Exploring Qatar’s M!CE
Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Business Events, Qatar National Tourism Council, talks about the prime convention facilities and how state-of-the-art technology is making a difference to M!CE
Could you tell us about Qatar's main M!CEconvention centres? Qatar's main conference and exhibition venues offer PCOs and event organisers state-of-the-art facilities and great flexibility to modify the venue to meet their needs and save on set-up costs. Our two main convention centres are Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
QNCC is one of the world's most sophisticated convention and exhibition centres, with a multipurpose 4,000-seat conference hall, 2,300-seat theatre, and 3 auditoria along with a number of meeting spaces. It offers 40,000 m2 of column-free exhibition space including 9 halls, which are adaptable to provide seating for 10,000 delegates for a conference or banquet.
In the heart of Doha's commercial district, DECC is a few minutes away from both the Corniche waterfront and many of Qatar's five-star hotels and only 20 minutes away from the airport by car. The exhibition area covers 29,000 square meters including five vast, pillarfree halls, capable of seating over 34,000 visitors at one time. Its facilities include a mobile modular wall system, high-tech meeting and conference rooms, a VIP hosting suite and vast underground parking.
DECC boasts an 18-meter high ceiling supported by a revolutionary cantilever roof, making it more versatile than standard exhibition halls. In terms of accommodation, Qatar has a wide range of offerings to suit all budgets. Qatar's hospitality sector is ranked first in the Middle East, according to the Guest Experience in the Middle East Report, released by hospitality and travel data providers Olery.
With more properties coming into the market, room supply continues to increase, across Qatar's accommodation market, growing by 4% in the first three quarters of 2019.
The total accommodation offering currently stands at 26,778 rooms across 128 properties. With everything from 4 and 5-star hotels to budget accommodation, we have a wide range of
EVENT SPACES An exhibition area covering 29,000 sq m is capable of seating over 34,000 visitors
hospitality offerings to suit all needs.
And the current Incentive Programs and Support Factors available in India Market?
QNTC is keen to ensure international event organisers, businesses and associations feel at home when doing business in Qatar. Our services include:
• Providing guidance and support to help PCOs and event organisers deliver their events in Qatar at the highest standards • Connecting event organisers with government and private entities that can contribute to the success of the event
• Establishing connections with Qatar Financial Centre to allow international associations and businesses to establish local chapters or businesses • Financial & in-kind support; assessed and given based on case needs and requirements
How important Qatar is in M!CE offerings?
As a rising destination, Qatar is gaining traction for its authentic yet modern offerings across hospitality, tourism and business.
Qatar is the most open country in our region, and we welcome the world to experience a unique destination where
cultural authenticity meets modernity. Visitors can experience unique offerings in business, sports, culture and family entertainment, rooted in authenticity.
In addition to its authentic tourism experiences, Qatar benefits from a high safety record, easy access, growing event management services, exhibition capacity of 98,000 square metres and an expanded transport network.
What about M!CE business potential from the Indian market?
We are committed to facilitating access to and spreading awareness about Qatar's M!CE offering in the Indian market. To that end, we opened a dedicated tourism office in Mumbai, which is now a year old. Its primary role is to educate Indian M!CE players (corporates and tour operators) with a focus on building strong relationships with corporates.
As a large market which continues to grow, India holds great potential as a source for business events. Its education and bio-medical research institutions are well known, aligning with some of Qatar's own priority sectors.
Qatar's ability to host large-scale events, in sports, business and entertainment, and its ease of access from major Indian cities, including visa-free entry for Indian citizens, makes it a natural fit for hosting business events for the Indian market.
Could you please share insights about M!CE movements from India (Biggest and largest pax last year)
As we have just recently started working with the Indian M!CE industry, we continue to educate stakeholders about our range of offerings. We remain in discussion with stakeholders, and are slated to host events in 2020.