Qatar unveils tower hotel for FIFA World Cup

Qatar-based Katara Hospitality has unveiled plans to construct a hotel with ‘crossed sword’ shape of the towers, which gracefully intertwine, replicates the Qatar seal and, integrated with landscaped gardens, rises from a podium giving the impression that the entire architectural complex is floating on the sea. The firm says its new project – the Lusail Marina Iconic Development – will become an iconic hospitality symbol of the 21st century, and will be ready to welcome guests for the FIFA World Cup. Announcing their plans for the Qatar-based property at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO, Katara Hospitality said: “This stunning structure matches our aspiration for Katara Hospitality to become one of the world’s most recognised hospitality brand identities." He added: “Naturally, the Lusail Marina Towers will be ideally located for travelling football fans, officials and professionals as the Qatar Football World Cup arrives in a decade’s time." "And long after the dust of the world cup has settled, the property will be a perfect getaway for Middle East leisure travelers looking for luxury accommodation as Qatar’s landscape offers more for tourists every year,” remarked Al Mulla. “With an architectural design inspired by the insignia of Qatar, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development’s spectacular architecture is set to become a leading hospitality landmark.” The property, designed for five-star luxurious status, is set to hold approximately 800 units comprising hotel rooms, residence apartments, offices, recreational facilities, specialist boutiques and top-class restaurants. Al Mulla added: “The modern aesthetic of the Lusail Marina Iconic Development complements the more traditional properties we have in our eclectic portfolio of hotels, which are great examples of classic architecture.” Aiming to be operational by 2016, the Lusail Marina Iconic Development will be constructed in the Marina district of Lusail – the latest planned urban centre in the Gulf State. Lusail is set to be located on the Gulf coast 15km north of Doha city centre and will eventually provide accommodation for up to 250,000 people.