Katara Hospitality this week announced a new partnership with world-leading hospitality group Accor, with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar.
The management agreement was signed by Katara Hospitality Chairman HE Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani and Accor Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin.
The signing was held at the Katara Hospitality headquarters in Doha, in the presence of Katara Hospitality management including Acting Chief Executive Officer Andrew Humphries, General Counsel Kamal Rhazali, Chief Asset Management Officer Irfan Sharief, and Acting Chief Technical Officer Juan Aguilar. Accor management officials were also there, CEO – India Middle East, Africa and Turkey Mark Willis and Accor’s Lifestyle Brands CEO Gaurav Bhushan.
The agreement consolidates the long-standing partnership between Accor and Katara Hospitality, who already own several landmark hotels managed by Accor. The new property is set to open in 2022.
Once completed, the Fairmont Hotel and Raffles Hotel & Residences will join the brand’s worldwide portfolio, known to be the world’s largest collection of historic and iconic hotels. As with any Fairmont property around the world, guests will find themselves immersed in a local authentic environment. Similarly, when visiting Raffles, guests will discover the individual personality and story offered by the hotel. The essence of every Raffles is to deliver thoughtful and personal service to well-travelled guests.
Hospitality Icon of the 21st Century
According to HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors who understood the significance of the project, committing to developing the hospitality icon of Doha for the 21st century.
He said that the world’s most loved cities are often identified through imagery and landmark buildings. He said they strongly believe that the property they are developing will provide Qatar with an architectural symbol that is known and understood across the globe.
Our aim is to create the hospitality icon of the 21st century that is within one of the world’s most exciting urban developments. Our vision is to set new standards that go beyond the borders of the hospitality industry and provide a landmark location that is instantly recognised internationally.
He also said that while they regard 2022 as a milestone in the country’s development, the new property in Lusail will also occupy a focal point for residents and travellers during the FIFA World Cup.
Accor Chairman and CEO Sebastien Bazin, also expressed how they are extremely excited to showcase the iconic property on the world stage in the years to come. He said that the arrival of the Raffles and Fairmont brands in Qatar marks an important milestone for Accor.
We thank Katara, one of our most valued partners, for once again entrusting us with such a unique project, which is set to become a landmark, not only in Qatar, but in the region.
Arched Towers and Luxury Hotels
Symbolically intertwined with Qatar’s heritage, the iconic towers in Lusail are an architectural translation of Qatar’s national seal, representing the traditional scimitar swords.
Rising gracefully from the podium level, the arched towers will host a luxurious five-star hotel with 361 rooms and suites to cater to discerning business travellers, a lavish six-star hotel with 132 suites to meet the needs of those seeking sophisticated luxury accommodation and 49 branded apartments to become home to permanent residents.
State-of-the-art entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, VIP movie theatres, signature restaurants and a private Cigar Lounge are to be complemented by exquisite banqueting and conference spaces, as well as office dedicated areas.
Katara Acting CEO Andrew Humphries said that Qatar is an ideal place to spend a few days in the Middle East: there is a rich variety of beaches, year-round sunshine, and the food is equal to the best the region has to offer.
This is a unique opportunity to consolidate Fairmont and Raffles image in the Middle East, added Accor CEO Mark Willis, with both hotels sitting on of the most iconic building of the region, an incredible showcase for both brands.
Accor currently operates six properties (1,378 keys) in Qatar across five brands: Movenpick, Mondrian and MGallery, with nine additional hotels (2,920 keys) in the pipeline.
Having been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for over 50 years, Katara Hospitality has built a portfolio of iconic hotels in Qatar and key international gateways. An experienced hotel owner, developer and operator, the group has been a hospitality pioneer in Qatar.
Today, Katara Hospitality’s portfolio is at 42 assets globally, encompassing over 8,000 rooms. It aims to reach 60 properties by 2030.
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