Doha Cruise Terminal
Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port held talks with five cruise operators at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 as Qatar seeks to expand its presence on Gulf itineraries.
The delegation met representatives from AROYA Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Aman at Sea, and Carnival Maritime GmbH during the event, which took place at Las Palmas Cruise Port in Gran Canaria, Spain, on 16 and 17 September.
Discussions focused on future cruise opportunities, long-term partnerships, and the operational requirements of cruise operators as Qatar looks to attract additional calls and strengthen Doha’s position within regional itineraries.
Qatar Airways and Al Tawfeeq Travel also participated in the delegation, bringing together aviation, tourism, port, and travel industry representatives.
“Cruise tourism is an important part of Qatar’s wider tourism strategy, and our participation at Seatrade Cruise Med reflects our long-term commitment to the sector’s continued development,” said Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Director of Operations Affairs, Qatar Tourism.
“Our focus is on strengthening relationships and building long-term partnerships with cruise operators, while positioning Qatar on the global cruise tourism map in the coming seasons,” he added.
Qatar Tourism exhibited as part of the Cruise Arabia Alliance stand, alongside other GCC destinations seeking to develop the Gulf’s cruise sector.
The regional collaboration focused on strengthening Gulf itineraries and supporting increased cruise traffic between destinations, while Qatar used the event to highlight its port infrastructure, air connectivity, hotel capacity, and shore-based tourism offering.
Old Doha Port also used the event to discuss the operational requirements of cruise lines, including berthing, marine services, and passenger arrivals.
“The growth of cruise tourism depends not only on developing new itineraries, but also on strong coordination and consistent operational standards on the ground,” said Mohamed Al-Atwaan, Chief Operating Officer, Old Doha Port.
“Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 gave us a valuable opportunity to engage directly with cruise lines, port operators and tourism partners on their evolving requirements, from berthing and marine services to the overall arrival experience,” he added.
Qatar Tourism and Old Doha Port are also working with public and private sector partners on shore excursions, the passenger experience, destination and operational readiness, and opportunities to encourage passengers to extend their visits with pre- and post-cruise stays.
Following Seatrade Cruise Med, the delegation participated in the Cruise Lines International Association Ports & Destinations Dialogue on 18 September.
The event provided further opportunities for discussions with cruise lines, ports, and destinations on future priorities for the sector.
Qatar meetings at Seatrade Cruise Med
- AROYA Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- Celestyal Cruises
- Aman at Sea
- Carnival Maritime GmbH
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