Qatar’s hospitality sector is expected to add 12,250 more keys by the end of the year with the opening
of many new hotels.

Qatar’s hospitality sector is expected to deliver more than 12,250 keys with the opening of many new hotels this year, according to the latest report released by ValuStrat, the Middle East’s leading international consulting and advisory group.

The report noted that 12,250 keys are in the pipeline for the remainder of 2022. According to Qatar Tourism, hospitality stock was estimated at 29,386 units (21,689 hotel keys and 7,697 hotel apartments) at the end of 2021.

The hospitality sector has already registered healthy growth in the first quarter of 2022 as the country gears up to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM at the end of the year, from 21 November – 18 December 2022.

According to ValuStrat, the total supply of serviced and hotel apartments is predicted to exceed 10,000 keys with the opening of Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town in Old Salata (221 keys) and Central Inn Al Sadd (279 keys), adding 500 keys to the total supply. In addition, Rabban Suites West Bay and Swiss Belhotel Doha were rebranded as Voco Doha West Bay Suites and AMT Mena.

According to ValuStrat, in February 2022, hotel and hotel apartment stock exceeded 30,000 keys and the pipeline for 2022 was adjusted upwards to 13,300.

In terms of year-to-date (YTD) March 2022 hotel performance, total international arrivals included 315,831 visitors, expanding by a significant 691% as compared to the same period in 2021. Asia and GCC provided 60% of total international visitors.

Average occupancy of hotel and hotel apartments (excluding keys being used for quarantine) was 58% as of YTD March 2022, down 5% year-on-year. Average Daily Rate (ADR) for hotels and hotel apartments stood at QAR459, up 14% over the year. 

In addition, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) has announced 130,000 rooms are available to accommodate the projected 1.5 mn fans for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. SC is responsible for the delivery of the required infrastructure and host country planning and operations for Qatar to host the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM – the first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Arab world.

Residential occupancy

According to ValuStrat, residential occupancy has been estimated to have reached 80%, propelled by short long-term leases by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM and pick-up in demand from companies looking for staff accommodation.

Residential stock in Qatar was estimated at 308,000 units with the addition of 700 during the first quarter of 2022. Two residential projects in The Pearl Island including a tower, and seven apartment buildings in Lusail, were completed adding 600 apartments.

Ezdan Real Estate announced the launch of 4,000 units across eight compounds in Al Wakra municipality this year. Barwa Real Estate announced the lease of the Madinatna project, comprising 6,780 apartments in Al Wukair to the Supreme Committee for six months during 2022, and Qetaifan Island North launched the sale of phase 3, consisting of 40 residential villa plots. Dar Al Arkan, a Saudi developer, has launched Les Vagues residences (70 apartments) in Qetaifan Island North to start development in the second quarter of 2022. 

As of first quarter of 2022, ValuStrat Price Index (VPI) – Residential stood at 64.9 points and saw a marginal increase of 0.2% quarterly.

Best tourism experience

To ensure that visitors constantly get the best experience in the state, Qatar Tourism uses Sentiment Analysis Technology in the hospitality industry to access a large number of guest reviews, from more than 130 global platforms.

Qatar Tourism boosts investment opportunities in the country’s growing hospitality sector, providing offerings that suit all the needs of visitors during and after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

In addition to hotels and hotel apartments, there will be various accommodations in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. This includes cruise liners, fan villages and more, providing around 1,600 rooms in total.

In addition, fans can stay in private homes as part of the Host a Fan intiative. The Holiday Homes initiative is similar to SC’s Host a Fan initiative, which was launched in 2021, ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™, enabling households across Qatar to volunteer to host visiting sports fans during upcoming sporting events. An expression of the Arab world’s famed hospitality, the first-of-a-kind programme links supporters travelling to Qatar for major tournaments with locals and residents. The Host a Fan initiative is part of the SC’s strategy to provide fans visiting Qatar with a variety of culturally rich accommodation options. In addition, the initiative is completely free of charge. Visiting fans will not be required to pay for their accommodation, nor will hosts be paid for hosting a fan. Hosts, however, will be able to choose where fans will stay, and how long their visit will be. Most importantly, hosts will act as cultural guides, showing their guests Qatar’s most significant cultural destinations, and introducing them to local customs and traditions.

Residents will also be able to host up to 10 family members and friends during the championship.


Author: Ola Diab

Copyright © Marhaba Information Guide. Reproduction of material from Marhaba Information Guide’s book or website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Using Marhaba Information Guide’s material without authorisation constitutes as plagiarism as well as copyright infringement.