Qatar: Qatari newspapers have highlighted a range of pressing domestic and regional issues in their Friday's editorials, focusing on the country's sustained achievements in tourism alongside escalating humanitarian challenges in the Gaza Strip.
According to Qatar News Agency, several editorials celebrated Qatar's rapid rise as a leading global and regional tourist destination. The state has reported remarkable growth, with 5.1 million international visitors in 2025, attracted by a combination of world-class infrastructure, vibrant cultural events, and natural attractions.
Al Raya noted that the country's success is the result of strategic planning, high-quality offerings, safety and stability, and a hospitable population. The editorial highlighted Doha's designation as Gulf Tourism Capital 2026, stressing the government's efforts to diversify tourism through innovative initiatives, sustainable practices, and the promotion of environmental and medical tourism.
Al Raya concluded by affirming that Doha will continue to impress visitors with the quality of its tourism offerings, advanced infrastructure, and natural beauty, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation. The editorial also highlighted the development of eco-tourism and Qatar's growing leadership in medical and wellness tourism.
Similarly, Al Arab praised Qatar's holistic approach, underpinned by global-standard infrastructure, including Hamad International Airport and a comprehensive transport network of metros and trams, alongside Qatar Airways' connectivity to over 177 international destinations. The paper emphasized that Doha's designation as Gulf Tourism Capital 2026 represents a milestone in the country's long-term vision to make tourism a key pillar of economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030.
Al Arab concluded its editorial by highlighting that Qatar's announcement of 5.1 million international visitors in 2025 underscores the country's success in enhancing its tourism appeal. The editorial attributed this achievement to flexible visa policies facilitated through the 'Hayya' platform, a competitive investment environment, strategic regional and international partnerships, and innovative promotional campaigns, all of which have helped to firmly establish Qatar on the global tourism map.