Qatar's culture of 'the meeting' is highlighted in Frankfurt

Officials from QTEA have been presenting Qatar's tradition of the Majlis to the world's conference and exhibition organisers. Meetings and gatherings have long been part of Qatar's culture, with a focused effort put on the well-being and involvement of the guest. All new developments for MICE infrastructure of booming Qatar are taking their origin in this long-lasting tradition.

The progressive Qatar's meeting industry is underpinned by this age-old tradition of building relationships in a cordial way: today Qatar is preserving this warm hospitality while offering vast spaces for meetings and exhibitions.

The hotel establishment capacity is increasing from a current 7,000 rooms to over 29,000 luxury rooms by 2012. All these 5 and 4 star hotels from international brands boast convenient meetings facilities, to host exhibitions and events in a peaceful atmosphere. Recently opened, the luxurious Arabian inspired Grand Hyatt offers 249 guestrooms, 91 residences along with 2,200 square meter of meeting and banquet facilities.

Numerous visitors flocking to the Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority's stand have also been learning about the Sidra tree, another strong cultural symbol of Qatar. The Sidra tree has been highlighted as an example of a historic meeting space renowned for poets and scholars to gather, discuss and impart knowledge.

After becoming the symbol of the Qatar Foundation, a non-profit organization for Education, Science and Community Development, the Sidra tree is the symbol of the Qatar National Convention Centre. Behind a spectacular steel façade symbolizing the Sidra tree, the Centre will open in April 2011 and will provide a 40,000 square meter exhibition space, a conference hall for 4,000 delegates and a banquet space for up to 10,000 guests.

"This will be Qatar's Centre of Distinction and will bring together thought leaders from all over the world to share knowledge, provoke ideas and spark collaboration," commented Mr Paul D'Arcy, the Qatar National Convention Centre General Manager. "We are the venue of choice for the 20th World Petroleum Congress to be held in 2011, with over 5,000 international delegates. It is very satisfying to have this level of confidence shown in Qatar by such a prestigious organization."

Mrs Soha Moussa, Head of Promotions and Organizing Abroad Exhibitions at Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, explained:

"Qatar has a deep-rooted tradition of meetings and gathering, where people share their thoughts and ideas in a friendly and hospitable way. Being a "meetings and incentives" destination is re-directing our very ancient culture to become progressive and dynamic. In a tradition of meetings and negotiation, from the majlis, to current diplomatic mediations undertaken by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar boasts a peaceful and respectful atmosphere. We proceed with special care regarding our traditional hospitality, greeting each visitor as our guest, offering luxury services for MICE and business travelers, blended with the unique Qatari cultural heritage."

Also highlighted by QTEA at IMEX in Frankfurt is the lively hospitality and culture of Qatar that further enhances visitors' experience. Visitors will be fascinated by the authentic Souq Waqif, enjoy exploring the galleries of the Museum of Islamic Art, where the finest artifacts of 1,400 years of Islamic civilizations are displayed, enjoy a desert safari to a traditional Bedouin-style camp in Khor Al Adaid, the unique inland sea surrounded by sand dunes, or enjoy a dinner on a traditional wooden dhow in Doha's bay.

Attendees of IMEX have commented that Qatar's history and culture puts it in a unique position to host significant events. Shaped by this lasting yet lively heritage, Qatar is putting the focus back to the essence of meetings, to give the Meetings Incentive Conferences and Events (MICE) industry a fresh perspective of Qatar's world class facilities.

The Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority was accompanied by a high level delegation, including several Qatar tourism officials and organisations such as Qatar MICE Development Institute and Qatar National Convention Centre, members of Qatar Foundation, the Museum of Islamic Art and major travel and accomodation Qatari companies, including Arabian Adventures, Gulf Adventures, Qatar International Adventure, Grand Hyatt, Ramada and Renaissance.

Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority will continue to promote Qatar in forthcoming travel and tourism events around the world the coming fall from October 2009 on. These include ITB Asia in Singapore, WTM in London, EIBTM in Barcelona and ILTM in Cannes.