D
oha has always made a good stopover destination, but as Qatar prepares for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the scale of its ambition is coming into sharp focus. The opening of the new Hamad International airport last year will have been welcomed by all travellers passing through Doha. Still, this is only part of an estimated US$40 billion currently being spent on transport projects – including the Doha Metro and a long-distance passenger and freight network – and an eventual spend on transport infrastructure of some US$200 billion before 2022. Joining the Doha Exhibition Centre and Qatar National Convention Centre is the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, opening this November. The 90,000 sqm complex has five pillar-free halls holding up to 3,500 delegates in each.
There is also a greater choice of accommodation
than ever before. The latest figures available (January to August 2015) show that average hotel occupancy rates have held steady (at 71 per cent) from the same period last year, despite a 32 per cent increase in the number of hotel rooms. Year-to-date visitor arrivals neared two million for the first time, up 6 per cent over the same period in 2014, bringing Qatar closer to achieving its goal of three million visitors by the end of this year. Next year will see the opening of the National Museum of Qatar designed by France’s Jean Nouvel.■
NEW HOTEL OPENINGS
APARTHOTEL ADAGIO PREMIUM DOHA WEST BAY Accorhotels opened an Adagio Aparthotel in the city’s diplomatic area in October last year. It has 80 units, a combination of studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 20 sqm to 59 sqm. All feature fully equipped kitchens, workdesks, free wifi, LCD TVs, docking stations, safes, iron/ironing boards and adjustable air conditioning. A buffet breakfast is laid on every morning and housekeeping is offered daily, weekly or as requested depending on the length of stay. There is also a 24-hour reception, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, and a meeting room. A Lebanese restaurant is planned. The airport is about a 20-minute drive away.
adagio-city.com
BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Anantara’s Banana Island Resort opened in January. Located 11km off Doha’s coast, the 13-hectare site can be reached by luxury boat transfer from the port in 20 minutes, or by helicopter from the airport in ten minutes. The hotel has 141 rooms, suites and villas (some over-water) starting from 55 sqm offering sea views from private balconies or terraces. Other features include an 800-metre beach, swimming pools, a private marina, spa, tennis court, bowling alley, golf putting course and eight restaurants. Note that no alcohol is served.
doha.anantara.com
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HASAN AYHAM
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