Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority hosting 21 partners at its ATM booth in Dubai

Reuniting for the first time on its both representatives of the Museum of Islamic Art and of the Qatar Marine Festival Organizing Committee, Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is showcasing the proud Qatari identity, shaped by a strong Islamic culture and an age-old sea oriented civilization.

Highlighting its authentic heritage and rich past, while installing pride in its future, Qatar is a bridge between tradition and global innovation.

The elegantly designed by I.M. Pei Museum of Islamic Art is housing a collection gathering 1,400 years of finest artifacts from three continents. The new iconic cultural attraction of Doha has seen visitors flocking since its recent opening last December.

Ms Louise Cutajar, Head of Events, Marketing & Communication of the Museum of Islamic Art, commented, "The Museum of Islamic Art and Qatar Museum Authority are proud to take part in the Arabian Travel Market with Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority. Our aim here is to promote the Museum and to invite all the ATM visitors to make the Museum of Islamic Art the number one cultural stop when they visit Qatar. The collection of the MIA houses over 800 unique artifacts spanning from 7th Century to 20th Century from countries across the globe. We welcome students, visitors and VIPs alike."

A new driving force for tourism in Qatar is the unique Qatar Marine Festival, to be held in October 2009. Offering cultural activities, sports events, educational components while raising awareness for environment preservation, the comprehensive event is perpetuating Qatar's heritage of a sea dedicated peninsula.

The Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is accompanied to Arabian Travel Market by a high level delegation in addition to the Museum of Islamic Art and the Qatar Marine Festival Organizing Committee.

Representatives of some of Qatar's top hotels, including W Hotel, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Intercontinental, La Cigale, Ramada, Moevenpick Towers & Suites, Doha Seef, Grand Regency, Renaissance, La Villa, Regency Holidays, Retaj Hotel were approached in the first two days of the ATM by companies keen to work with them to further promote tourism opportunities. Other major Qatari companies are participating in ATM in partnership with Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, such as Alpha Tours, Arabian Adventures, Destinations of the World - Qatar, FAL Travelmart Travel and Tours, Gulf Adventures, Qatar International Adventure and Regency Holiday.

Ms. Sadeem Al-Mahmied, Head of Marketing in Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, commented: "Qatar is world renowned for both our tradition of independence and our progressive orientation. We don't want to lose our identity by attracting mass-tourism, but we rather target high-end cultural, leisure and sports tourism. Qatar is a place where citizens share their culture with an open-mind, and make visitors change the way they see things with a global perspective."