Latest news with #MichelinGuideDoha
Gulf Business
09-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Insights: Is Qatar retail at a crossroads?
Image: Supplied There is no doubt that the FIFA World Cup 2022 was a catalyst for Qatar's rapid rise as a major player in the Gulf's retail and leisure landscape. The event ignited a wave of development, showcased Qatar's potential to a global audience, and left behind a lasting legacy of world-class hotels, entertainment destinations, fine dining, and modern infrastructure. Yet, the question remains: what's next for Qatar's retail and leisure sectors? Can they sustain the momentum generated by landmark events like the World Cup and ongoing initiatives to boost tourism and economic diversification? Strategic government support has been instrumental in driving Qatar's retail and tourism expansion. The Qatar Tourism Authority has played a key role in boosting visitor numbers, which reached a record 5 million in 2024 — a 25 per cent increase over the previous year. Initiatives like Shop Qatar have further stimulated activity by promoting the country's shopping experiences through festivals, exclusive discounts, and tourism-driven events. Highly competitive retail sector Despite Qatar's strong market positioning, the path to sustained growth presents challenges. The Gulf's retail sector is highly competitive, with Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia often targeting the same affluent consumer base. This has driven Qatar's strategy of seamlessly integrating retail with its broader visitor experience, offering a unique mix of luxury, culture, and hospitality. Qatar's ability to attract global luxury brands has strengthened its appeal among high-net-worth visitors. Iconic hospitality names such as Raffles, Banyan Tree, Mandarin Oriental, Le Royal Meridien, W, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis enhance the luxury experience, while renowned fine dining establishments — including Zuma, Cipriani, Gaia, Hakkasan, and Nobu — continue to elevate Qatar's culinary scene. The launch of the Michelin Guide Doha and the anticipated opening of Park Chinois further reinforce Qatar's status as a luxury travel and culinary destination. Qatar's local brands gaining ground Beyond the high-end sector, local brands and homegrown concepts are gaining traction. A rising consumer preference for authenticity and cultural heritage has fueled demand for Qatari designers, artisans, and boutique retail experiences. This evolving mix of luxury and local is shaping a diverse and vibrant retail environment. With a growing population, a well-connected award winning international airport, and an expanding hospitality sector, Qatar is well-positioned to sustain its retail and leisure momentum. By continuing to blend experiential retail, world-class events, and strategic government backing, Qatar is poised to carve out a distinctive identity in the Gulf's dynamic retail landscape. The writer is CEO at United Developers Qatar, the company that owns Read:
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Qatar International Food Festival 2025 attracts over 360,000 visitors
DOHA: The 14th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival concluded successfully, attracting more than 360,000 visitors over 11 days. The festival was organised by Visit Qatar, and this year's edition witnessed the participation of more than 180 restaurants from various restaurants in Qatar and the world, while more than 28 international restaurants presented global flavors, adding a unique character that combines different cultures and traditions. For the first time this year, the festival introduced the Michelin Guide Village, where guests tasted exclusive creations from 9 Michelin Guide Doha restaurants from around the world. The festival also witnessed the launch of the QIFF Junior Zone, a new event that attracted more than 5,000 children, and the current edition also witnessed the addition of the QIFF Arena Zone for the first time, where visitors participated in exciting cooking competitions, including eating challenges, making juices, and decorating plates. The event hosted 36 competitions, with the participation of 360 contestants, and crowned more than 500 winners, including the audience, with a total attendance of 5,400 people. The events also included the Cooking Studio, which hosted interactive workshops supervised by local and international chefs, while the 'Dinner in the Sky' experience offered visitors an experience that combined fine dining with panoramic views of Doha from a height of 50 metres above the ground. 'The festival was a tremendous success, welcoming over 365,000 visitors, reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading culinary and cultural destination,' said Ahmed Hamad Al Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar. 'The festival continues to grow year after year, offering new experiences, interactive programmes and innovative themes that appeal to residents and visitors alike.' 'The festival not only celebrates culinary excellence, but also fosters deep community bonds,' he added, commending all the visitors, chefs and partners who contributed to the success of the festival. 'We look forward to continuing to develop Qatar's events and entertainment sector on a global level.' As part of Visit Qatar's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, the festival has renewed its annual partnership with Hifz Al Naema Center. Through this collaboration, the center collects, packs and distributes surplus food to those in need on a daily basis. Qatar International Food Festival has established itself as one of the most prominent annual events in Qatar, offering an immersive experience through live performances and entertainment activities for all ages, to be a true celebration of the richness and diversity of Qatar's dining scene and cultural sector. © Copyright Qatar Tribune. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
