Qatar had a fantastic year for tourism in 2024! They welcomed over 5 million visitors, which is a big increase compared to 2023.
By the end of October 2024, Qatar had already reached the same number of visitors as the entire year of 2023. This shows how quickly tourism is growing in the middle eastern country. People from different countries visited Qatar, with Saudi Arabia being the most popular.
Several factors played out the boost in country’s tourism: for instance, the Hayya platform made it much simpler for people to get visas, which encouraged more visitors. Qatar hosted major events like the Formula 1 race and the Asian Cup, which brought in lots of people. Similarly, campaigns like “Feel More in Qatar” helped to promote the country as a great place to visit.
To handle all these visitors, they built more hotels, with over 40,000 rooms available by September 2024. Hotels were also very busy, with an average of 66pc of rooms occupied.
In 2025, Qatar plans to host even more events, which should attract even more tourists.
Overall, the success in 2024 shows that their efforts to improve tourism are working well. They are making it easier for people to visit, offering exciting things to do, and improving their hotels. This will likely lead to even more growth in the future.
Back in August 2024, Qatar introduced visa-free entry, eliminating the need for a visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for visiting Qatar from Pakistan.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar, you must meet the following criteria:
Hold a valid Pakistani passport with at least six months’ validity
Have a confirmed return ticket or onward travel arrangements
Possess a valid hotel booking or proof of accommodation in Qatar
Have sufficient funds to support your stay in Qatar
No criminal records
Passengers arriving directly from Pakistan should have a certificate of vaccination against polio.
It is pertinent to mention here that Qatar’s tourism sector witnessed a surge in visitor numbers during the first half of 2024 with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar being a major driver of growth, according to Qatar Tourism data. The report revealed a 28 percent annual surge in visitor numbers to 2.6 million international visitors in H1 2024.
A total of 2,639,000 international visitors arrived in Qatar, 51 percent of whom came by air, 40 percent by land, and 9 percent by sea.
Pakistani passport holders can also visit other countries without any visa requirement, including;
Qatar has seen a significant increase in tourism in recent years, with a record number of visitors flocking to the country for its unique blend of modernity and tradition.
The country’s tourism sector has been booming, with a 13% increase in the number of visitors in 2019 compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy and promote itself as a world-class tourist destination.
Qatar has invested heavily in infrastructure and attractions to attract visitors, including the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, the futuristic Katara Cultural Village, and the sprawling Aspire Park. The country has also hosted major events such as the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which has further boosted its international profile.
With its luxurious hotels, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Qatar is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Whether you’re interested in exploring the bustling markets of Doha, taking a desert safari, or simply relaxing by the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar has something to offer every type of traveler.
So if you’re looking for your next vacation spot, consider Qatar for an unforgettable experience that combines luxury, culture, and adventure. With its booming tourism sector, now is the perfect time to visit this hidden gem in the Middle East.
Startups of the Year: Zid and Salla revolutionize Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce landscape
RIYADH: E-commerce in Saudi Arabia witnessed a landmark year in 2024, with startups Zid and Salla leading the charge to reshape the Kingdom’s — and region’s — digital economy.
These two firms have empowered merchants, enhanced digital infrastructure, and set the stage for exponential growth in Saudi Arabia’s online retail sector.
Zid: Where commerce meets innovation
For Zid, a Riyadh-based e-commerce enabler, the introduction of its “Total Commerce” vision at Ripple 2024 marked a defining moment in its scale-up journey.
In an interview with Arab News, Sultan Al-Asmi, CEO and co-founder of Zid, described the launch as a milestone that “wasn’t just a product launch; it was the unveiling of a unified ecosystem designed to redefine how merchants in Saudi Arabia — and eventually the region — conduct business.”
The platform allows merchants to manage e-commerce stores, social media sales, and physical outlets from a single dashboard.
He further emphasized Zid’s partnerships with platforms like Amazon, Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta, as well as its integration of artificial intelligence-powered tools, which are designed to “future-proof commerce in the Kingdom and across the region.”
Al-Asmi said: “Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce landscape is expanding rapidly, but logistical inefficiencies remain a significant barrier, especially for small and medium-sized businesses looking to scale globally.”
To address these challenges, Zid introduced a unified logistics dashboard to simplify inventory management and shipment tracking.
The company also launched flexible financing options to help merchants manage shipping costs and expand their reach.
“By integrating platforms like TikTok Shop and Amazon Marketplace and introducing AI-powered marketing tools, we’ve provided our merchants with innovative solutions to adapt to these changes and positioned them to capitalize on opportunities to drive sustainable growth,” Al-Asmi added.
Sultan Al-Asmi, CEO and co-founder of Zid. Supplied
The co-founder said that 2024 has been a year of exponential growth for Zid as the company transitions from “start-up to scale-up.”
Zid’s efforts have resulted in exponential growth. In 2024, its merchant base increased by over 30 percent, surpassing 12,000 active users, while the stock-keeping units on its platform exceeded 4 million.
The company also processed billions of transactions, providing valuable insights into Saudi commerce.
Al-Asmi highlighted the tangible impact of Zid’s solutions, stating, “Merchants on our platform have consistently increased both average basket sizes and conversion rates by 50 percent, reflecting the effectiveness of our solutions in driving larger transactions compared to our competitors,” he said.
“Additionally, our merchants experienced a 25 percent year on year growth in GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) and significant growth in the average number of orders per merchant, reinforcing Zid’s role as a reliable growth partner,” Al-Asmi added, going on to say that merchants who participated in Zid’s “10x” program saw their revenues grow tenfold.
In addition to its technical innovations, Zid credits its internal culture for its success. “At Zid, our culture is rooted in collaboration, resilience, and a relentless focus on merchant success,” said Al-Asmi.
He noted that the company’s leadership team draws on years of experience in Software-as-a-Service, retail, e-commerce, and technology, which has enabled the team to tackle complex challenges.
As Zid looks ahead to 2025, the company is focused on deepening its impact in Saudi Arabia while expanding its regional presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Al-Asmi shared the company’s priorities for the coming year, stating, “Our priorities include further enhancing the Total Commerce ecosystem by introducing advanced AI capabilities, expanding Zid Financing to make capital more accessible to merchants, and driving adoption of cross-border commerce solutions.”
He emphasized that cross-border commerce represents a significant growth opportunity for Saudi merchants.
“GCC consumers have a deep appreciation for Saudi products due to their exceptional quality, cultural relevance, and value,” Al Asmi said, highlighting Zid’s efforts to strengthen logistics infrastructure and integrate platforms like Trendyol and Noon to its marketplace suite, which already includes Amazon Marketplace.
Al-Asmi underscored that sustaining momentum requires both innovation and collaboration.
“We plan to strengthen our existing collaboration with global platforms like Snapchat, Google, Meta, and TikTok while continuing to invest in local talent and infrastructure,” he explained.
“Our goal is to create an environment where every merchant can compete and win, regardless of size,” Al-Asmi stated. “With the groundwork laid this year, we are confident that Zid is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of commerce innovation in the region.”
The company has raised $59 million in funding to date, with its latest series B round garnering $50 million in 2021.
Salla: Empowering Saudi e-commerce growth
Salla, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading e-commerce enablement platforms, has cemented its position as a major player in the Kingdom’s rapidly growing digital economy through a series of high-profile partnerships and strategic milestones in 2024.
From securing substantial pre-initial public offering funding to integrating advanced tools for merchants and expanding digital payment solutions, Salla continues to shape the future of online business in the region.
In one of the year’s most notable announcements, Salla closed a $130 million pre-IPO investment round led by Investcorp, with participation from Sanabil Investment, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund, and STV, an existing shareholder.
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and investment from Investcorp and Sanabil in Salla, which reflects their confidence in our vision and our platform’s potential,” said Nawaf Hariri, CEO and co-founder of Salla.
The funds are expected to fuel the company’s growth as it supports over 80,000 active merchants across the region. Hariri emphasized Salla’s commitment to “empowering individuals, SMEs, and enterprises to start and expand their businesses both within and beyond Saudi Arabia.”
Salla’s platform has already enabled over $7 billion in e-commerce sales since 2020 and is tapping into Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion e-commerce market, which is projected to grow by more than 25 percent annually.
Nawaf Hariri, CEO and co-founder of Salla. Supplied
With a proprietary SaaS solution, Salla allows merchants to launch fully digitalized and automated online stores within hours, integrating payment solutions, logistics, and a suite of over 400 applications to support businesses throughout their lifecycle.
The company also strengthened its technology offering through a partnership with Adjust, a global analytics and measurement firm. This integration allows Salla merchants to access advanced app analytics tools, enabling them to optimize campaign performance and scale their businesses.
Amin Fadul, VP of Product at Salla, highlighted the benefits of this collaboration: “By leveraging Adjust’s powerful analytics and attribution tools, our users will have access to deeper insights into customer behavior, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that enhance their marketing strategies and drive growth.”
Adjust’s features, such as customer journey tracking, deep linking, and smart recommendations, complement Salla’s native mobile app maker to help merchants expand their mobile commerce capabilities.
Further enhancing its ecosystem, Salla partnered with STC Bank, Saudi Arabia’s first licensed digital bank, to integrate it as a payment option across more than 80,000 online stores powered by Salla.
This partnership offers merchants and their customers secure and convenient digital payment options directly through STC Bank accounts. By streamlining payment processes, the collaboration aims to boost digital payments and support the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation goals.
“This integration is expected to contribute to a more seamless shopping experience for online customers while reinforcing Salla’s role as a leader in the Saudi e-commerce market,” STC Bank said in its announcement.
Qatar Surpasses 2024 Visitor Target, Welcoming 5 Million Travelers
In a remarkable achievement, Qatar has surpassed its 2024 visitor target by welcoming a record-breaking 5 million travelers to the country. This milestone is a testament to Qatar’s growing popularity as a tourist destination and its commitment to providing world-class hospitality and experiences to visitors from around the globe.
