Visit Qatar Explores Industry Growth with Global Exhibition Leaders

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, held a meeting with a senior delegation from UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, on Tuesday, September 01, 2026. This significant engagement focused on fostering industry growth and collaboration between Qatar's national tourism body and the international exhibition sector. The discussions showed Visit Qatar's strategic imperative to enhance its position in the global events market through strong international partnerships. The meeting served as a platform to explore avenues for mutual development and to reinforce existing ties within the dynamic exhibitions landscape.

Key Attendees and Focus

The UFI delegation was led by Chris Skeith OBE, the association's CEO and Managing Director. Mr. Skeith's presence noted the strategic significance of the discussions for global exhibition industry development, affirming UFI's commitment to engaging with key regional players. The delegation also featured Said Salim Al Shanfari, who serves as the CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and is set to become UFI President for the 2027-2028 term. His participation showed the growing importance of regional collaboration and future leadership within the global industry framework. Additionally, Naji El Haddad, UFI's Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, attended the meeting, reflecting the specific focus on strategic growth and development within this key region. The diverse representation from UFI emphasized the full nature of the dialogue, covering both global trends and regional specificities.

Regional Development and Leadership

Discussions between Visit Qatar and the UFI delegation extensively explored the continued development of the exhibitions industry within Qatar and the broader region. The engagement noted strategies for strengthening Qatar's position as a premier hub for international events and fostering enhanced regional collaboration in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. This focus aligns directly with Visit Qatar's overarching objectives to attract a diverse range of global exhibitions and business events, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth and tourism development across the nation. The presence of Said Salim Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and UFI President-elect for 2027-2028, further emphasized the regional scope and ambition of these developmental discussions, signaling a concerted effort towards integrated growth. Naji El Haddad, UFI's Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, also participated actively, showing the strategic importance of regional growth initiatives and the potential for increased market penetration and development.

Strengthening Global Ties

A primary objective of the discussions between Visit Qatar and UFI was to strengthen their longstanding relationship. This engagement between Qatar's national tourism body and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry sought to reinforce existing collaborative efforts and identify new opportunities for partnership. The focus was firmly placed on leveraging established ties to further develop Qatar's presence in the global exhibitions market and to enhance mutual strategic goals. Both parties expressed a commitment to deepening their cooperation, recognizing the reciprocal benefits of a strong, collaborative relationship. This continued partnership is central to Visit Qatar's ongoing strategy for international industry engagement, aiming to position Qatar as a leading destination for world-class exhibitions and conferences. The meeting served as a testament to the enduring and evolving nature of this important alliance.

Future Outlook

Discussions between Visit Qatar and UFI also explored the increasing representation of the Middle East within UFI's global leadership structure. This engagement noted the region's growing influence and strategic importance in the international exhibition industry, reflecting a shift in global dynamics. The participation of Said Salim Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and UFI President-elect for the 2027-2028 term, profoundly showed this trend, showcasing the region's rising leadership role. Naji El Haddad, UFI's Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, also contributed to these discussions, further emphasizing the strategic importance of regional development and integration into global exhibition networks. This focus indicates a collaborative effort to further integrate Middle Eastern perspectives and expertise into the global framework of the exhibition industry, ensuring a more diverse and representative future for the sector.