Katara Hospitality expands partnership with Accor through signing of First Fairmont & Raffles Lusail Hotel & Residences in Qatar.

Scheduled to open in 2022, the towers are set to be the “hospitality icon of the 21st
Century”
Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in
Qatar, today announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality
group with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar.
The management agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim
Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality and Mr. Sébastien Bazin,
Chairman & CEO of Accor.
The agreement signing was held at Katara Hospitality headquarters in Doha in the
presence of Katara Hospitality Management represented by Mr. Andrew Humphries,
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Mr. Irfan
Sharief, Chief Asset Management Officer, Mr. Juan Aguilar, Acting Chief TechnicalOfficer. As well as Accor Management represented by Mr. Mark Willis, CEO India,
Middle East, Africa & Turkey and Mr. Gaurav Bhushan, CEO of Accor’s Lifestyle
Brands.
The agreement consolidates the long-standing partnership between Accor and
Katara Hospitality, whom already own several landmark hotels managed by Accor,
with the property 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 the Raffles, guests will discover the individual
personality and story offered by the hotel. At the essence of every Raffles is to
deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests.
On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani,
Chairman, Katara Hospitality said: “Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors
that understood the significance of the project, committing to developing the
hospitality icon of Doha for the 21st Century in the State of Qatar. We are confident
the ethos of Accor brand is a strategic fit for this iconic project as it is important
that we have an operator who understands our vision and strategy, while ensuring
it occupies its rightful position in the local and global marketplaces when it opens
next year.”
“The world’s most loved cities are often identified through imagery and landmark
buildings. We strongly believe the property we are developing will provide Qatar
with an architectural symbol that is known and understood right 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 added.
“While we regard 2022 as a milestone in the country’s development, this new
property in Lusail will also occupy a focal point for residents and travellers during
the FIFA World Cup. We believe that this is our opportunity to showcase a country
that has grown into an international destination and Katara Hospitality will create
the landmark to underpin lifetime memories.”
Sheikh Nawaf concluded: “As Qatar National Vision 2030 creates the perfect
framework for us, we will continue to develop peerless hospitality at home andabroad that are not only jewels in our portfolio but are emblematic for Qatar as
well.”
Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor commented, “We are extremely excited
to announce this iconic property and to showcase it on the world stage in the years
to come. The arrival of the Raffles and Fairmont brands in Qatar marks an important
milestone for Accor, as we endeavour to bring their distinctive levels of quality and
luxurious service to residents and travellers alike. 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.”
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. Raising 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.
“We believe Qatar to be an ideal place to spend a few days in the Middle East: there
is a rich variety of beaches, it features year round sunshine, and the food is equal
to the best the region has to offer” said Mr. Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief
Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality. We are happy to collaborate again with Accor
to open the first Raffles and Fairmont properties in Qatar, which we believe will
position Qatar as a leading luxury, lifestyle and conference destination locally and
globally”.
“This is a unique opportunity to consolidate Fairmont and Raffles image in the Middle
East, with both hotels sitting in on of the most iconic building of the region, indeed
an incredible showcase for both brands”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle
East, Africa and Turkey.
Mark Willis adds: “We expect that these properties, with their iconic design and
unrivalled presence, will become an architectural emblem and reference in Luxury
in Doha”.Accor currently operates six properties (1,378 keys) in Qatar across five brands
including 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 of operating hotels and those under
development has reached 42 assets globally, encompassing over 8,000 rooms, while
it aims to reach 60 properties by 2030.