Doha: Qatar Tourism (QT) has announced a 10-member panel of local and international experts to judge the fourth edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards, organised in collaboration with UN Tourism, as the country continues efforts to strengthen service excellence and enhance its position as a leading global tourism destination.
The judging process will begin on October 30, with winners to be announced at an awards ceremony on November 23, 2026.
The awards recognise businesses and individuals delivering outstanding tourism experiences across seven main categories and 38 subcategories, covering Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Iconic Attractions and Activities, World-Class Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leadership.
The jury comprises prominent professionals representing tourism, hospitality, business development, academia and media, alongside international experts from UN Tourism.
Members include Eng. Issa Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Qatari executive and engineer; CEO of Al Wa’ab City Dr. Eng. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi; Executive Director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer; and Professor of Marketing at Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics Prof. Dr. Rana Sobh.
Other members are Executive Director of Brand and Business Development at Al Jazeera Media Network Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi; Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East Samer Alkharashi; Deputy Director of International Development and Cooperation at UN Tourism Marcel Leijzer; and Principal Advisor to the UN Tourism Secretary-General Khanh Linh Vu.
Completing the panel are Founder and Publisher of Food and Travel magazine Gregor Rankin, and travel content creator Aurélie Bouti.
The awards are open to businesses and individuals across Qatar’s tourism sector, recognising achievements that contribute to the country’s international tourism competitiveness.
