Qatar's MICE Symphony: Harmonizing Success in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions
Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Market |
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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