QATAR MEETINGS, INCENTIVES, CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS (MICE) MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

Qatar meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market size was valued at US$ 1.67 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3.51 Bn by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2023 to 2030. The market refers to all activities that are related to hosting meetings, corporate incentive trips, large-scale conferences, conventions, exhibitions and trade shows in Qatar. It is a key component of business tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

The market has witnessed steady growth due to rising business events and demand from corporations. Qatar has invested heavily in developing state-of-the-art venues, hotels and infrastructure to attract international events. The country aims to establish itself as a leading meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination.

The market is driven by government support through Qatar Vision 2030, investment in infrastructure, increasing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) activities, and rising business travel.  Qatar meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market is segmented into  event type, area, revenue source, meeting size and location. By event type, the exhibitions segment accounts for the largest share. The large number of trade exhibitions held annually in Qatar is driving growth of this segment.

Analyst Viewpoint:

The Qatar MICE market continues to hold strong growth potential over the coming years. As the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is extensively developing its event infrastructure and capabilities to attract large international conferences and exhibitions. The multi-billion dollar investments in venues, transport and accommodation facilities are expected to drive significant meetings and events traffic to Qatar post-2022. Meanwhile, Qatar’s push to diversify its economy away from oil and expand non-oil sectors such as healthcare, education and tourism will also support the growth of the local MICE industry.

However, Qatar faces regional competition from other Gulf countries that have well-established MICE markets and superior existing venue portfolios. Marketing Qatar globally as a MICE destination remains a challenge. Strict laws and cultural norms in the country continue to be a restraint. Doha also needs more international standard five-star hotels and entertainment/recreation attractions to develop as a full-fledged MICE hub.

In the long run, once infrastructure upgrades from the World Cup are completed, western region of Qatar which includes cities like Lusail and Al Khor are likely to emerge as very attractive MICE destinations. The region has strategic location and is being developed with state-of-the-art integrated tourism projects conceptualized on world-class standards. If promoted aggressively, the western region

Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Market Drivers:

• Government support and infrastructure investment: The Qatar government has outlined a clear vision and strategy to develop the country as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East region. This is evident through the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which aims to attract over 7 million MICE tourists annually by 2030. Significant investments have been made into developing state-of-the-art venues, hotels and supporting infrastructure. Iconic projects like the Qatar National Convention Center, Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha and Lusail City have provided world-class facilities and increased capacity. The government has also invested into expanding the Hamad International Airport by enhancing connectivity. Such initiatives strengthen Qatar’s appeal for regional and international events.
• Rising MICE activities and demand: Over the last decade, Qatar has experienced significant growth in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activities. The number of association conferences annually increased from 99 in 2014 to 193 in 2019, indicating a rising demand from international associations. The exhibition space also witnessed substantial growth, increasing from 1 million sq. ft. in 2011 to around 2.5 million sq. ft. in 2021, underscoring the escalating trend in trade shows and conventions. MICE tourists exhibit a longer average stay, reaching 3.7 nights, surpassing the overall visitor average of 2.4 nights. The proliferation of 5-star hotels catering specifically to MICE needs, increasing from 5 in 2011 to 15 by 2022, further illustrates the positive momentum and potential for continued growth in Qatar's meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market.
• Business friendly policies: Qatar has implemented business friendly visa policies such as visa-on-arrival for 80+ countries which have made it easier for international MICE participants to visit. The government has also offered subsidies and financial incentives for hosting large events and conferences in Qatar. There are no restrictions on repatriation of profits and foreign ownership of local companies. Such policies coupled with low taxes create a conducive environment for corporations and event organizers. This stimulates rising demand for conventions, seminars and corporate meetings being held in the country.
• Strategic geographic location: Qatar occupies a strategic geographic location in the Persian Gulf region providing easy accessibility to major source markets across the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The country serves as a convenient gateway and business hub connecting the emerging markets of the Middle East and developing nations across Africa and Asia. This strategic advantage helps Qatar attract international events looking to target these high-potential markets. The installation of a transit visa system has made it easier for participants to travel through Qatar.

Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Market Opportunities:

• Promoting cultural and medical tourism: Qatar possesses a rich cultural heritage and history which can be showcased to boost cultural tourism. Iconic attractions like Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, National Museum of Qatar and upcoming Qatar National Library offer unique settings for gala dinners, product launches and corporate events. The country is also investing heavily into developing a world-class healthcare and medical facilities. Organizing medical conferences and forums provides an avenue for knowledge sharing and collaboration between regional healthcare institutions.
• Attracting newer markets: In addition to the traditional source markets across the GCC Countries, Europe and North America, Qatar has the potential to tap high growth markets for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism including China, India, Southeast Asia, Africa and Oceania. Targeted marketing initiatives including participation in trade exhibitions, hosting familiarization trips for media and buyers and appointing representatives in respective countries can help attract associations, meeting planners and corporates from these emerging regions.
• Developing niche offerings: Qatar can complement its existing meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) offerings by developing customized niche events targeted at specific sectors, industries and interest groups. For instance, the artificial intelligence (AI) and digital economy are emerging sectors where bespoke technology conferences can be hosted. The FIFA World Cup 2022 also offered avenues for hosting football related corporate hospitality events.
• Knowledge and learning hub: Qatar has an opportunity to position itself as a knowledge and learning hub by hosting conferences, seminars, and events catering to academia across the Middle East and globally. The presence of leading educational institutions including Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, Georgetown University and partnerships with global entities like Brookings Institution provide the right foundations.

Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Market Trends:

• Growing adoption of hybrid events: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of hybrid event technology enabling remote participation along with in-person events. Qatar’s hotels and venues have invested into developing hybrid meeting capabilities. Hybrid events help to expand audience reach, provide convenience and enable participation even with travel restrictions. They can make events more cost-effective, sustainable and accessible.
• Increasing use of technology: Advances in event technology are creating more immersive and engaging audience experiences through solutions like augmented reality (AR), 3D product projections, interactive displays and virtual environments. Qatar’s new generation venues offer state-of-the-art connectivity, audio-visual capabilities and equipment allowing event organizers to leverage such technologies.
• Focus on health and safety: Health and safety have become the topmost priority after the pandemic. Qatar’s venues have implemented stringent protocols and hygiene measures following global standards and best practices. Contactless solutions, social distancing, enhanced cleaning, medical support and COVID-19 insurance are some innovations being provided to reassure event participants.
• Emphasis on sustainability: There is increasing focus on environmental sustainability with venues and corporates by using renewable energy, reducing waste, and carbon footprint. Qatar aims to have several green convention centers obtaining LEED certification. Eco-friendly construction materials and practices are being mandated for new projects.

Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Market Restraints:

• Seasonality of tourism: A notable restraint in the Qatar meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market is the seasonality of tourism. The industry experiences fluctuations in demand due to varying tourist volumes throughout the year. Qatar's extreme climate, with scorching summers, tends to deter MICE activities during certain months. The seasonality impact can result in uneven event attendance, affecting the overall vibrancy of conferences and exhibitions.
• Counterbalance: Adapting to mitigate these seasonal challenges requires strategic planning and innovative approaches to attract and sustain meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activities, thus ensuring a consistent and resilient market growth despite the inherent limitations imposed by the climate-related patterns of tourism.
• Overdependence on global economy: A significant restraint for the Qatar meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market is the overdependence on the global economy. The success of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activities in Qatar is closely tied to the economic health of key global markets. Economic downturns or uncertainties in major economies can adversely affect corporate budgets, thus leading to reduced participation and sponsorship in international conferences and exhibitions hosted in Qatar. The interconnectedness exposes the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market  to external economic fluctuations, necessitating diversification strategies to mitigate risks that are associated with overreliance on the global economy and ensure the resilience and sustained growth of the MICE market in Qatar.
• Regional political uncertainty: A notable restraint for the Qatar meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market is the impact of regional political uncertainty. The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East can introduce volatility and unpredictability, influencing decisions that are related to hosting or attending international events in Qatar. Instances of regional tensions or geopolitical shifts may lead to concerns about stability, affecting the confidence of potential participants and sponsors. The perception of political risk can deter international organizations from choosing Qatar as a preferred MICE destination.
• Counterbalance: Navigating and mitigating the effects of regional political uncertainties becomes crucial for sustaining and growing the MICE industry in Qatar.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In October 2022, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel opened Qatar's largest ballroom, the Al Mansour Ballroom spanning over 10,000 sqm. This expands its offerings for mega conferences and events.
• In January 2021, Steigenberger Hotel Doha launched 'Hybrid Meetings', allowing attendees to participate virtually in meetings and conferences. This caters to demand stemming from the pandemic.
• In June 2020, Hilton Doha launched the Hybrid meetings facility, with virtual participation options integrated with safe in-person events.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In March 2022, Qatar Airways and ICCA entered a 3-year partnership to promote Qatar as a global MICE destination and bring more international association conferences.
• In June 2021, Qatar Convention Bureau partnered with American Society of Association Executives to attract U.S.-based events and associations to Qatar.
• In May 2019, Qatar National Tourism Council acquired GIBTM, a meetings and incentives exhibition. This expanded its portfolio of business events held annually in Qatar.

Figure 1. Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Market Share (%), By Area, 2023

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Top Companies in Qatar Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Market

• Qatar National Convention Centre
• Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre
• Sharq Village & Spa
• The Ritz-Carlton Doha
• Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
• Hilton Doha
• The St. Regis Doha
• InterContinental Doha
• Mondrian Doha
• W Doha Hotel & Residences
• Four Seasons Hotel Doha
• The Torch Doha
• Shangri-La Hotel, Doha
• Movenpick Hotel Doha
• Wyndham Grand Regency Doha
• Ezdan Hotel
• Millennium Hotel Doha
• Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
• Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas
• Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha

Definition: Qatar meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market refers to all activities that are related to hosting corporate meetings, business conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, and corporate incentive trips in Qatar. It is a key segment of business tourism.

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