Katara Hospitality, Qatari owner, developer and operator, announces a new partnership with Accor for the dual signings of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels in Qatar.

This management agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, President of Katara Hospitality, and by Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor.

The signing took place at Katara Hospitality's headquarters in Doha in the presence of the company's management team, represented by Andrew Humphries, Chief Executive Officer, Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Irfan Sharief, Director of Asset Management, and Juan Aguilar, Chief Technical Officer. Accor Group management was represented by Mark Willis, Managing Director, India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, and by Gaurav Bhushan, Managing Director of Accor's lifestyle division.

The agreement strengthens the French group's partnership with Katara Hospitality, which already owns several major hotels operated by Accor. The new project is scheduled to come on stream in 2022. Once completed, the Fairmont Hotel and the Raffles Hotel and Residences will join the international portfolio of these brands.

Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors to understand the importance of the project and to commit to developing this symbol of 21st century hospitality in Doha, Qatar. [...] We consider the year 2022 as a major milestone in the development of our country. This new Lusail project will be the center of convergence for residents and travelers during the World Cup. It is an ideal opportunity for us to put the spotlight on Qatar, a country that has established itself as a recognized international destination.

His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, President of Katara Hospitality

 

We are very pleased to announce the opening of this emblematic address and to promote it over the next few years to an international clientele. The arrival of Raffles and Fairmont in Qatar marks an important milestone for Accor and allows the Group to introduce residents and travelers to the quality of service and refinement of these two brands.

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor

Associated with Qatar's heritage, the Iconic Towers in Lusail represent the traditional scimitars and are the architectural expression of the country's emblem. These curved towers will house a luxurious five-star hotel with 361 rooms and suites, a six-star hotel with 132 suites, and 49 apartments.

Accor currently operates six prioperties (1,378 keys) in Qatar under five brands, including Mövenpick, Mondrian and MGallery, while nine other hotels (2,920 keys) are planned.

The Katara Hospitality portfolio currently has 42 assets in operation and planned worldwide, representing more than 8,000 rooms, and aims to reach 60 properties by 2030.