Tourism and Transportation in Qatar: How the Nation Is Evolving in 2026

atar’s tourism sector has been rapidly expanding, showcasing world-class attractions, excellent visitor experiences, and a sophisticated transportation network that makes exploring the country easy and enjoyable. In 2025, Qatar welcomed over 5.1 million international visitors, reflecting its growing status as a global destination for leisure, culture, business, and events.

This growth is closely tied to the development of both tourism offerings and transportation infrastructure from efficient public transit and innovative mobility solutions to enhanced safety standards for visitors. In this blog, we explore the latest news and developments in tourism and transportation in Qatar, what they mean for travellers, and why this Gulf state continues to stay ahead in visitor experience and connectivity.

What’s Driving Tourism Growth in Qatar?

Qatar’s strategic vision for tourism aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 has paid off with remarkable results. According to recent official figures, more than 5.1 million guests visited Qatar in 2025, attracted by a mix of modern attractions and rich cultural experiences.

Visitors are drawn to iconic destinations such as Lusail City, Katara Cultural Village, the National Museum of Qatar, and pristine beaches. Traditional souqs, desert safaris, and world-class events like international festivals and exhibitions make the country a compelling destination year-round.

Notably, Doha was also selected as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, a recognition that underscores the city’s emergence as a top regional travel hub for international and regional tourists alike.How Transportation Makes Tourism Seamless in Qatar

Tourism isn’t just about attractions it’s also about how easily travelers can explore them. Qatar’s transport system plays an essential role in connecting visitors to sights, activities, and experiences across the country.

1. Public Transport Accessibility

Qatar ranks highly in public transport accessibility, with access available to a very large share of the population — a key factor that supports both local mobility and visitor journeys.

• Doha Metro extends its reach across the city, linking major zones including Lusail, Education City, Airport City, and other important hubs.

• Lusail Tram adds further connectivity by integrating with the metro system, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly to key destinations, including popular tourist and leisure spots.

This ever-improving public transport infrastructure ensures that visiting Qatar’s main attractions is straightforward, stress-free, and comfortable.

2. Innovative Transportation Trials

Qatar is also exploring the future of mobility. The recent urban air taxi trial with pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft demonstrates the nation’s focus on advanced transportation technologies.

While such technologies are still in pilot phases, they signal Qatar’s ambition to redefine urban transit — offering even more efficient and futuristic options for getting around.

3. Enhancing Road Safety for Tourists

To ensure a safe experience for visitors, Qatar Tourism and the Traffic Department held a road safety awareness workshop targeted at tour guides, travel agencies, and licensed operators.

This initiative focused on legal requirements, safety procedures, and best practices for transporting tourists to various sites across the country — an important step in enhancing road travel safety for visitors and locals alike.

Tourism and Transportation Working Together

Visa Reforms and Access

Qatar has taken steps to simplify tourist entry with the revamped Hayya Platform, which now serves as a unified visa portal for tourists and business visitors, streamlining the entry process.

This digital visa integration supports easier planning and mobility for visitors — reinforcing the idea that travel to and within Qatar is both accessible and well managed.

Cruise and Maritime Tourism

Cruise tourism continues to advance as part of Qatar’s broader travel strategy, with numerous cruise ship calls scheduled and maritime services improving.

The Old Doha Port welcomed over 7 million visitors in 2025 and reported a high occupancy rate thanks to expanded facilities such as air-conditioned promenades and water transport services — vital for comfortable tourism experiences.

What This Means for Travellers in 2026

Tourists visiting Qatar this year can expect:

• Effortless travel experiences supported by an expanding public transport network

• Faster and safer exploration of major attractions

• Access to digital visa solutions for quicker entry

• More comfortable and convenient transit options

• High safety standards for road travel and tourism transport

These factors combine to make Qatar not just a destination for one-time visits, but a place where repeat travel and long stays become more appealing.

Conclusion: Qatar’s Future as a Top Tourism & Mobility Hub

As Qatar’s tourism sector continues to grow evidenced by millions of global visitors and international accolades the transportation network evolves to match this momentum. Strategic initiatives, from large-scale transit expansion to digital visa reforms and safety programs, reflect a keen focus on convenience and visitor satisfaction.

For travellers, this means a journey that is not only rich in culture and modern attractions but also smooth in mobility, well connected, and increasingly forward-looking. As Qatar cements its status as a premier travel destination in the Middle East and beyond, tourism and transportation will remain central pillars of its global appeal.