Tourism & Culture

The last decade has seen a rapid expansion in the number of hotels and other tourism facilities in Qatar, as the state has invested in transforming the country into a luxury, sports and business destination. While in 2014 the majority of tourists visited the country for business purposes, the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 aims to reverse this trend, with hopes that by 2030, 64% of all non-GCC tourists visit Qatar for leisure. The hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup should boost growth across the sector, with the government expected to spend as much as $200bn in the build-up to the global event. Meanwhile, Qatar is increasingly looking to preserve its archaeological and heritage sites with specific initiatives to safeguard its heritage and strengthen laws and regulations that support cultural preservation.

This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chariman, Al Faisal Holding; and Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director, The Fire Station – Artists in Residence.