Doha, Qatar, is proving to be a bright spot for hotel development, according to a new report from HVS. The capital city of the Arab emirate has two major selling points for the expansion of hospitality projects: its warm international ties and extensive gas wealth. Hotels have been achieving the highest rates in the region, and a new airport is under construction to accommodate the increasing number of visitors—most of whom travel to Doha for corporate and meeting purposes.
The report, titled "Doha, Qatar: A Tale of Caution and Optimism," outlines three major developments in the works:
• The Pearl, an island about 12 miles north of Doha’s central business district, will include six luxury and boutique hotels, along with villas and multi-family residential units, retail, restaurants, mosques, schools, parks, and four marinas.
• Lusail, a $5.5 billion endeavor that will create a new waterfront city near the Pearl. Plans call for housing more than 200,000 citizens, expansive retail and commercial space, 22 hotels, and an "Entertainment City."
• Heart of Doha’s 226 buildings—including three hotels—will feature traditional architecture.
Twelve hotels are scheduled to open in the next three years, representing brands such as Hilton, Shangri-La, Crowne Plaza, Courtyard by Marriott, Four Seasons, and St. Regis.
For the entire report, click here.
