This year, Qatar made waves—literally. The 2024/2025 cruise season officially came to a close, and it was one for the history books. With 87 cruise ships arriving at Doha Port and over 360,000 visitors, this season marked a significant leap in Qatar’s journey to becoming a premier cruise destination in the region.
To celebrate this success, Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar hosted a heartfelt closing ceremony at Old Doha Port. Honoring the many partners, teams, and organizations that made this milestone possible.
From Port to People: A Journey That Begins with Collaboration
The event wasn’t just about numbers—it was about recognizing the people behind them. Government officials, private sector partners, cruise line operators, and travel experts. Gathered to celebrate not only the growth of cruise tourism but the teamwork that made it happen.
What stood out this season was how connected everything felt. Visitors experienced Qatar not just as a destination, but as a warm, welcoming host. From the moment they stepped off the ship, they were met with seamless services, and a city ready to be explored.
A Season of Firsts—and a Glimpse of What’s Coming
Among the highlights were five ships making their first-ever call to Doha Port and 13 turnaround operations. Where Qatar served as the starting or ending point for cruises—a major step forward. Transfer passengers alone made up over 10% of all visitors, proving that Qatar is becoming more than just a stop—it’s a hub. And it’s only the beginning.
Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, shared that the strategy moving forward is clear: more cooperation with cruise lines, more high-quality experiences for travelers, and more reasons for people to start and end their journeys in Qatar.
Built to Impress: The Terminal That’s Changing the Game
Much of the season’s success came down to one place—The Terminal at Doha Port. With its modern design and traveler-first approach, the terminal became a major draw for global cruise operators. Capt. Hussain Ahmad Al Maqeef from Mwani Qatar credited its facilities and seamless coordination for attracting 11 different cruise lines this season.
With five cruise ships visiting Qatar for the first time, it’s clear the world is starting to take notice.
What’s Next for Cruise Tourism in Qatar?
Looking ahead, the 2025/2026 season is set to be even bigger—with around 130 cruise calls expected and visitor numbers projected to exceed 450,000. The energy is building, and Qatar is ready.
What’s especially exciting is the country’s commitment to making tourism not just bigger, but better. This includes enhancing the guest experience, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and building deeper partnerships between public and private players.
A Big Win for Everyone
The closing ceremony ended on a high note with recognition for the many hands that made this season possible. From government teams to private tour operators, from port staff to travel agents—everyone played a part in making cruise tourism in Qatar truly memorable.
And as Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar reaffirmed their vision for the future. One thing became clear: this isn’t just a successful season—it’s the beginning of a new era for tourism in Qatar.
BM Events: Your Trusted Partner for Hospitality Staffing in Qatar
At BM Events, we’re proud to support Qatar’s thriving cruise and tourism industry by providing expert manpower for hospitality events, port operations, and tourism experiences. As a leading manpower staffing agency, we specialize in connecting businesses. With trained professionals who enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Whether it’s large-scale events at The Terminal or luxury hospitality services for cruise passengers, our team ensures every detail runs smoothly. Recognized among top recruitment agencies in Qatar, we deliver tailored staffing solutions that meet the region’s growing demand.
Contact with BM Events today and elevate your hospitality operations because great experiences start with great teams.
