Qatar Tourism has revealed a distinguished ten-member jury panel of local and international experts for the fourth edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards, developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). These awards honour organisations and individuals known for consistently delivering exceptional tourism experiences in Qatar.
The panel is tasked with carefully evaluating tourism businesses that demonstrate excellence across seven primary categories: Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Iconic Attractions and Activities, World-Class Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leadership. This evaluation commences on 30th of October. These categories, along with 38 sub-categories, reflect key dimensions of both the visitor and resident experience.
The jury includes the following members: Eng. Issa Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Qatari Executive and Engineer; Dr. Eng. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO of Al Wa’ab City; Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank; Prof. Dr. Rana Sobh, Professor of Marketing at Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics; Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi, Executive Director of Brand and Business Development at Al Jazeera Media Network; Samer Alkharashi, Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East; Marcel Leijzer, Deputy Director, International Development and Cooperation, UN Tourism; Khanh Linh Vu, Principal Advisor to the Secretary-General of UN Tourism; Gregor Rankin, Founder and Publisher of Food and Travel magazine and Aurélie Bouti, travel content creator.
Meet the Judges: In Their Own Words
“The Qatar Tourism Awards provide an important platform to inspire industry partners to continuously innovate and raise the quality of services and experiences offered across the destination. Initiatives such as these go beyond recognition; they foster a culture of continuous improvement, encourage positive competition and promote the adoption of best practices – ultimately enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening Qatar’s position as a distinguished tourism destination.”
Eng. Issa Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Qatari Executive and Engineer.
“Four years of judging the Qatar Tourism Awards have given me the privilege of witnessing something greater than individual success – the evolution of an entire sector. Excellence is not a destination; it is a standard that must rise with every achievement. As Qatar’s tourism ambitions continue to grow, our role is not only to recognise the best of today, but to inspire the benchmark for tomorrow.”
Dr. Eng. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO of Al Wa’ab City
“The Qatar Tourism Award forms a pivotal point for the Qatari private sector, highlighting the key products and services offered by local projects to provide an authentic tourism experience in Qatar.”
Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank
“The future of tourism is not simply defined by how many people we attract, but by what they experience, what they remember and what they take away with them. The Qatar Tourism Awards recognise the people and organisations who understand that excellence is not a destination – it is a continuous commitment to innovate, create meaningful experiences and make a lasting impact.”
Prof. Dr. Rana Sobh, Professor of Marketing at Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics
“With every edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards, I sense something the numbers alone don’t capture: a story of pursuit, a reach for excellence and innovation. These Awards aren’t just recognition for what’s been achieved; they’re a mirror of how Qatar tells its own story to the world, year after year, while shaping an environment that drives success, growth and higher standards of service and performance. And with this fourth edition, I see a different level altogether – the Awards no longer simply look for who deserves recognition, they’ve started shaping who will.”
Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi, Executive Director of Brand and Business Development at Al Jazeera Media Network
“It is a privilege to serve on the judging panel for the fourth edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. Qatar welcomed a record 5.1 million international visitors in 2025. Behind that milestone are the hotels, guides, operators and frontline professionals who shape every visitor’s experience. With Doha named GCC Tourism Capital for 2026 and the awards now spanning 38 categories, this edition celebrates excellence at a scale that reflects the sector’s growing ambition.”
Samer Alkharashi, Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East
“With the fourth edition once again being organised in collaboration with UN Tourism, the Qatar Tourism Awards have become a flagship initiative for recognising excellence and promoting continuous improvement across the tourism sector. By celebrating outstanding achievements, the Awards inspire tourism stakeholders throughout Qatar to raise standards, embrace innovation and deliver exceptional visitor experiences, contributing to Qatar’s continued success as a world-class tourism destination.”
Marcel Leijzer, Deputy Director, International Development and Cooperation, UN Tourism
“Awards that carry trust set the new baseline for the whole industry. Innovation and excellence raise it, and as the level rises, destinations, businesses and communities rise with it.”
Khanh Linh Vu, Principal Advisor to the Secretary-General of UN Tourism
“The Qatar Tourism Awards help elevate the country’s hotel and restaurant offering and, critically, raise the bar for the industry, locals and visitors. An elevated hospitality offering also encourages and develops new, local talent.”
Gregor Rankin, Founder and Publisher of Food and Travel magazine
“It’s an honour to return as a judge for the Qatar Tourism Awards for a second year. I’ve had the chance to visit Qatar many times over the years and I’m continually inspired by the creativity, passion and work behind its tourism industry. I’m excited to once again celebrate the achievements and people that make Qatar such a special destination.”
Aurélie Bouti, travel content creator.
The winners of the fourth edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards will be revealed during a formal ceremony taking place 23rd November 2026. Winners will receive extensive promotion locally, regionally and internationally to enhance their visibility.
The Qatar Tourism Awards is open to all businesses and individuals in the tourism sector. The Awards is a benchmark for excellence, highlighting the nation’s top tourism offerings, services, innovations and outstanding achievers. It is a chance to help set the standard for the tourism industry and recognise those who elevate Qatar’s tourism reputation on the global stage. Winning the prestigious Qatar Tourism Awards is a demonstration of excellence that strengthens brand equity, shapes businesses and careers, and brings national and international recognition.
For more information, please visit qatartourismawards.com, call the dedicated hotline (106) or email [email protected].
