Rashid Al-Maliki: Easy entry procedures
Khaled Al-Otaibi: Qatar is a family tourism destination
Ahmed Al-Suwaygh: Reflects Qatari culture and identity
These days, the grounds and facilities of the old Doha Port are filled with Gulf and foreign visitors, especially Saudis, as they top the list of visitors to Qatar from abroad, with these numbers expected to increase over the weekend.
Al-Arab monitored the impressions of a number of Saudi tourists who expressed their happiness at visiting the State of Qatar as a suitable tourist destination for all family members, thanks to the geographical proximity, social closeness, and the development witnessed by the country’s tourist facilities in recent years, in addition to the common traditions that bring together the people of the Gulf.
They praised the facilities they saw at the Abu Samra border crossing, despite the great crowding at such times, thanks to the organization and speed of completing procedures, as well as the ease of reaching their destinations in Doha thanks to the information signs along the road.
They stressed that the old Doha Port, with its aesthetic touch, its preservation of elements of Qatari heritage, and its distinctive location on the Doha Corniche, is an attractive tourist destination for Arab and Gulf visitors, in order to enjoy its modern facilities and beautiful atmosphere overlooking the waters of the Gulf. Seagulls have also become part of the general landscape of the port. The most important tourist attraction for visitors to the port, who race to feed it and enjoy its movements and speed in capturing food.
Land ports
Rashid Al-Maliki said that Qatar has succeeded in being an attractive destination for Gulf tourists over the past years, especially since hosting the 2022 World Cup, which is clearly demonstrated by the growing number of Gulf visitors, including Saudis, especially during vacations, noting that there are several reasons for the demand. There is an increasing interest in tourism attractions in Qatar by Gulf tourists in general and Saudis in particular, the most important of which is the ease of entry procedures and the possibility of travel by land and air, indicating the major role played by the ease of procedures through land ports, which It contributed significantly to attracting large numbers of Gulf and Saudi tourists. It is expected that the number of Saudi tourists will witness a significant increase during the weekend.
Entertaining atmosphere
Al-Maliki stressed that the calm recreational, family and youth atmosphere in the old port of Doha makes it on the list of favorite destinations for tourists coming from the Kingdom, praising the port management for its good use of the distinctive waterfront, which made the port one of the most important tourist places in the State of Qatar, as it connects the modernity of the present with the fragrant past of the past. In terms of the design of the buildings and restaurants, as well as the port’s proximity to a group of hotels and picturesque beaches, he expressed his happiness with this recreational tourist facility and stressed that it has become a favorite destination for many families due to the good reputation it has achieved by combining Entertainment components, distinguished service, and its proximity to the towers area and other commercial centers.
6 hours
Ali Al-Maliki said that many Saudi citizens prefer to come to Qatar by car via the Abu Samra land port, which takes only 6 hours from Riyadh, stressing that there is an increasing demand among Saudi citizens and even residents of the Kingdom to come to the State of Qatar via the land port, indicating To many cars bearing Saudi and Omani number plates, occupying many parking lots on both sides of the main street of the old Doha Port.
Various activities
Khaled Al-Otaibi expressed his feeling of comfort and happiness for spending part of his vacation in Doha, and stressed that all Saudi tourists spend enjoyable times in Qatar in light of the options provided by Qatari tourism, including various activities and tourist places, led by Souq Waqif, which embodies the heritage and history of Qatar, where reality blends with heritage. Authenticity with modernity, closed markets, Musheireb, Doha Corniche, and Lusail City.
He explained that Qatar has remarkably succeeded in attracting Gulf tourists with the requirements it provides for family tourism, as well as young people who enjoy visiting various tourist places.
Family tourism
For his part, Ahmed Al-Suwaygh expressed his admiration for the development that Qatar has witnessed in recent years, stressing that he is very happy with this visit and felt a lot of welcome and warm reception from the Qatari brothers. He is also enjoying the atmosphere of the old Doha Port, which is witnessing a large demand from tourists. He stressed that hosting… Qatar for the 2022 World Cup contributed to highlighting the Qatari culture and identity and showing its tourist attractions to the world, and he stressed that he advises everyone to visit Qatar because it is a country worth visiting. It has many wonderful recreational and tourist areas.
Maritime heritage
For his part, Jassim Al-Yafei said that developing the port and providing it with modern facilities, restaurants and distinguished services has contributed to transforming it into a destination for Gulf tourists, as we see the interest of Gulf tourists from different segments and groups in the port’s facilities and shops to enjoy its distinctive atmosphere. He called on tourists who love to explore local details and love shopping to not Do not miss visiting the “Old Port of Doha” as it is one of the most beautiful open facilities and one of the most important tourist attractions and quiet commercial facilities in Doha and the most attractive to visitors.
He stressed that the port has become a destination not only for Gulf residents, but also a station for cruises and a destination for luxury ship lines and yachts, especially as it provides a range of facilities and services for its traveling visitors, including immigration and customs offices to ensure smooth procedures, exchange services, taxi and bus stops, and bus tours. The city, as well as the duty free market, a café and waiting areas for passengers and cruise ship employees, also provides various tourist information services provided by Qatar Tourism.
Running tracks
Ayed Faraj Al-Qahtani said that the old port of Doha is considered a distinctive tourist destination, with its modern facilities, restaurants, cafes, many shops and water sports, in addition to the Jabra (fish market), as well as the containers in which there is a maintenance yard, and the comfortable and environmentally friendly running tracks and bicycle paths. It is interspersed with many parks and green spaces.
He praised the implementation of many infrastructure projects and tourist attraction facilities that have so far been linked or coincided with the preparation for the World Cup in various parts of the country, including many parks, beaches, and projects that are compatible with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and contribute to achieving its goals in terms of enhancing the development process. Long-term economic growth.
A destination for giant ships
The old port of Doha has become a destination for giant cruise ships operated by tourism companies, which has contributed to an increase in the number of tourists more than 6-fold in less than 5 tourist seasons. The port is 10 km away from the heart of Doha, which means it is close to public transportation, and close to the most important urban centers in the city, such as: the Qatar National Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, Al Bidda Park, the Corniche Walk, Souq Waqif, the main metro station, and others.
Tourism industry
Doha Port contributes to strengthening the tourism industry, especially since Qatar has proven to be one of the most desirable areas for luxury tourist cruises during the winter cruise season in the Arabian Gulf, and as part of its keenness to support this tremendous growth in the marine tourism industry in Qatar, “Mwani Qatar” played a major role in enhancing the tourism industry. » A major role in the redevelopment of Doha Port and its facilities, with its strategic location in the heart of Doha, and its proximity to the city’s most famous Souq Waqif, museums and tourist attractions. Doha Port has become a tourist cruise terminal and a destination for giant cruise lines and luxury yachts, especially as it provides a wide range of facilities and services to its visiting travelers, including immigration and customs offices to ensure smooth procedures, exchange services, taxi and bus stands, and bus tours. The city, as well as the duty free market, a café and waiting areas for passengers and cruise ship employees, also provides various tourist information services provided by Qatar Tourism.