Qatar Named Favourite Cruise Destination at 2025 Wave Awards: A Milestone in Middle East Cruise Tourism Growth

Published on December 1, 2025

In a significant achievement for Qatar’s growing tourism industry, the country was recently awarded the title of Favourite Cruise Destination at the 2025 Wave Awards, one of the UK’s premier events celebrating the cruise and travel industry. The recognition came as a result of votes cast by readers of World of Cruising magazine, as well as a comprehensive judging process that took place earlier this year at The Independent’s headquarters in London, where a 40-member independent jury evaluated the finalists.

This prestigious accolade positions Qatar as a rising star in the global cruise tourism sector and underscores the country’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure, rich cultural experiences, and exceptional services for international visitors. Qatar’s triumph at the Wave Awards marks a key moment in the country’s strategy to establish itself as a top-tier destination for high-value travellers, particularly those seeking unique and enriching cruise experiences.

Qatar Tops a Competitive Shortlist of Global Destinations

The Wave Awards recognition for Qatar was part of a highly competitive field of destinations, including iconic cruise hotspots such as Norway, Barbados, Greece, Alaska, Antarctica, and the Canary Islands. The fact that Qatar secured the top spot in this group highlights its growing appeal as a cruise destination, with its blend of luxury offerings, cultural attractions, and modern amenities.

The voting process for the award involved the active participation of readers from World of Cruising magazine, who helped identify the most deserving destinations based on factors such as infrastructure, hospitality, accessibility, and the overall appeal of the cruise experience. The award’s credibility was further strengthened by the participation of a dedicated judging panel, which contributed expert opinions to the final decision.

A Growing Cruise Hub in the Middle East

Qatar’s Head of Tourism Development, Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, expressed pride in the country’s recognition, noting that the award reflects the country’s rising prominence as a global cruise destination. He attributed the win to Qatar’s investment in advanced infrastructure, its rich cultural heritage, and its commitment to providing high-quality visitor experiences. The growing cruise sector is seen as an important driver of Qatar’s broader tourism strategy, which aims to attract high-value tourists while expanding the country’s appeal to international markets.

The recognition from the Wave Awards comes at an exciting time for Qatar’s cruise industry, with the country’s 2025-2026 cruise season now underway. This season began with the arrival of the luxury cruise ship MSC Euribia at the Doha Port, marking the start of what is expected to be another successful year for Qatar’s cruise tourism sector. Qatar is poised to welcome 72 cruise calls throughout the season, including 40 transit stops, 15 turnaround trips, and three maiden calls, further cementing its status as a growing cruise hub in the Middle East.

Qatar’s Modern Cruise Infrastructure Supports Growth

The development of Qatar’s cruise industry has been supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the Doha cruise terminal, which is designed to provide a seamless experience for travellers. The terminal offers smooth entry procedures, ensuring that passengers can begin their visit to Qatar without delay. The terminal’s location also provides easy access to many of the country’s cultural and modern landmarks, allowing visitors to quickly explore the diverse attractions that Qatar has to offer.

Qatar’s strategic investment in infrastructure has played a key role in attracting international cruise lines to the country. The Doha cruise terminal is well-positioned to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships visiting Qatar, providing a welcoming environment for passengers and crew alike. This development is in line with Qatar’s broader tourism objectives, which aim to enhance the country’s international reputation and attract a diverse range of visitors.

Qatar’s Cruise Season: A Strong Start to 2025-2026

The launch of the 2025-2026 cruise season is a major milestone for Qatar’s tourism sector, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. The MSC Euribia’s arrival in Doha marked the beginning of an exciting season, and with 72 cruise calls expected, including multiple high-profile visits, the country is poised to continue its growth in the cruise tourism market. This growth is not only beneficial to the tourism sector but also has a positive impact on the local economy, providing new business opportunities and supporting the development of key sectors such as hospitality, retail, and entertainment.

In addition to supporting the growth of Qatar’s cruise tourism sector, the development of the country’s cruise infrastructure is expected to further boost the region’s overall tourism appeal. As more cruise lines and tourists discover the unique offerings of Qatar, the country’s standing as a top-tier destination will continue to rise.

Strategic Importance of Cruise Tourism for Qatar

The rise of cruise tourism in Qatar is part of a broader strategy to diversify the country’s tourism offerings and attract high-value visitors from around the world. As Qatar continues to enhance its tourism infrastructure, it is focusing on sustainability and long-term growth to ensure that the industry can thrive for years to come. The 2025 Wave Awards recognition is just one example of how Qatar’s efforts are paying off, with the country emerging as a leading destination for luxury cruises and high-value tourists.

The country’s strategic location in the Middle East, combined with its world-class facilities and diverse tourism offerings, makes it an attractive option for cruise passengers looking to explore new destinations. With continued investment in infrastructure, cultural experiences, and visitor services, Qatar is well-positioned to maintain its momentum in the growing cruise tourism market.

Looking to the Future: Qatar’s Vision for Cruise Tourism

The future of Qatar’s cruise tourism sector looks bright, with the country expected to continue attracting increasing numbers of international visitors. The Wave Awards win reflects the success of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a world-class cruise destination. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, Qatar’s focus on providing high-quality experiences, advanced infrastructure, and seamless access to its cultural landmarks will ensure that it remains a top choice for cruise passengers from around the globe.

With its growing reputation and commitment to sustainable tourism growth, Qatar is set to play an increasingly important role in the global cruise industry, attracting more visitors each year and enhancing its position as a premier destination in the Middle East.