Visit Qatar has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) to integrate digital assets and distributed ledger technology (DLT) into the country’s tourism sector. The agreement makes Visit Qatar a national partner in the QFC’s Digital Assets Lab, a move designed to position the nation as a global hub for tourism innovation.
The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, and Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, CEO of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
A Strategic Partnership for Digital Tourism
Through this collaboration, Visit Qatar will explore blockchain-powered visitor experiences, including token-based rewards, digital collectibles based on cultural heritage, and tokenised tourism packages. The QFC Digital Assets Lab, a national initiative that includes global technology leaders and fintech innovators, will support the development of these next-generation digital solutions.
This partnership aims to reinforce Qatar’s position at the forefront of tourism innovation, creating more immersive and secure digital journeys for travellers.
First Tokenised Rewards Pilot
As a key part of the initiative, the QFCA has licensed eXplorins as a Token Service Provider (TSP) under its Digital Assets Framework. The company will work directly with Visit Qatar to develop and launch the country’s first tokenised rewards pilot. This programme will allow visitors to access unique digital experiences and interactive cultural activities across Qatar.
Executive Perspectives on the Collaboration
Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi described the partnership as an “important milestone” in shaping the future of smart tourism. “By exploring the potential of digital assets and distributed ledger technologies, we are creating new ways to enhance the visitor experience,” he stated. “Together with the QFC… we aim to deliver secure, immersive, and innovative digital journeys that reflect Qatar’s forward-looking vision for tourism.”
Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida highlighted the agreement’s role in advancing Qatar’s reputation for digital innovation. “By welcoming Visit Qatar as a national partner… we are bringing the tourism sector into the heart of the country’s emerging digital-asset ecosystem,” he said. Al Jaida added that the collaboration supports Qatar’s broader goals for economic diversification.
Building on a Foundation of Innovation
This initiative follows Visit Qatar’s previous successes in digital technology. Its GenAI Trip Concierge, powered by Microsoft, won both the Microsoft AI Excellence Award and the Enterprise AI Tech Prize in 2024. The tool, available through the Visit Qatar app, delivers personalised itineraries and is supported by a unified profile system and multilingual capabilities.
The new MoU strengthens Visit Qatar’s role in national innovation efforts and aligns with the country’s long-term vision to diversify its economy and accelerate its digital transformation initiative. The agreement also outlines broader collaboration in global marketing, cultural programmes, and support for creative industries.
