In preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Qetaifan Projects, a Katara Hospitality-owned company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with alternative real estate firm Admares for the construction and operation of 16 floating hotels on the shores of Qetaifan Island North.

Designed by Finland-based Sigge Architects, the hotels will offer 1,616 keys to travellers occupying the fan villages, with each site comprising 101 guestrooms, a restaurant and a lounge bar. Measuring 72m in length and 16m wide, the units will be built according to strict energy standards and rely on solar energy to operate.

“This is the first time ever that pure floating real estate has been used as a temporary solution for accommodation needs at this scale,” says Mikael Hedberg, CEO of Admares. “These hotels do not require major ports and deep water as their draft is significantly less than large cruise ships. After the World Cup, they can be placed at any coastal location where the water is at least 13ft deep. We’re excited to be part of the solution for the amount of accommodation needed for the tournament.”

H.E. Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Managing Director of Qetaifan Projects and Vice Chairman of Katara Hospitality, expressed his happiness in attracting investments to the country: “We are pleased that there are investors who share our vision and see the development of Qetaifan Island North as a promising project that has a future as the first touristic destination in Qatar.”

Located within close proximity of Lusail City and Lusail International Stadium – the latter set to host the opening and final games of the World Cup – Qetaifan Island North will provide all the needs of tourists during the tournament, from luxury accommodation to entertainment activities and several beaches.

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