Doha Named One of the World’s Best Cities for 2026
Tourism is booming, airports are expanding, and big cultural moments are on the way as Doha lands on Resonance Consultancy’s global city list.
Doha just earned a spot on the 2026 World’s Best Cities Report by Resonance Consultancy — and while it comes in at No. 100, the details behind the ranking show a city very much on the rise.
Tourism Is Picking Up Fast
The report highlights a strong tourism rebound, with over 5 million visitors arriving in 2024. Hotels are feeling the buzz too, posting nearly 70% occupancy, a solid sign that Doha is becoming a regular stop for global travelers, not just a one-time visit.
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Jobs and Workforce Numbers Stand Out
Doha also topped the charts in Labour Force Participation and Unemployment Rate, ranking No. 1 globally in both categories. That’s a big signal of economic stability and a healthy job market — especially appealing for young professionals and expats.
Hamad Airport Levels Up
Travel just got smoother. The report points to Hamad International Airport’s new D and E concourses, pushing capacity beyond 65 million passengers. Add new contact gates and luxury retail, and the airport is now part of the destination, not just a stopover.
Retail, Leisure, and New Places to Hang Out
Doha’s lifestyle scene is also expanding. The soft opening of Doha Mall in 2024 and the upcoming Avenue Mall in Najma got a mention, alongside Meryal Waterpark in Lusail, which earned praise as a family-friendly attraction.
Business and Investment Are Flowing In
On the business side, Qatar attracted around $2.74 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, creating over 9,000 jobs through new greenfield projects. Free Zones were noted for supporting e-commerce and light manufacturing, helping diversify the economy beyond energy.
Hotels, Culture, and What’s Next
Hospitality continues to grow with major openings like Andaz Doha, which added a 306-key tower in West Bay in early 2025, and Rosewood Doha, set to open in Lusail Marina later in 2025. Looking ahead, Art Basel Qatar is expected to debut in 2026 at M7 in Msheireb, adding serious cultural weight to the city’s calendar.
How the Rankings Work
Resonance Consultancy analyzed data from 400+ cities worldwide, combining hard data with resident and visitor feedback. Cities are scored using three pillars — Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity — to calculate each destination’s Place Power™ Score.
Doha’s ranking shows a city still growing, but clearly gaining momentum — and for a place investing heavily in tourism, culture, and business, this spot may just be the beginning.