Doha: HE Executive Director to the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences (PCOC), Mubarak Ajlan Mubarak Al Kuwari, stated that more than 80 significant international events are held annually in Qatar, spanning areas such as diplomacy, technology, sports, trade, and culture. He emphasized that many of these events are strategically coordinated by the PCOC, aligning global dialogues with Qatar's national objectives.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency highlighted that these events have turned Qatar into a center for dialogue and innovative solutions. He remarked that Qatar is now seen as a connectivity hub and a reliable international partner, rather than just a small desert nation in the Gulf.
He mentioned that the Doha Forum and Qatar Economic Forum attracted over 8,500 participants from more than 160 countries, with nearly half visiting from overseas to discuss topics ranging from global development to humanitarian crises. Additionally, the Web Summit Qatar 2025 attracted over 25,000 participants, 1,520 startups, and numerous investors and companies, energizing Doha with innovation and technology.
His Excellency stressed Qatar's role as a trusted international partner. Qatar hosts various high-level GCC summits, interfaith dialogues, and ministerial meetings, serving as a venue for regional and global collaboration.
He noted Qatar's transformation into an international hub within a decade, driven by its investment in hosting world-class events. The previous year saw over 5 million international visitors to Qatar, a 25% increase from 2023. The country sold nearly 10 million hotel room nights, showcasing its growing appeal. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 1.5 million international visitors arrived, with hotel occupancy averaging 71%.
His Excellency credited Qatar's infrastructure, including Hamad International Airport and the Doha Metro, for facilitating this growth. He cited World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data showing diverse access routes for visitors, with Qatar's multi-access strategy being a key factor. Qatar's ranking as the second safest city globally also contributes to its attractiveness as an event destination.
He linked Qatar's momentum to the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which set the stage for the country's growing events industry. The sector is expected to grow over 11% annually, reaching nearly $4.65 billion by 2032. The WTTC projects a QR124.2 billion contribution to the economy in 2025, supporting 350,000 jobs, with international visitor spending expected to reach QR98.8 billion this year.
His Excellency announced that Qatar will co-host the Second World Summit for Social Development with the United Nations later this year. This milestone event is part of a busy calendar that includes the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, and the Visit Qatar E1 Grand Prix of Electric Boats.
He concluded by emphasizing Qatar's growing identity as a hub where cultures converge and futures are shaped. Qatar is showcasing what a nation can achieve with ambition, hospitality, and heart, as evidenced by statistical growth and global recognition.