As one of the GCC’s fastest evolving economies and with a clear eye on its National Vision 2030 objectives, Qatar is poised for a robust growth in its maritime and logistics sectors supported, in particular, with consistent surges in its port activity.

To help drive these sectors further, a new event, ‘Seatrade Maritime Qatar’, will be held on February 4 and 5, 2025 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, putting the spotlight on Qatar and its burgeoning global presence as a maritime hub on the international shipping map.

The event will be organised by Seatrade Maritime and in partnership with Founding Strategic Partner, Mwani Qatar.

Mwani Qatar stated: “While Qatar strives to bolster its global leadership in the oil and gas sector, it also aims to boost the growth of its non-hydrocarbon economy. The goal is to reach average per-annum real non-hydrocarbon growth of 4 percent through 2030, focusing on expanding manufacturing, tourism, logistics, education, health, food and agriculture, financial services, and information technology and digital services in addition to future clusters around critical technologies and national assets.”

During the first half of 2024, Mwani Qatar stated that 1323 ships called at Qatar’s three ports. Moreover, the ports received 931,465 tonnes of general and bulk cargo shipments, 55,944 units of RORO vehicles, 358,201 heads of livestock, and 171,158 tonnes of building materials.

Also during the first half, Mwani Qatar ports collectively handled 706,983 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers, marking a 12 percent growth compared to the same period last year.

With growth expected to continue, Seatrade Maritime Qatar will look at how international companies can do business in Qatar whilst Qatari companies will look to promote its visibility on the global arena by showcasing opportunities with local companies.

Chris Morley, Group Director, Seatrade Maritime, organisers of the event said: “With more than 50 years in the maritime industry, Seatrade Maritime is well placed to launch this event in Qatar. With other international events in Dubai, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the Philippines; USA; UK and Singapore, we know that Seatrade Maritime Qatar will help increase Qatar’s National Vision 2030 objectives and are proud to be part of this journey.”