Doha (Qatar)

Doha is the largest port and the capital of Qatar. The city has population of around 1,4 million and covers a total area of 132 km2 (51 mi2). It is located on the Persian Gulf, and is the country's fastest-growing city, with over half of Qatar's population living in Doha City or its suburbs.

The town was established in the 1820s as Al Bidda's offshoot. In 1971 it was officially declared country's capital city, after Qatar declared independence from UK. As Qatar's commercial capital and one of the unanticipated financial centers in the Middle East, Doha is classed "world city" by Globalization & World Cities Research Network. The city was selected as host of renown sporting events, such as "2006 Asian Games", "2011 Pan Arab Games", and most of the games at "2011 AFC Asian Cup". The 20th "World Petroleum Conference" was held here in December 2011. Here was also hosted "2012 UNFCCC Climate Negotiations". The city will host a large number of venues for "2022 FIFA World Cup". In May 2015, the city was officially recognized as one of the "New 7 Wonders Cities" - along with Beirut (Lebanon), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), La Paz (Mexico) and Vigan (Philippines).

Doha City is Qatar's economic center. It houses the headquarters of numerous domestic and international corporations and organizations, such as Qatar's largest oil and gas companies RasGas, Qatargas and Qatar Petroleum. City's economy is built primarily on its natural gas and oil industries.

Port Doha

Qatar's cruising season is during winter (October through April). The seaport is managed by Qatar Tourism Authority.

During season 2017-2018, TUI Cruises (German ship operator) visited Doha 7 times, bringing around 17,500 tourists to Qatar. The same season was a record-breaker - with about 65,000 cruise tourists to Qatar, or 39% increase (over 2016). Port Doha was visited by a total of 22 cruise vessels plus 1 mega-yacht. The port received 5 maiden calls (MSC Splendida, Mein Schiff 5, Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony, Europa 2). Data showed 86% disembarking passengers, of whom 53% booked city tours and 18% booked desert safaris.

The main factor for port's cruising business growth was the 2016-introduced free 96-hours transit visa for international tourists. Seaport's largest visiting liners so far are MSC Splendida (MSC) and Mein Schiff 5 (TUI). In 2017, Splendida (max capacity 3900 passengers) replaced MSC Fantasia.

For season 2018-2019 were booked 43 ships (of which 10 with maiden port calls) with expected over 140,000 cruise tourists (passengers and crew). The season has five 2-ship days. During season 2019-2020, Qatar cruise port expects nearly 200,000 visitors and targets an annual volume of 0,5 million passengers by the year 2026.

For season 2019-2020 the cruise port had scheduled a total of 74 ship calls with expected 186,000+ passengers and 61,000+ crew. During the season here was homeported Costa Diadema, with booked 16 berthings (planned roundtrips).

Doha plans a port redevelopment project with budget of around QR 2 billion (Qatari Riyals, ~USD 550 million).

In 2021-Q1, the French top-luxury brand Ponant Cruises chartered the ship Le Champlain to Qatar Airways Holidays. The airline (via partnership with Discover Qatar) launched the "Luxury Coastal Cruise of Qatar" program custom-made for citizens and residents of the country. The exclusive program was based on a 3-night Persian Gulf itinerary (leaving roundtrip from Doha). The coastal sightseeing and exploration activities included snorkelling (at Al Ashat Island), gliding (over Khor Al-Udaid channel), scenic cruising for marine and wildlife viewings (hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, dugongs, flamingos). The shipboard and ashore enrichment programs were led by expert tour guides - marine biologists, naturalists, ornithologists. Le Champlain's Qatar cruise season (late-March - April 2021) included 6 consecutive departures out of Doha, with all-inclusive prices starting from QR 4990 (USD 1370 / EUR 1140) per person with double occupancy.

Doha cruise terminal