Latest news with #QatarTourismAuthority
News18
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
BTS Misses Qatar Concert Due To Jungkook's Military Service
Last Updated: Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman informed that the country had plans to invite the K-pop band to their country. On Friday, May 23, BTS' ARMY was met with disappointing news as it was revealed that the K-pop group was slated to perform in Qatar, but the concert was cancelled due to Jungkook's ongoing mandatory military service. BTS has been on hiatus since 2022, beginning with Jin's enlistment. Despite the break, the members have consistently remained in the spotlight, whether through solo music releases or teasing future tours, they continue to make headlines and keep fans engaged. The news of BTS's cancelled performance in Qatar disappointed fans worldwide. The revelation came during the 5th Qatar Economic Forum, where Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of the country's Tourism Authority, shared that Qatar had planned to invite the K-pop group to perform. However, this was not possible due to Jungkook's ongoing mandatory military service. Kharji also revealed that they had attempted to invite BTS the previous year, but the members' military commitments prevented them from travelling to Qatar for the concert. Kharji's revelation quickly took social media by storm, sparking frustration among the fans. Some fans started calling it another lost opportunity after Jungkook had to turn down the invitation to perform with Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl again due to his ongoing military service. Others started stating that if things were different, this would have been Jungkook's second performance in Qatar after his performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. Overall, this revelation caused fans immense disappointment as they took to social media to pen down emotional posts and regretted not getting the chance to watch the K-pop band shine on a global stage. One fan commented, 'Another lost opportunity. Jungkook will come back stronger, no more restrictions." Someone wrote, 'Hopefully Qatar will reach out again," while another fan commented, 'FIFA Kook is returning from the military soon. Hope he also includes Qatar in his world tour." In accordance with South Korean law, all BTS members are required to complete mandatory military service, which lasts between 18 to 21 months. The eldest member, Jin, has already completed his service. Among the remaining members, RM and V are set to finish on June 10, 2025, Jungkook on June 11, and Suga is expected to be discharged on June 21, 2025. First Published:
Pink Villa
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did you know BTS missed Qatar concert opportunity due to Jungkook's military service? ARMY says, 'Invite again'
BTS has been away for nearly three years due to mandatory military service, starting with Jin in 2022. As of 2025, their return is just weeks away, with Jin and J-Hope already discharged. Despite their hiatus, BTS stayed in the spotlight. On May 23, BTS ARMY was hit with a wave of disappointment this week after news surfaced that a potential BTS concert in Qatar was called off due to Jungkook's ongoing military service. The revelation came from Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, who shared during the 5th Qatar Economic Forum that the country had plans to invite BTS for a major performance. Unfortunately, those plans never came to life because Jungkook, the group's main vocalist, was already enlisted in mandatory military service. "We tried to invite BTS last year as well, but it didn't happen because the main vocalist was serving in the military," Saad bin Ali Al Kharji commented. The comment quickly spread across social media, sparking frustration among fans. Many called it another lost opportunity, especially since it marks the second major global stage Jungkook had to pass up. Fans recalled how he also turned down an invitation to perform alongside Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, once again due to his service commitments. Had things been different, this would've been Jungkook's second performance in Qatar. Back in November 2022, he stole the global spotlight by performing Dreamers at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The announcement triggered a wave of emotional posts online, with fans expressing heartbreak over missed international moments that could have showcased BTS' global influence yet again. Some shared edited concert posters as 'what could have been,' while others wrote letters of support, promising to wait patiently for their return. Another shares 'Invite them again'. ARMYs expressed regret and bittersweet pride. While some mourned the missed moments, others supported the group's decision to enlist together, believing it would lead to a quicker and more powerful comeback. Thankfully, that comeback isn't far away. - RM and V will be discharged on June 10, 2025 - Jungkook and Jimin follow on June 11 - SUGA wraps up his service on June 21 With just weeks left, the countdown to BTS' full return has officially begun—and ARMY is more ready than ever.
Arab News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Qatar tourism sector accounts for 8% of GDP, official says
RIYADH: Qatar's tourism industry contributed 55 billion Qatari riyals ($15.1 billion) to the country's gross domestic product in 2024, accounting for 8 percent of total economic output, according to a senior official. The figure marks a 14 percent increase compared with 2023, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji said during a high-level business forum in Doha, the country's news agency reported. The uptick aligns with the Gulf nation's broader Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost the sector's contribution to 12 percent of GDP and attract 6 million visitors by the end of the decade. The report stated: 'His Excellency highlighted some of 2024's achievements, which saw international visitor arrivals reached 5 million, a 25 percent year-on-year increase, with in-destination spend totaling nearly QAR 40 billion.' It added: 'The hospitality sector also achieved a key milestone, recording 10 million room nights sold during the year.' Speaking during a panel discussion titled 'Tourism in Focus' at the 5th edition of the Qatar Economic Forum, Al-Kharji emphasized the global shift in travel demand toward lifestyle-oriented and purpose-driven experiences, such as wellness retreats, cultural immersion, and luxurious nature-based getaways. He further noted that travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences like personalized accommodations, culinary adventures, and curated cultural activities over traditional material purchases. 'Qatar's strategy aligns with these trends, focusing on six high-potential demand spaces and delivering 54 strategic projects across product development, regulation, and visitor experience enhancement,' the QNA report stated. The chairman highlighted that his organization is working closely with the Ministry of Public Health to develop a dedicated health tourism strategy, with several plans already approved. The Gulf nation ranks among the highest spenders on healthcare, allocating up to 12 percent of its annual budget to the sector, and Al-Kharji added further investments will boost tourism related to the industry. Qatar is also gearing up to host several major international sporting events in the coming years, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup annually from 2025 to 2029, the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027, and the 2030 Asian Games. The chairman underscored Qatar's commitment to combining luxury with sustainability across all projects, citing examples such as the Ras Abu Aboud Resort and the Qatar National Convention Centre. The center was the first venue in the region to be certified for both luxury and sustainability, alongside Msheireb Downtown Doha, which was developed to embody both eco-consciousness and upscale living. According to figures released in May, Qatar welcomed over 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025, as the country continues to advance its tourism strategy built on major events, strategic partnerships, and diverse travel experiences. While slightly below the 1.6 million visitors recorded during the same period in 2024, the latest figures underscore Qatar's sustained momentum in attracting global travelers.
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:
