Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue, bringing together leaders in policy to discuss critical challenges facing our world. The 2026 edition will explore how trust in institutions and commitments is being redefined amid rapid geopolitical changes.
This event will feature high-level discussions on various interconnected global issues, including geopolitics, technological transformation, and international governance. Doha Forum takes place in Doha, Qatar.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Doha Forum 2026 will be held on 5-6 December at the Sheraton Grand Doha, Qatar.
- 2Scale and Focus: The Forum will convene global leaders, policymakers, and experts for high-level dialogue.
- 3Theme: The theme for 2026 is 'Redefining Global Trust' amidst geopolitical changes.
- 4Participation: Attendance is by invitation only, with an Expression of Interest required.
- 5Agenda: The detailed agenda will be released in October 2026, including Day Three events.
Why visit
Attending Doha Forum 2026 offers the opportunity to engage with global leaders and policymakers on pressing international issues. Participants will gain insights into how trust and cooperation can be fostered in today's complex geopolitical landscape. The Forum will also provide networking opportunities with experts and decision-makers from around the world.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Doha Forum 2026 allows organizations to showcase their initiatives and solutions to a global audience of leaders and decision-makers. It provides a platform for visibility and engagement in discussions that shape international policy and cooperation. Exhibitors can connect with potential partners and stakeholders in a high-profile setting.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Foreign, deputy foreign and cabinet ministers shaping bilateral and multilateral policy
National security advisers, defence officials and intelligence-community policy leads
Multilateral and UN agency officials working on peace, humanitarian and development files
Sovereign wealth funds, development banks and institutional investors allocating cross-border capital
Energy, infrastructure and logistics executives with Gulf and emerging-market exposure
AI, cybersecurity and digital-governance leads from technology firms and regulators
Think-tank researchers, university faculty and Track II mediation practitioners
Humanitarian NGO directors and programme leads operating in conflict-affected regions
Accredited international media, editors and policy correspondents
Corporate government-affairs and geopolitical-risk advisers
Cultural, education and exchange-programme representatives
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Government ministries, embassies and multilateral institutions hosting partner sessions or country desks
Policy research institutes and think tanks presenting reports and roundtables
Universities and executive-education providers promoting fellowships and policy talent
AI, cloud and cybersecurity firms demonstrating governance tools for public-sector clients
Energy, water and sustainable-infrastructure developers with Gulf project pipelines
Development finance institutions, foundations and NGOs showcasing programmes
Risk advisory, legal and geopolitical consultancies offering country and sanctions expertise
Media organisations, broadcasters and policy publishers running interviews and launches
Civic-tech and innovation labs working on digital identity, open data and public service delivery
Hospitality and event-service partners supporting delegation logistics
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Geopolitics and international security
Mediation, conflict resolution and peacebuilding
Global economy, trade and financial architecture
Energy transition, climate finance and water security
AI governance, cybersecurity and digital rights
Humanitarian action, refugees and development finance
Migration, labour mobility and demographic change
Food and supply-chain security
Culture, media and soft power
Multilateral reform and global governance
Sport, major events and diplomacy
Location & Facilities
Venue
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Doha, Qatar
Facilities
Parking
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in Doha typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in Doha typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Doha, Qatar
Why it matters
On 2026-12-05 to 2026-12-06, Doha Forum in Doha covering Policy dialogue platforms and forums, Technological solutions for governance, Publications on international relations, S gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · QAR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Doha
Primary international gateway serving Doha.
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
5-star
Al Dafna / West BayUSD 230–265 / night
Host venue hotel; 4.7 guest rating on Google Hotels (10.8K reviews), eco-certified, breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, beach access. Listed about 4.1 km from the venue search point.
Four Points by Sheraton Doha
4-star
DohaUSD 150–190 / night
4.4 guest rating, shown about 17% below its usual rate for the 5-6 Dec 2026 stay; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, restaurant.
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
5-star
DohaUSD 228–262 / night
4.6 guest rating (6.1K reviews), eco-certified; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, pools, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, spa.
InterContinental Doha Residences by IHG
5-star
DohaUSD 233–269 / night
4.7 guest rating; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, spa, beach access.
Premier Inn Doha Airport Hotel
3-star
Airport districtUSD 95–122 / night
4.7 guest rating, shown about 20% below its usual rate; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, bar, restaurant, room service, full-service laundry.
