Qatar and Abu Dhabi Launch New Twin-City Travel Packages to Surge Gulf Tourism, Strengthening Regional Ties and Attracting Global Visitors at the ATM 2025

Published on April 30, 2025

In an exciting new development, Qatar and Abu Dhabi have launched a groundbreaking twin-city holiday package designed to enhance Gulf tourism. The initiative is a strategic collaboration between Qatar Tourism and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), revealed during the Arabian Travel Market 2025. This new package aims to offer travelers a seamless travel experience that combines the cultural and leisure highlights of both Doha and Abu Dhabi in one convenient itinerary, enhancing the appeal of both destinations on the global tourism map.

The announcement signals a transformative step in regional tourism cooperation, fostering closer ties between two of the most prominent cities in the Gulf region. With this initiative, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are not only enhancing their tourism offerings but also working toward rebranding the Gulf as a cohesive and world-class travel destination. The collaboration is set to impact global travel patterns, particularly for tourists from Europe and North America, and could significantly boost the regional tourism economy.

A Strategic Partnership to Enhance Regional Travel

The twin-centre holiday package is a product of a strategic partnership between Qatar Tourism and DCT Abu Dhabi, reflecting a shared vision to strengthen regional tourism in the Gulf. This collaboration leverages the individual strengths of both cities to create an unparalleled travel experience for international visitors. By combining Doha’s modern attractions with Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, this package caters to a diverse range of interests, from luxury and leisure to history and culture.

The aim of the partnership is clear: to make it easier for international travelers to explore both cities in one seamless trip, creating a hassle-free and efficient journey. Visitors can now explore Doha’s stunning skyline, world-class shopping, and cultural sites, while also experiencing Abu Dhabi’s historical landmarks, traditional souks, and cutting-edge architecture. The ease of traveling between these two destinations will undoubtedly appeal to tourists seeking to maximize their time and value on a single holiday.

Simplified Travel for International Tourists

One of the key benefits of the new twin-centre holiday packages is the convenience they offer. These specially curated itineraries allow travelers to enjoy a seamless travel experience, connecting two major Gulf destinations with ease. Tourists no longer need to worry about navigating separate trip bookings, as Qatar Airways Holidays and Etihad Holidays—two of the region’s most prominent travel agencies—have partnered with Capital Holidays to provide tailor-made travel packages. These packages offer carefully selected accommodations, exclusive experiences, and access to both cities’ top attractions.

The focus on providing a streamlined, integrated travel experience makes it easier for visitors to explore both Doha and Abu Dhabi in one trip. This new offering not only simplifies the planning process for international tourists but also enhances the overall experience by allowing them to explore both modern and traditional sides of the Gulf region. The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways will further ensure smooth connectivity between the two cities, offering increased flight options for travelers.

Targeting Key Markets: Europe and North America

The twin-centre holiday packages are set to be actively promoted to tour operators in key markets, particularly in Europe and North America. This strategic targeting reflects both Qatar’s and the UAE’s efforts to attract a wider international audience. By combining the luxury, culture, and heritage of both cities, the initiative is designed to draw new tourists from Western markets who may not have previously considered visiting both Doha and Abu Dhabi on a single trip.

For the travel industry, this partnership opens up new possibilities for attracting tourists who are seeking diverse travel experiences in one region. By marketing the packages through established travel agencies in major Western markets, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are positioning themselves as top destinations for tourists seeking a convenient, culturally rich, and diverse travel experience in the Gulf. This approach is set to elevate both cities’ status as must-visit locations for international travelers, driving significant growth in tourism numbers.

Strengthening the Gulf’s Tourism Industry and Regional Cooperation

Both Qatar and the UAE have long been competing in the global tourism market, each striving to stand out with unique offerings. However, this new collaboration demonstrates a shift in focus—from competition to cooperation. By coming together, the two cities are presenting a unified tourism product that strengthens the appeal of the Gulf region as a whole. This is particularly significant given the global competition for international tourists, which has increased in recent years.

