Qatar has succeeded in harnessing technological progress to offer a real solution regarding the high temperatures in the summer, mitigating their impact by making many of its outdoor spaces and venues air-conditioned, a new dimension added to the list of tourism options in Qatar and promoted its competitive capabilities.

In statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), specialists stressed the role that these markets and air-conditioned spaces have begun to play in attracting tourists, especially during the summer season, in line with families’ desire to expand their options and not limit them to traditional entertainment venues and closed spaces.

They pointed out that a number of foreign tourists have begun to choose Qatar as a destination during the summer in light of the wider tourism options, including the availability of spaces that combine luxury with Qatari traditions and customs, such as those in Katara – the Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, or those with their world’s class designs and architecture as well as air-conditioned public parks.

Director of the Ministry of Municipality’s Parks Department, Mohammed al-Sada, told the QNA that air-conditioned parks are part of the advanced infrastructure in Qatar and are designed to adapt to the hot climate in the country.

He said that they are aimed at improving the quality of life, providing a comfortable environment for citizens, residents and tourists even in the hottest summer days.

Al-Sada added that air-conditioned parks are a comfortable venue for families and individuals to entertain themselves, enjoy green spaces and practice various sports without being exposed to the extreme summer heat.

He pointed out that these parks have cooling systems designed and implemented according to the highest sustainability standards.

Al-Sada cited Umm Al Seneem Park, which features 1.143km of air-conditioned track, an achievement recognised by the *Guinness Book of World Records.

Al Gharafa Park also has an air-conditioned path, at 657m, while a new park called Rawdat Al Hamama Park will be opened soon.

The official said that the air-conditioned parks in Qatar are among the first spaces launched in the world, and have attracted visitors from within Qatar and abroad, contributing to strengthening the country’s position in the field of innovation and sustainability, and employing them to serve the diversification of the economic fabric, especially in the tourism sector.

Katara public relations and communication director Salem al-Marri meanwhile said that the Cultural Village’s air-conditioned street is the first in the world.

The concerned authorities have been working since 2009 for the country to attract visitors even during the summer, which is known for high temperatures.

Al-Marri said that air-conditioned open-air attractions have become a key element of Qatar’s tourism appeal, complemented by the country’s tourism sector’s other distinctive features.

He pointed to Katara as an example of an attractive destination with a unique architectural style, enriched by an array of events and activities, all of which contribute to an outstanding Qatari identity and appeal that increasing attracts visitors, particularly tourists seeking a blend of entertainment and culture in a refreshing summery environment.

Al-Marri noted that all this undoubtedly helps highlight Qatar’s image as a tourist destination capable of adapting to climatic change and offering a tourism product that respects Qatari traditions and heritage.

He said that this dual aspect sets the Qatari tourism sector apart, which should be further enhanced given the stereotypical image prevalent in several international tourism markets.

Al Emadi Enterprises chief executive Mohammed Abdul Karim al-Emadi told the QNA that open-air commercial spaces, along with Qatar’s entertainment and tourism projects, contribute to attracting tourists, especially during summer vacations.

He said that 80% of Gulf tourists visit Alhazm Mall to shop and enjoy its dining services and exhibitions held throughout the year.

The official said that Alhazm Mall is one of the ideal places in Qatar to enjoy shopping and spending time with family and friends during the summer.

Al-Emadi noted that it is among the largest projects in the Middle East, offering a well-rounded luxury experience of art and culture in a fully air-conditioned environment.

Doha features several air-conditioned parks, spaces, and streets, including Al Gharafa Park, Umm Salal Mohammed Park, Souq Waqif, Galeries Lafayette, Alhazm Mall, the Dancing Fountains area at Place Vendome Mall, Lusail Boulevard, and West Walk.

Tourism specialist Ahmed Hussein highlighted the role air-conditioned open-air venues play in boosting and diversifying tourism activities, attracting tourists to these spots and enabling them to enjoy their services, restaurants, events, and entertainment activities.

He estimates that there has been a 30-40% increase in the number of tourists visiting these open, air-conditioned spaces compared to other closed or air-conditioned spaces.

Hussein told the QNA that Qatar has managed to successfully attract a new segment of tourists to Doha specifically for shopping, by establishing infrastructure for open-air markets and air-conditioned streets.

He added that travel specialists now promote these destinations that are becoming increasingly popular among tourists and families who seek to shop and enjoy vacations in open, air-conditioned spaces, as opposed to the closed environments they are accustomed to.

Hussein noted that air-conditioned open spaces have become part of Qatars infrastructure, which also includes world-class hotels and commercial spaces.