Qatar is setting sail for another record-breaking cruise season.

In preparation for the 2025/2026 cruise season, which officially kicks off in November 2025, Qatar Tourism teamed up with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB) to host a two-day strategic workshop. The event focused on enhancing Doha the cruise passenger journey, strengthening government service touchpoints, and reviewing the latest projects designed to advance Qatar’s cruise tourism sector.

A Collaborative Effort to Elevate Qatar’s Cruise Tourism

The workshop gathered key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to exchange insights, address challenges, and discuss global best practices. Sessions included presentations on:

• Global cruise tourism trends

• Destination development strategies

• Passenger experience touchpoints

• Innovative initiatives to enrich the visitor journey

Participants also engaged in interactive activities, including idea exchanges and action plan development, ensuring stronger coordination among stakeholders ahead of the new Qatar cruise ships season.

Leaders’ Perspectives

Mr. Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, emphasized the importance of cruise tourism as a key pillar of Qatar’s national tourism strategy and a driver of Qatar’s economic growth through tourism.

Mr. Youssef Jaber Al Jaber, Director of Government Development Affairs at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, underlined the partnership’s role in streamlining government services to ensure a seamless and integrated experience for Doha cruise passengers.

Record-Breaking Momentum

The upcoming season builds on an exceptional performance in 2024/2025, when 87 cruise ships brought more than 360,000 visitors to Qatar, a 19% increase year-on-year. The figures reflect both the sector’s strong trajectory and Qatar’s rising status as a global cruise destination.