Chief of Tourism Development Sector in Qatar Tourism Omar Al Jaber (left) and Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide Hermann Elger
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide, has announced the selection of a hospitality professional from Qatar to attend the prestigious Rising Star Academy at Le Logis, in France, this October. The initiative reflects Qatar Tourism’s ongoing efforts to strengthen service excellence across the tourism sector through global partnerships, while supporting the development of local talent.
The opportunity was first announced during the 2025 Qatar Tourism Awards, where Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide Hermann Elger revealed that Qatar would receive a dedicated place at the Academy. As part of its commitment to advancing hospitality standards and investing in people, Qatar Tourism will fully cover the selected participant’s travel expenses.
Following nominations submitted by 29 hotels participating in the Forbes Travel Guide programme, and a joint evaluation process conducted with the Forbes Travel Guide team, Hotel Manager at Sheraton Grand Doha, Ahmad Al Abdalla, was selected to represent Qatar. The Rising Star Academy is a highly regarded four-day programme that brings together emerging hospitality leaders from leading hotels around the world. Hosted at Le Logis in France.
Commenting on the initiative, Chief of Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, said: “Service excellence is a key priority for Qatar Tourism as we continue to enhance the visitor experience and support the sustainable growth of the sector. Through our partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, we are creating opportunities for hospitality professionals in Qatar to gain international exposure, exchange knowledge, and contribute to raising service standards across the industry.
Katara Hospitality affirmed its pride in supporting and developing Qatari talent within the hospitality sector. The selection of Ahmad Al Abdalla to join the Forbes Travel Guide Rising Star Academy reflects the high caliber of professional talent that Qatar boasts in this field.
Elger added: “Forbes Travel Guide is dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders in luxury hospitality,” said Elger. “We are proud to partner with Qatar Tourism on this important initiative.
