Katara Hospitality 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 Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Irfan Sharief, Chief Asset Management Officer, Juan Aguilar, Acting Chief Technical Officer. As well as Accor Management represented by Mark Willis, CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey and Gaurav Bhushan, CEO of Accor’s Lifestyle Brands.
On this occasion, HH 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.”
“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. As Qatar National Vision 2030 creates the perfect framework for us, we will continue to develop peerless hospitality at home and abroad that are not only jewels in our portfolio but are emblematic for Qatar as well,” Sheikh Nawaf concluded.
Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor commented, “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.”
“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 Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality.
“We expect that these properties, with their iconic design and unrivalled presence, will become an architectural emblem and reference in Luxury in Doha”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey.