The committee responsible for the GCC Tourism Capital has announced Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, within the framework of strengthening joint tourism cooperation among GCC member states.
This decision has been approved by Their Excellencies the Ministers responsible for tourism across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The selection comes after a detailed strategic bid from Qatar Tourism, highlighting Qatar’s long-term tourism vision and emphasizing Doha’s unique blend of cultural authenticity, urban innovation, sustainability, and high quality of life as a prime destination.
The bid aligns with national priorities aimed at economic diversification, positioning tourism as a key driver of sustainable growth and development in Qatar.
Commenting on the announcement, HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said that, “The selection of Doha as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026 marks an important milestone that underscores the success of our leadership’s strategic vision in establishing tourism as a central pillar of the National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.
“This recognition reflects the qualitative progress achieved in building an integrated and sustainable tourism ecosystem that is competitive at both regional and global levels, supported by world-class infrastructure, strong connectivity, and an exceptional visitor experience,” Al Kharji added.
Furthermore, Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar are set to announce further details in the coming period regarding the ‘GCC Tourism Capital’ program in Doha. This will include joint Gulf initiatives, promotional campaigns, and a year-round program of community, cultural, and entertainment events, designed to deliver sustainable economic and tourism impact and further strengthen Doha’s position within the regional and global tourism landscape.
