Qatar Tourism (QT) and Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support inclusive and sustainable tourism initiatives in Qatar.
The agreement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen social inclusion within Qatar’s tourism sector and create visitor environments that are more accommodating to diverse community needs.
As part of the partnership, the two entities will launch the ‘Autism-Friendly Spaces’ initiative during its pilot phase at one of the country’s hotels.
The initiative supports individuals with autism by promoting more accessible hospitality environments and enhancing visitor experiences for families.
The cooperation framework also includes the implementation of joint awareness campaigns, specialized training programs for tourism sector employees, and the exchange of technical and advisory expertise.
The training programs are designed to improve understanding among hospitality and tourism workers regarding the diverse needs of visitors and to encourage the adoption of inclusive service standards across the sector.
Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Head of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, stated that, “This MoU represents an important step towards cementing the concept of inclusive tourism in the State of Qatar. Through this partnership, we are working to develop and support qualitative initiatives, including the ‘Autism-Friendly Spaces’ initiative, which contributes to enhancing the visitor experience and empowering all segments of society.”
Image via QNA | Cropped by GBN
Rashid Mohammed Al Hamda Al Naimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, said that the initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities through practical programs and community-focused initiatives.
Al Naimi added that the cooperation with Qatar Tourism would help translate technical expertise into practical applications that improve quality of life, strengthen social integration, and support the development of inclusive environments across tourism and hospitality facilities.
The partnership aligns with Qatar Tourism’s broader strategy to develop a sustainable tourism sector that accommodates the needs of all visitors and residents.
It also supports national efforts to promote social responsibility and encourage hotels, tourism facilities, and service providers to adopt inclusive operational practices.