Royal Mirage Hotel
3-star
DohaUSD 93–121 / night
4.0 guest rating, shown about 21% below its usual rate; free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, restaurant, full-service laundry, kid-friendly.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costApprox. QAR 2-6 per single journey (standard class; confirm current fare and Smartcard rules)
Best forHamad International Airport T1 to West Bay / DECC on the Doha Metro Red Line
The Red Line links the airport with West Bay and DECC stations. Buy or top up a Karwa Smartcard at station machines; check the last-train time if you arrive late.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. QAR taxi/rideshare from DOH to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forDoha (DOH) to Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Use the official Karwa taxi rank outside arrivals. Journey time is typically 20-35 minutes depending on traffic; ask for the hotel entrance rather than the district.
ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. QAR 50-80 per trip before surge (estimate; confirm in the app)
Best forDOH arrivals to West Bay / Al Dafna
Careem and Uber operate in Doha. Follow signs to the designated ride-hail pickup zone at the airport; at hotels, use the main lobby bay.
bus
Estimated costApprox. QAR 2-5 per journey with a Karwa Smartcard (estimate; confirm route and fare)
Best forMowasalat bus routes serving West Bay and the Corniche
Buses are useful for short hops along the Corniche but slower for airport transfers. Check Mowasalat route maps and service hours.
hotel shuttle
Estimated costNo separate fare where the hotel offers an airport shuttle; confirm with the property
Best forSheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and West Bay partner hotels
Shuttle schedules vary by hotel and are not guaranteed for late arrivals. Share your flight number with the concierge in advance.
parking
Estimated costApprox. QAR 5-15 per hour at West Bay venues, often validated for guests (estimate; confirm venue tariff)
Best forWest Bay venue and hotel parking
Capacity is limited during high-level sessions and vehicle screening applies. Confirm whether your hotel includes parking and whether the forum venue issues permits.
Weather
December is Doha's mild winter: daytime highs typically 24-27 C, night-time lows around 16-19 C, and rainfall is low (roughly 10-15 mm for the month). Sea breezes take the edge off midday heat, but conference halls are heavily air-conditioned. Check the forecast in the final week; bring a light jacket for evenings and indoor sessions.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar provide prepaid SIM and eSIM plans; counters are available at Hamad International Airport arrivals. 5G coverage is strong across West Bay and Al Dafna. Venue Wi-Fi is usually available for delegates, but do not rely on it for live product demos - bring a local eSIM and a backup hotspot. Check your home operator's Gulf roaming rate before departure.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress and greetings
Doha Forum is a high-level policy gathering; business formal is the norm for sessions and evening receptions. For public spaces in Doha, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is respectful. Wait for a handshake cue, especially with Qatari officials and women; a courteous nod works.
Photography and session protocol
Some sessions are on the record and others are closed-door. Do not photograph officials, screens or documents without permission, and follow moderator rules on Chatham House terms.
Alcohol and dining
Alcohol is generally served in licensed hotel restaurants and bars, not in public spaces. During official functions, follow host guidance; halal food is widely available and vegetarian options should be requested in advance.
Weekend and prayer times
Qatar's weekend is Friday and Saturday. Retail and restaurant hours shift around prayer times; build flexibility into meetings on Friday. December is not Ramadan, so daytime dining is normal.
Tipping and hospitality
Tipping is not mandatory but 10 percent is common in hotels and restaurants. Accept Arabic coffee and dates when offered as a gesture of hospitality.
Security and ID
Carry your passport or Qatar ID and your forum badge at all times. Expect bag screening at hotel and venue entrances, and arrive early on the opening morning.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: DOH
Doha is served by Hamad International Airport (DOH), the hub of Qatar Airways, with direct links from major European, Asian, African and North American cities. For the 5-6 December 2026 forum, book flights 8-12 weeks ahead: early December is peak winter-sun and school-holiday season in the Gulf. Sample QAR fares in the listing are indicative, not quotes for the forum dates; compare total journey time and baggage when booking. If you need a visa, wait for registration or an invitation letter before purchasing restricted fares.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Doha (DOH): Primary international gateway serving Doha.. Allow road or rail time to Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel: Al Dafna / West Bay: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel; Doha: Four Points by Sheraton Doha; Doha: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa.
