Doha Qatar

Doha is Qatar's largest/principal port and capital city, with population around 2,4 million and total area approx 132 km2 (51 mi2). Port Doha (locode QADOH) is on the Persian/Arabian Gulf. Over half of Qatar's population lives in Doha City or its suburbs. The city is also Qatar's commercial capital and one of the Middle East's financial centers. There is a same-named seaport (Doha Port/Mina Doha) in Kuwait's Al Kuwayt Governorate.

The coastal territory (Trucial Coast) was ruled by Britain as part of the empire's strategy to secure safe passage through the Arabian Gulf for the merchant ships of the East India Company (1600-1874). The agreement with the local sheiks (signed in 1820) acknowledged British authority in the Gulf and practically ended the piracy and the slave trade.

The town of Doha was established in the early-19th-century as an extension of Al Bidda (British Qatar's largest city). The country was a British protectorate between 1916-71. Doha became the country's capital in 1971 when Qatar declared independence from the UK.

The city was selected as a host of renowned 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. Doha also hosted "2012 UNFCCC Climate Negotiations" and "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 houses the headquarters of numerous domestic and international corporations and organizations, including Qatar's largest oil and gas companies RasGas, Qatargas, and Qatar Petroleum. The city's economy is built primarily on the 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 (QTA).

During season 2017-2018, TUI Cruises (German shipping company) visited Doha 7x times, bringing ~17,500 tourists to Qatar. The same season was a record-breaker (~65,000 tourists, or 39% increase over 2016). Port Doha was visited by a total of 22 vessels plus 1 superyacht. The Port received 5x 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 the 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) and were expected 140,000+ tourists (passengers and crew). The season had 5x 2-ship days. During season 2019-2020, the cruise port expected nearly 200,000 visitors, targeting 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 estimated 186,000+ passengers plus 61,000+ crew. During the season here was homeported Costa Diadema, with booked 16 berthings (planned roundtrips).

Doha plans a port redevelopment project budgeted ~QR 2 billion (Qatari Riyals, ~USD 550 million).

In 2021-Q1, the French luxury travel brand Ponant 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 snorkeling (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.

For season 2021-2022, the Port had booked a total of 30 ship calls, of which 4 were maiden port calls and 4 by luxury ships. The Qatar Tourism Authority also developed special onboard flight programs for foreign cruisers that stay overnight in Doha for their departure and return flights, as such tourists start and end their flights from/in Qatar.

For season 2023-2024, Port Doha had booked 120 cruise ship berthings, with expected ~200,000 tourists. Eventually, the Port handled 73 vessels and 378,677 passengers, representing a 38% growth in visitor numbers and a 33% increase in ship calls compared to season 2022-2023.

Doha Qatar cruise terminal