

Qatar has rapidly become a key player in the MICE industry. Its strategic location, excellent infrastructure and strong government support make it an ideal hub for international events.

Can you tell us about some key events Informa Markets organizes in Qatar?

Certainly. One of our flagship events is Cityscape Qatar, held annually at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. This event, scheduled for October 15-17, 2024, is a premier real estate exhibition that attracts thousands of industry professionals, investors, and developers. It's a vital platform for networking and exploring the latest trends in Qatar’s real estate market. This year, Cityscape Qatar is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees and feature more than 90 developers showcasing 110+ projects.

What makes Qatar an attractive destination for such events for Informa Markets?

Qatar offers world-class venues like the Qatar National Convention Centre and the DECC. Its extensive connectivity through Qatar Airways makes it easily accessible to international delegates. The successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup also demonstrated Qatar’s capability to manage large-scale global events.

How does Informa Markets view Qatar’s role in the Middle East events landscape?

We see Qatar as a pivotal hub in the region. Its proactive approach and investments in the MICE sector align perfectly with our mission to connect buyers and sellers and foster business growth. Qatar’s focus on innovation and excellence helps drive significant business opportunities and global collaborations. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Qatar and contributing to its success in the MICE industry.