Ride-hail: Careem and Uber operate in Doha alongside the national Karwa taxi fleet. Pickup points at DOH are signposted; at West Bay hotels, ask the concierge for the designated ride-hail bay. Fares are metered or app-quoted in QAR; expect surge pricing around the opening and closing sessions. Keep the app updated and confirm the plate number before getting in.
Public transit: The Doha Metro Red Line is the most useful rail link for delegates, connecting Hamad International Airport T1, DECC, West Bay and Corniche stations. Trains run on a published timetable; buy a Karwa Smartcard or use contactless payment where available. Mowasalat buses serve West Bay but are less direct for visitors; use the Karwa app or station staff for routes. Metro fares are low (approx. QAR 2-6 per journey).
Parking: Parking at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and West Bay venues is typically available for hotel guests and delegates, but capacity is limited during high-level sessions. Confirm whether your hotel includes parking and whether the forum venue requires a permit. Expect security checks at vehicle entrances; allow 15-20 minutes before your session.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: Typically 17-27 C across the day: afternoon highs of 24-27 C and night-time lows of 16-19 C. Confirm the forecast in the week before travel.
Seasonality: December is one of Doha's cooler, drier months, with occasional short showers. It falls outside the summer heat and is the most comfortable period for walking between West Bay hotels and venues.
Packing: Light business suits and modest daywear; a jacket or wrap for air-conditioned halls and evening receptions; comfortable shoes for venue transfers; sunscreen and sunglasses for daytime; a compact umbrella for the odd December shower.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Doha Forum usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm registration or accreditation
T-2
Verify Qatar entry rules
T-3
Book flights to DOH
T-4
Book a West Bay / Al Dafna hotel
T-5
Review the official schedule
T-6
Request bilateral meetings
T-7
Arrange airport transfer
T-8
Set up connectivity
T-9
Arrange travel insurance
T-10
Prepare wardrobe
T-11
Assemble documents
T-12
Check in and confirm timings
T-13
Pack for the first day
T-14
Arrive 30-45 minutes early
T-15
Carry photo ID and badge
T-16
Follow up within 48 hours
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Doha Forum registration concourse
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsQAR 190.00
- Per diem × 2QAR 150.00
Estimated totalQAR 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Doha Forum fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Doha Forum, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Policy dialogue platforms and forums and Technological solutions for governance solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Doha Forum in Doha.
Min. budget
$2,548.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Policy dialogue platforms and forums and Technological solutions for governance products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$11,466.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Doha show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is Doha Forum?
Doha Forum is an international policy dialogue meeting held in Doha, Qatar. It convenes government officials, multilateral institutions, business leaders, academics, civil society and media for discussions on global governance, security, economic policy and emerging technology. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 5-6 December.
When is Doha Forum 2026?
The 2026 edition is scheduled for 5-6 December 2026 in Doha, Qatar. Dates are from the event seed; confirm final programme dates and venue on dohaforum.org before booking.
Where is Doha Forum held?
Doha Forum is held in Doha, Qatar. The venue for the 2026 edition is published on dohaforum.org; hotel captures point to Al Dafna / West Bay, where the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel is listed as the host venue hotel. Do not assume the venue from hotel proximity alone - check the official schedule.
Is Doha Forum open to the public?
Doha Forum is primarily a delegate and invitation-based policy convening rather than a public consumer show. Registration and accreditation routes are posted on the official site; do not travel without a confirmed badge or invitation.
How do I register for Doha Forum 2026?
Use the registration or accreditation page on dohaforum.org. Delegates, media and partner organisations usually have separate forms. Registration deadlines and approval criteria are set by the organiser and were not in the captures reviewed, so check the site directly.
Is there a public ticket price?
No public ticket price appears in the evidence reviewed. Doha Forum participation is generally handled through registration or invitation, and any delegate fee would be confirmed by the organiser. Do not pay third-party sellers.
Who attends Doha Forum?
Typical participants include foreign and deputy ministers, national security advisers, UN and multilateral officials, sovereign wealth funds, energy and infrastructure executives, AI and cyber policy leads, think-tank researchers, humanitarian NGOs and accredited international media.
What topics are on the Doha Forum agenda?
The agenda is built around global policy questions, typically including geopolitics and security, mediation and conflict resolution, the global economy, energy transition and climate, AI and digital governance, and humanitarian and development policy. The 2026 schedule on dohaforum.org is the authoritative list.
What language are sessions in?
