Visit Qatar achieved major recognition at the ICCA Middle East Summit 2026 in Jordan (10–11 June 2026), strengthening Qatar’s position in the global business events industry.
During the summit, Visit Qatar received the ICCA Innovation
Leadership Award, honouring its contributions to innovation, sustainability,
resilience, and tourism transformation in the international meetings sector.
The award highlights its role in enhancing the
competitiveness of destinations across the region.
Visit Qatar also signed a partnership agreement with the
International Congress and Convention Association to host the ICCA Middle East
Summit 2027 in Qatar.
The agreement was formalised at a ceremony attended by ICCA
leadership and industry stakeholders.
The 2027 summit, scheduled for March 17–18 in Qatar, will
bring together international association representatives, convention bureaux,
venues, professional conference organisers, and business events leaders.
It will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange,
collaboration, and strategic discussions on the future of the global meetings
industry.
The announcement builds on Qatar’s continued progress in
international association meetings.
According to the 2025
ICCA rankings, Qatar placed third in the Middle East for hosting international
congresses, while Doha ranked third among regional cities, behind Dubai and Abu
Dhabi.
ICCA data also showed strong sector growth, with global
association meetings rising by around 22% in 2025 and the Middle East recording
approximately 45% growth, underscoring the region’s expanding role as a global
business events hub.
Visit Qatar said the achievements reflect growing
international confidence in the country’s infrastructure, accessibility, and
capacity to host major global events.
Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit
Qatar, said: “Being selected to host the ICCA Middle East Summit 2027 is a
significant endorsement of Qatar's growing position within the global business
events landscape. It reflects the strong confidence our international partners
place in Qatar's world-class infrastructure, operational capabilities, and
proven track record of delivering exceptional events.” -TradeArabia News Service