The twin-centre package not only provides visitors with the opportunity to explore two world-class destinations but also reflects a forward-thinking approach to regional development. The focus of this initiative is on synergy, with both cities working together to create an attractive and competitive tourism product. This collaborative spirit is a powerful tool in attracting tourists to the Gulf, ensuring that both cities stand out in the increasingly competitive global tourism landscape.

For the travel industry, this collaboration is a game-changer, as it fosters greater connectivity between key tourism hubs in the region. The ease of travel between Doha and Abu Dhabi will likely lead to an increase in multi-destination bookings, encouraging tourists to extend their stays and explore more of what the Gulf has to offer. With both cities focusing on creating a seamless and enriching travel experience, this partnership will contribute significantly to the economic growth of the region by boosting international arrivals.

Boosting Gulf Tourism with Enhanced Infrastructure

The new initiative also highlights the Gulf’s growing infrastructure, which is increasingly becoming a key factor in attracting global tourists. With world-class airports, luxury hotels, and a range of premium services, both Doha and Abu Dhabi have become prominent players in the global tourism market. This partnership further strengthens the region’s appeal by offering visitors a seamless, well-connected travel experience.

In addition to offering travel packages, both cities have made significant investments in their tourism infrastructure. The growing number of flight connections between Doha and Abu Dhabi, coupled with their expanding hotel and hospitality sectors, will create a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience for tourists. Visitors can expect a high level of comfort, service, and convenience, which is essential for attracting travelers from around the world.

The economic impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. With increased international arrivals expected from key markets, the travel industry in both cities will see a boost in demand for flights, accommodation, dining, and tourism experiences. Tourists will have access to a range of curated experiences, from shopping and dining to cultural excursions and outdoor activities. This will provide a significant boost to the local economies of both Doha and Abu Dhabi, further solidifying their positions as global tourism destinations.

Expanding the Gulf’s Visibility on the Global Tourism Map

As part of the joint initiative, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are keen to increase the visibility of both cities on the global tourism map. By combining their strengths and offering a combined tourism experience, both destinations will be able to attract a more diverse range of tourists. With growing interest in the Gulf region from international travelers, this partnership provides a unique opportunity to showcase the best of both cities and reinforce the Gulf’s position as a leading global travel hub.

This collaboration also highlights the region’s growing cultural appeal. Doha, known for its contemporary skyline, museums, and luxury shopping, offers a modern take on Gulf culture, while Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage and landmarks, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the region’s history. Together, the two cities create a comprehensive travel package that appeals to a wide range of travelers, from cultural enthusiasts to luxury seekers.

Looking to the Future: Long-Term Impacts on the Gulf Travel Market

The twin-centre initiative is part of a broader strategy to redefine the Gulf as a cohesive and world-class destination for tourists. With increased cooperation between Qatar and the UAE, there is potential for even greater collaboration in the future, further enhancing the region’s appeal to international visitors. This initiative not only boosts the tourism industry in both cities but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a unified tourism experience in the Gulf region.

The success of this partnership could have long-term implications for the Gulf’s travel and tourism industry. As more international visitors flock to Doha and Abu Dhabi, the two cities will likely continue to expand their tourism infrastructure, creating new opportunities for growth. The region’s increasing appeal to global tourists will foster greater economic cooperation and cultural exchange, driving tourism development and contributing to the growth of the Gulf’s hospitality sector.

Conclusion: A New Era for Gulf Tourism

The launch of the twin-centre holiday package between Qatar and Abu Dhabi marks a new era for Gulf tourism. By combining the strengths of two of the most prominent cities in the region, this initiative provides a seamless travel experience that will attract a diverse range of international tourists. The focus on cultural exchange, modern luxury, and enhanced infrastructure makes the Gulf region an even more attractive destination for global travelers.

As the travel industry adapts to evolving demands, this strategic collaboration between Qatar and Abu Dhabi demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to regional development, highlighting the potential for mutual benefit and growth. With this initiative, both cities are poised to continue their rise as top global tourism destinations, setting a new standard for regional cooperation in the travel industry.