Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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expected increase of visitors, the government expects the growth in hotel rooms by almost 400
percent.
In addition, Doha International Airport (NDIA) capacity has been increased to 24 million
passengers. The country is positioning to witness growth of Muslim travelers from mainly the
GCC countries. It has adopted a Muslim friendly culture.
b) Business Travel
This is the segment which the government is actively seeking to grow further in the next few
years. QTA has developed and launched a brand entitled “Qatar Business Events” to grow the
Muslim business travel market segment. Previously there were only few conferences,
workshops and other educational activities related to Halal food, Halal travel, and Muslim
consumers held in the country. Hamad Al-Abdan, Director of Exhibitions at QTA commented
that the business events tourism sector is set for expansion. The capability of the country’s event
management services has been enhanced, exhibition capacity of QNCC (Qatar National
Convention Centre) has been expanded and recently opened Doha Exhibition and Convention
Centre.
c) Healthcare Travel
The Muslim medical tourism market is in the developmental stage. The Weill Cornell Medical
College Doha is the first American medical school ever set up overseas. However, this college is
a teaching institution established in 2001. Qatar has become the gateway for many Arabs from
Saudi Arabia and Dubai who wish to undergo cosmetic surgery and other surgeries. An area
which Qatar aims to grow its Muslim tourism market is in robotic surgery.
Supply Side Analysis
a) Transport terminal services (airports, cruise terminals, railway stations, etc.)
Hamad International Airport was opened in 2014. Prayer rooms can be found throughout the
passenger terminal. They offer separate areas for men and women, and include dedicated
ablution facilities.
In addition, Qatar aims to develop a cruise tourism sector targeting the GCC countries. QTA
hosted the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum where stakeholders gathered to discuss the
future of cruising in the Arabian Gulf. Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer
mentioned that he sought to “lay the ground work” for the cruise industry sector.
b) Transport services (airlines, cruises, railways, etc.)
Qatar Airways is one of the leading airlines in the world. Qatar Airways provides Halal food
services on board with all meals served are suitable for Muslims and an airline special meals
website page.