One year after the reopening of the national border on July 12, 2021, Qatar Tourism is unveiling the latest attractions that build on its comprehensive tourism development strategy of recent years. Qatar aims to capitalize on the influx of over one million visitors expected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and showcase its hidden treasures and unparalleled travel potential to the world.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, says: “The countdown to the World Cup is in full swing and there are still many world-class attractions to see before the games begin. In addition to the buzz around the tournament itself, we hope people will be excited about Qatar’s state-of-the-art new tourism developments, which will greatly enhance the country’s appeal as a leading vacation destination. There are new beaches for those seeking sun, sea and sand, theme parks and water sports hotels for the adventurous, and many new resorts, spas and restaurants for visitors seeking relaxation.”

Five upcoming major openings

1. winter wonderland

Pack your sunglasses and sunscreen for Doha Winter Wonderland, set to open later this year in Qatar on a sandy island. Instead of the freezing cold that greets visitors to its popular sister event in London’s Hyde Park (https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/), travelers to Doha Winter Wonderland can relax on the beach in pleasant average temperatures around 20 °C. Doha Winter Wonderland features seaside chalets, restaurants, games, 50 rides and cafes, and brings the festive spirit to the Middle East.

Located near Lusail City north of Qatar’s capital, the 200,000-square-meter leisure complex is operated by IMG (International Marketing Group), the same company that hosts Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park each year.

2. Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB)

FKB (https://fkb.qa/) is an up-and-coming, state-of-the-art kite beach resort in Fuwairit – a coastal resort north of Doha that offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing thanks to consistent winds, perfect water conditions and powder-soft sands.

The resort caters to the kitesurfing lifestyle, offering everything they need for water sports and more when they’re not on the water. There will be a yoga studio, a fully equipped gym, restaurants, a pool and much more.

3. The Outpost Al Barari

The Outpost (https://www.instagram.com/outpostalbarari/) is the first of its kind in Qatar that will combine nature experiences, sustainability and luxury hospitality in a beautiful resort located in the world’s unique Inland Sea nature reserve.

Surrounded by towering sand dunes and desert landscapes, 21 luxury lodges with private pools provide the perfect retreat from hectic city life. Stargazing, hot air balloon rides and desert walks to learn more about the local wildlife will be part of the experience, as well as “Emerge in Nature” wellness treatments and sensational culinary experiences.

4. Qetaifan Island North

Qetaifan Island North, the first “entertainment island” in Qatar, will house floating hotels, beach clubs and a water park with 36 attractions – including the “Icon Tower,” with an 85-meter-high slide that will be the tallest of its kind in the world.

The island covers 1.3 million square meters and is located near Lusail Stadium, which will host the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.

5. The west bay north beach project

West Bay North Beach is a comprehensive new tourism project that will be built on an area of 40,000 square meters on an exclusive stretch of beach in the heart of Doha. The public and private beach sections will offer three different beach experiences with a wide range of food and beverage options, creating an attractive beach experience for everyone.

The wave of new resorts and attractions in Qatar joins a spate of openings over the past few years. In March 2022, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum opened as one of the most innovative sports museums in the world. In 2021, one of the region’s largest theme parks, Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, with 28 slides and rides, was created. And last summer, a theme park called Quest Doha opened with the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster.

Qatar will also host many exciting events after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. For example, starting in 2023, the country will host the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix for at least ten years, along with the new Geneva International Motor Show Qatar.

For the latest information on Qatar’s top attractions and colorful calendar of events, visit: www.visitqatar.com

About Qatar:

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East; within a six-hour flight for 80% of the world’s population. Rated the safest country in the world by Numbeo in 2020, Qatar welcomes all travelers – guests from over 95 countries can even enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of conveniently accessible tourist attractions: Abundant wildlife and flora – including whale sharks and the majestic national animal, the Arabian oryx antelope – as well as numerous experiential offerings that create a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums, rooftop restaurants and exciting desert adventures to world-famous events, including none other than the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, there is something for every type of traveler and budget. Transit travelers via Qatar can make two vacations out of one thanks to discounted stopover packages offered by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar with the support of Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism:

Qatar Tourism is the official government agency responsible for developing and promoting tourism in Qatar, supporting the exponential growth of the sector. Qatar is a destination where people from all over the world come together to experience a unique range of arts, culture, sports and adventure, focused on service excellence and appealing to both families and business travelers. Qatar Tourism is committed to strengthening the entire tourism value chain, increasing local and international visitor demand, attracting inbound investment, and creating a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target of welcoming more than six million international visitors per year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East.