Dignitaries attending the 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, in Doha on February 12, noted the region’s rising significance in the sports tourism sector

The Middle East has become a key hub for sports tourism, as Saudi Arabia gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, following Qatar’s successful hosting of major global events, particularly the FIFA World Cup 2022.

At the 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, held in Doha on February 12, dignitaries noted the region’s rising significance in the sports tourism sector. Hosted by Qatar Tourism, the meeting brought together tourism ministers, senior officials, and experts from various countries in the region, as well as leadership from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

The selection of Doha as the host city for the meeting underscores Qatar’s growing status as a regional and global hub in the tourism sector and its leadership role in promoting both regional and international cooperation. This is especially significant considering the country’s recent successes in hosting major global events, most notably the FIFA World Cup 2022. During the meeting, the UN Tourism presented reports on the sector’s performance for the 2024-2025 period, and future policies and plans were discussed.

HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, stated, “Hosting the 51st meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East reflects our steadfast commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and developing the tourism sector as a key driver of economic and social growth. Qatar has proven its capability to organise and host major international events, establishing itself as a global model for sustainable tourism. The meeting will further advance regional cooperation in the tourism sector, and we look forward to exchanging ideas and expertise with partners from across the region to bolster the Middle East’s position as a unique global tourism destination.”

At the meeting, Kuwait Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi was named as president of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Middle East for two years.

In addition to the ministerial sessions and official meetings, the conference titled “Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry Post-World Cup” will be held on February 13 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre, featuring a distinguished group of experts and specialists. The conference will explore the impact of major sporting events on tourism in the Middle East, their role in fostering sustainable tourism, and the role of technology in enhancing the sports tourism experience. It will also focus on how Qatar and its neighbouring countries are collaborating to establish the Middle East as a global sports tourism destination, and the role sport plays in enhancing destination branding across the region, drawing on Qatar’s successes and the lessons learned from its experiences.

Qatar Tourism remains committed to advancing its ambitious strategy to establish Qatar as a leading global tourism destination, focusing on diversifying tourism offerings, enhancing visitor experiences, and fostering sector investment, all in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Additionally, efforts to strengthen regional collaboration through platforms such as UN Tourism are contributing to the development of a more integrated and sustainable tourism sector.