By Erika Widén
Doha: As a fully Qatari-owned company, Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI) — the largest events company in the country — is continuously facilitating the growth of business tourism and the MICE sector.
It is a joint venture partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
MICE — Meetings, Incentive travel, Conferences and Exhibitions — is a recognised term in the business tourism industry.
“QMDI aims to advise the Qatari government and industry stakeholders on the best practices,” Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Acting Director, Sales of Marketing, QMDI, told this daily recently. “We are continuously striving to help Qatar attract large-scale events to the venues built for the purpose, such as Qatar National Convention Centre.”
QMDI’s involvement starts with researching and preparing bid documents, formulating budgets, and creating marketing plans. Over 50 personnel — Qataris and Arabic-speaking staff, supported by international experts — are a significant part of the work force.
“QMDI was established in 2007. We have been fulfilling our vision as a leading brand of excellence and a pioneer in the market since. Our goal is to build a sustainable and profitable business and provide a comprehensive suite of services to the business tourism sector in Qatar and the region through state-of-the-art delivery,” he says.
“We aim to boost the economy and develop society in everything we do. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, QMDI adopts the highest possible standards to further enrich its services.
“We invest in our people; our primary assets, to create a model of sustainability, and differentiated services, in all aspects of our business. We translate our objectives into positive results. We support initiatives that facilitate Qatar’s transition from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a knowledge-based economy in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.”
“Our market position enables us to build strong relationships on local, regional and international scales between organisers, venues, international industry associations, and service providers to deliver the best quality events. This is what our clients recognise, Qatari institution, organisations, private and commercial companies,” adds Al Kuwari.
“We believe that our biggest market differentiator is that we approach our clients as partners and advisers to help them achieve their objectives. QMDI is a point of reference for the industry internationally, helping continuously bring some of the most prominent global events to Qatar.”
Teamwork is an essential part of QMDI’s nurturing environment, the work produced is due to employees meeting and exceeding expectations.
“We value skills and efforts of each individual, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit by recognising and rewarding achievements. We have more than 50 people that have been the unseen force behind the scenes of more than 150 events over the past five years, including major QF and many non-QF events.
“Under the leadership of Hamad K Al Naser, we believe that directing by inspiration builds confidence and trust, investment in our QMDI family is key to maintaining our dynamic team.”
QMDI adheres to a higher standard through their code of ethics and transparency for effective strategic event solutions.
“We maintain a dynamic local, regional and international workforce that have experience covering all areas of the project from bidding, creative services, projects and events management, PR and marketing, guest relations and protocol, etc. We work with all partners, including Venues, Qatar Tourism Authority and local suppliers that support the MICE sector in delivering the largest international and local events which included COP 18, World Petroleum Congress, Universal Postal Union Congress, Senior Convocation, SDC Gala Dinner.
According to Al Kuwari, their success comes down to having the right people in the right roles with effective processes and controls in place to deliver on brand, on schedule and on budget.
“At the end of the day, what we care about is adding value — helping our clients enhance their business and adding value to the lives of the people they want to reach.”
As for Qatarisation, QMDI has set a corporate mandate to grow and support the future of Qatar through its people. “We have set up a graduate programme to educate and participate in knowledge transfer by offering skills development and training for events professionals and organisers. We are looking at even brighter future for QMDI, filled with talented Qatari professionals,” Al Kuwari adds. The Peninsula
