In anticipation of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Qatar has embarked on a massive hotel building program. Singapore-based luxury hotel & resort company GHM, has announced that it will be opening a 59 rooms & suites and 32 chalets & villas property at the Katara Cultural Village in the Qatar’s capital city – Doha.
GHM already has two properties in the region – a Chedi in Oman, and one in Sharjah with another opening there later this year.
The pedestrianised Katara Cultural Village is the biggest multi-cultural project in Qatar. Katara – the country’s previous name dating to the mid-18th century – features art galleries, exhibition centres, theatres – including a fantastic “Greek” amphitheatre, restaurants, concert halls and even 1.5 kilometres private beach.
“The Katara Cultural Village is a microcosm of everything that Qatar stands for and what it aspires to be”, said GHM CEO Tommy Lau. “Our resort shall be both a springboard to and a respite from of the most invigorating experiences to be had in the region. It is an oasis of calm and heritage in the middle of a dynamic and modern city.”
The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar enjoys a beachfront location within the 100-hectare (247 acres) Village. Its design is influenced by Indian Mughal architecture with Ottoman accents. The villas – set in the Katara Hills – will enjoy superb views over Doha and Arabian Gulf, will range from 1 to 5 bedrooms and each boast a private swimming pool and lush gardens.
Among other hotels opening in Qatar in the run-up to the World Cup is a dual-branded Raffles and Fairmont property (both owned by the hospitality giant Accor) and 16 floating hotels that will sit on the shores of Qetaifan Island. These sustainable four-storey purpose-built hotels – from Finland - will each house 101 guestrooms and are aimed at the football fans expected at this one-month event.
