Abu Dhabi and Doha launch twin-centre...

GCC tourism boards partner to cross-promote UAE and Qatar capitals

With a focus on providing seamless cultural experiences for travellers, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) – and Qatar Tourism have partnered to promote twin-centre holidays between the GCC capitals.

The move will enable travellers to visit both Doha and Abu Dhabi in a single trip, with jointly curated packages from Qatar Airways Holidays and Etihad Holidays operated by Capital Holidays, part of ADNEC group.

Both entities will showcase select hotels alongside signature experiences, promoting these packages to tour operators and agents across key markets in Europe and the US.

The aim is to streamline travel between the Gulf countries and promote cross-border tourism.

DCT Abu Dhabi and Qatar Tourism partner

Both destinations are already reporting strong performance. Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector aims to contribute US$16.9 billion to the emirate’s economy in 2025, up 13% on the previous year, and US$24.5 billion by 2030.

Meanwhile, more than 5 million visitors arrived in Qatar in 2024, hitting a record high and a 25% hike on last year’s benchmark.

The Qatar-Abu Dhabi initiative speaks to wider collaboration and seamless travel between countries in the GCC, with the GCC Grand Tours Visa, allowing travellers to visit all six countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman), expected to launch in 2025.

Authorities anticipate the visa could boost tourist numbers by up to 10 million annually.

The cruise industry is already promoting travel across the region, with operator Celestyal unveiling updated Iconic Arabia itineraries from December 2025 featuring stops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, plus the addition of Ras Al Khaimah as a new port of call.

A more connected land route is also on the horizon with the upcoming launch of the GCC Railway project which aims to connect all six countries by 2030.

The travel and tourism sector in the Gulf countries has seen significant growth, with the industry contributing 11.4% to total gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, worth US$27.1 billion, according to data from the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat).

For more information, dct.gov.ae/en and www.qatartourism.com

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