Accor announces two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar

Accor has announced a new partnership with Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar.

Set to open in 2022, 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.

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 banqueting and conference spaces, as well as office dedicated areas.

“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,” says His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, Katara Hospitality. “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.”

An experienced hotel owner, developer and operator for over 50 years, Katara Hospitality has built a portfolio of iconic hotels in Qatar and key international gateways. The portfolio of operating hotels and those under development has now reached 42 assets globally, encompassing over 8,000 rooms, while it aims to reach 60 properties by 2030.

Sheikh Nawaf adds: “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,”

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.

“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”, says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “We expect that these properties, with their iconic design and unrivalled presence, will become an architectural emblem and reference in Luxury in Doha”.