Corinthia Hotels has signed an agreement with United Development Company (UDC), a Qatari public shareholding company and the master developer of The Pearl in Doha, to manage and operate a luxury Corinthia hotel to be built on UDC’s newest flagship real estate development, Gewan Island.

The agreement was signed by UDC Chairman H.E. Turki bin Mohammed Al-Khater, and President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the board, Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman. Signing on behalf of Corinthia was CEO Simon Naudi, together with Paul Pisani, Senior Vice President of Development, and Matthew Dixon, Area Managing Director Middle East.

Corinthia Doha will be built on a 13,000m² site and comprise 110 guestrooms, a 1000-capacity banquet hall and outdoor patio, an all-day dining and specialty restaurants in addition to a luxurious spa facility. and a luxurious spa facility. The property will also feature branded villas, a golf course and a beach club, all to be managed by Corinthia.

“We are delighted to have signed an agreement with UDC to manage a luxury hotel in Gewan Island, which promises to be a magnificent location,” says Naudi. “The energy, vision and quality of resources assembled by UDC for this project will ensure that Corinthia Doha will be another landmark property that will enrich our portfolio and equally add value to Doha’s hospitality offerings.”

Commenting on the agreement, Al-Khater explains: “This project is part of Gewan Island’s development plans and will ensure the company’s sustainable growth and the creation of new opportunities and revenue sources over the long term.” Al-Khater also highlighted that the partnership reflects an extensive experience in managing and operating hotels worldwide, falls in line with UDC’s development strategy to support Qatar’s real estate sector, and underscores the importance of constructive partnerships that support the national economy and facilitate foreign investment.

For his part, Al-Othman adds that the reputation of Corinthia Hotels in the hospitality sector and its success in providing luxury hospitality services and facilities, together with extending its Mediterranean heritage culture internationally, is the main motive for choosing the group to manage the new landmark hotel: “Driven by UDC’s mission and vision, the agreement with Corinthia Hotels lays solid foundations for UDC’s expansion plans through investments in vital sectors such as real estate and hospitality that aim to optimise and sustain good shareholder value.

“This is further evidenced by the growth witnessed in the tourism movement in Qatar as a result of recent various government incentives, which in turn bodes well for UDC’s planned developments in its flagship projects; The Pearl Qatar and Gewan Island.”

Situated next to The Pearl Qatar, Gewan Island spans 400,000m² and once completed will accommodate 3,500 residents and a similar number of daily visitors. The island will be home to 714 residential units, including 641 apartments, 20 standalone villas located along a beach in a gated seaside community, as well as 21 beachfront villas with a private beach, 26 waterfront villas equipped with private pontoons for boats and six island villas, in addition to 11,000m² of retail spaces and several multi-use buildings. Playing a major role in attracting various new brands to Doha, the development will also feature an air conditioned ‘Crystal Walkway’ outdoor promenade, parks and green areas, as well as entertainment facilities, a sports club and a mosque.

Corinthia currently owns, operates or is developing a portfolio of luxury hotels in major destinations including London, Lisbon, Prague, Budapest, Malta, Tripoli, Khartoum, St Petersburg, Rome, Brussels, Moscow, Dubai and Bucharest.