The working language is typically English, with Arabic used in some plenaries and side events. Check the official schedule for language and interpretation notes before you plan your day.
What is the dress code?
Business formal for sessions and evening receptions. For public spaces in Doha, choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Bring a light jacket for air-conditioned halls.
How do I get from Hamad International Airport to the venue?
DOH is about 15-20 km from West Bay / Al Dafna, typically 20-35 minutes by road. Options include Karwa taxi, Careem or Uber, a hotel shuttle if offered, or the Doha Metro Red Line from the airport to West Bay / DECC. Allow extra time on opening morning for security and badge collection.
Where should I stay for Doha Forum?
Al Dafna / West Bay is the most convenient district. Captures list the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel as the host venue hotel, with Four Points by Sheraton Doha, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa and InterContinental Doha Residences as nearby alternatives. Book early because early December is peak season.
Do I need a visa for Qatar?
Visa rules depend on nationality. Many passports receive visa-free entry or an e-visa, while others require a sponsor or prior approval. Check the official Qatari government visa portal and your airline before booking. Carry a passport valid for at least six months and a printed hotel booking.
Can I get an invitation letter for my visa?
Invitation letters, where offered, are usually issued after registration approval. Request one through the official registration portal and allow several working days. Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa or entry route is confirmed.
Is there an exhibition at Doha Forum?
Doha Forum is dialogue-led rather than a traditional trade exhibition. Partners may host stands, spotlight stages or bilateral meeting spaces, but the core format is plenaries, panels and closed-door roundtables. Confirm partner opportunities with the organiser.
Will sessions be livestreamed?
The organiser may livestream plenaries on its channels, while roundtables and closed-door sessions are not usually streamed. Check dohaforum.org for public livestream links and session recordings.
What security should I expect?
Expect airport-style bag screening, badge checks and vehicle inspections at venue and hotel entrances. Carry photo ID daily and arrive 30-45 minutes before the opening session.
What is the weather like in Doha in December?
Mild and dry: daytime highs around 24-27 C, nights around 16-19 C, with low rainfall. It is comfortable for walking, but indoor venues are heavily air-conditioned.
Are there accessibility provisions?
Contact the organiser in advance for step-free access, hearing loops or reserved seating. Major Doha hotels generally have lifts and accessible rooms, but venue-specific arrangements must be confirmed.
Glossary
- Multilateralism
- Cooperation among three or more states or institutions, usually through formal organisations and shared rules.
- Minilateralism
- Ad hoc cooperation among a small group of like-minded states rather than a universal body.
- Track II diplomacy
- Unofficial dialogue between academics, former officials and civil-society actors that can prepare or complement formal negotiations.
- Mediation
- Third-party facilitation of talks between conflicting parties, often focused on ceasefires, humanitarian access or political transitions.
- Peacebuilding
- Longer-term support for institutions, reconciliation and development after conflict.
- Sanctions
- Restrictive economic, financial or diplomatic measures imposed by states or multilateral bodies.
- Rules-based international order
- The principle that states and institutions are bound by shared rules, including international law and multilateral agreements.
- Strategic autonomy
- A state's ability to set its own foreign and economic policy without over-reliance on a single ally or supplier.
- Global South
- A broad grouping of developing and emerging economies in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- Climate finance
- Funding from public, private and multilateral sources for mitigation and adaptation.
- Loss and damage
- Compensation and support for climate impacts that countries cannot adapt to.
- AI governance
- Rules, standards and institutions for the safe and accountable use of artificial intelligence.
- Digital sovereignty
- A state's claimed authority over data, platforms and digital infrastructure within its borders.
- International humanitarian law
- The laws of armed conflict, including proportionality, distinction and protection of civilians.
- Sovereign wealth fund
- A state-owned investment vehicle managing national reserves for future generations or stabilisation.
- Energy transition
- The shift from fossil fuels to lower-carbon energy systems, including renewables, gas and efficiency.
- Food security
- Reliable access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food, including through imports and strategic reserves.
- Chatham House Rule
- A meeting rule allowing information to be used but not attributed to a speaker or their organisation.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Doha Forum 2026
- Doha Qatar
- Policy dialogue platforms and forums
- Technological solutions for governance
- Publications on international relations
- Sustainable development initiatives
- Trade show B2B Trade Expo Doha
- digital transformation expo
- Doha technology expo 2026
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Doha Forum
- event_website
- event_faq
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