The rapid growth in tourism numbers can be attributed to Qatar’s diverse attractions, including stunning beaches, cultural landmarks, luxury shopping centers, and thrilling desert adventures. Additionally, the country’s world-class infrastructure, modern amenities, and warm hospitality have made it a top choice for travelers seeking a unique and memorable vacation experience.
Qatar’s tourism industry continues to expand and evolve, with new hotels, restaurants, and attractions constantly being developed to cater to the increasing number of visitors. The country’s commitment to sustainability and preserving its natural beauty also sets it apart as a responsible and environmentally conscious destination.
As Qatar celebrates this significant milestone, it looks forward to welcoming even more travelers in the years to come. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural exploration, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Qatar has something for everyone. Come and experience the magic of this vibrant and welcoming country for yourself!
À un peu plus de deux ans de leur victoire à la Coupe du Monde au Qatar 2022, les champions Rodrigo De Paul et Thiago Almada ont été aperçus ce Noël à Bristol, dans le quartier de Parque Patricios, où ils ont participé à un match amical avec l’équipe de futsal du club.
Les deux footballeurs, issus des clubs de Racing et de Vélez, ont partagé un moment convivial sur le terrain du club porteño. L’ailier Ángel Correa, membre du groupe qui a remporté le Mondial sous la direction de Lionel Scaloni, était également présent, bien qu’il n’ait pas pris part à la rencontre.
DEUX QUI JOUENT TRANQUILLES POUR COMPLÉTER L’ÉQUIPE ????
Rodrigo De Paul et Thiago Almada ont osé un petit match au Club Bristol contre l’équipe de futsal. Ángel Correa a également visité le club de Parque Patricios. pic.twitter.com/cVmvfD3i41
En outre, le joueur de Lanús, également issu des jeunes de la “Academia”, Juan José Cáceres, était présent lors de cette rencontre de Noël. Le latéral droit de l’équipe paraguayenne a joué aux côtés de “Motorcito” et de l’ailier originaire de Fuerte Apache.
À la fin du match, les footballeurs ont pris la pose pour les caméras des proches et amis. Les plus photographiés étaient De Paul et Almada, bien que Correa et Cáceres aient également participé à ce moment convivial.
Almada, Correa et De Paul, à Bristol | Photo : IG @clubbristol.oficial
Le dernier match de l’Atlético de Madrid pour 2024 s’est tenu ce samedi, avec une victoire 2-1 contre le FC Barcelone à l’extérieur. L’équipe reprendra le chemin des terrains le 12 janvier prochain pour accueillir Osasuna à Madrid. Ainsi, les joueurs profitent de quelques jours de vacances pour célébrer les fêtes de fin d’année en famille, c’est pourquoi De Paul et Correa sont retournés en Argentine.
La semaine dernière, l’ancien joueur de Racing a visité le club d’Avellaneda avec ses enfants et a posé au Cilindro aux côtés du nouveau président Diego Milito, ainsi qu’avec le nouvel entraîneur, Sebastián Saja.
Points à retenir
Rodrigo De Paul et Thiago Almada ont participé à un match amical de futsal à Bristol avec des coéquipiers et amis.
Le joueur Juan José Cáceres, également passé par Racing, était présent lors de cet événement festif.
Les joueurs de l’Atlético de Madrid bénéficient actuellement de courtes vacances après un match victorieux contre le FC Barcelone.
Pour conclure, ce type d’événement montre l’importance des moments de convivialité dans la vie des footballeurs, au-delà de leur performance sur le terrain. Cela soulève la question suivante : comment ces interactions en dehors des compétitions influencent-elles l’esprit d’équipe et la dynamique des joueurs ?
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Deux champions du Qatar 2022 s’affrontent dans un match amical à Parque Patricios
Ce week-end, les champions du Qatar 2022, Al-Duhail et Al-Sadd, se sont affrontés dans un match amical à Parque Patricios. Les deux équipes se sont rencontrées pour un match de pré-saison afin de se préparer pour la prochaine saison de football.
Al-Duhail, qui a remporté le championnat la saison dernière, a affronté Al-Sadd, l’équipe championne de la Coupe de l’Emir cette année. Les deux équipes ont offert un spectacle captivant aux fans présents dans le stade, avec des buts spectaculaires et des actions de classe mondiale.
Le match s’est terminé sur un score de 2-2, avec les deux équipes montrant leur talent et leur détermination sur le terrain. Les supporters des deux équipes ont applaudi les joueurs pour leur performance et ont exprimé leur excitation pour la saison à venir.
Ce match amical a été un avant-goût passionnant de ce qui nous attend pour la prochaine saison de football au Qatar. Les fans peuvent s’attendre à voir ces deux équipes s’affronter à nouveau dans des matchs compétitifs qui promettent d’être remplis d’action et de suspense.
Tags:
Qatar 2022, champions du Qatar, match amical, Parque Patricios, football, Qatar vs Qatar, équipe nationale, joueurs de football, compétition amicale, match de préparation
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