ADMARES to build 16 floating hotels in Qatar for 2022 World Cup

As part of Qatar's preparations to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qetaifan Projects has signed a memorandum of understanding with ADMARES for the construction and operation of 16 floating hotels to provide accommodation to visitors during the event.

Finland-based ADMARES specialises in what it describes as "alternative real estate" and utilises some pioneering construction methods in its buildings that combine cutting-edge marine, offshore, land and modular construction techniques. 

The hotels have been designed by the award-winning Finnish architect firm, Sigge Architects and will be 72-metres long and 16 metres wide, each consisting of 101 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a lounge bar. The 16 four-story hotels will be identical, offering a total of 1,616 floating hotel rooms and will be built on the shores of Qetaifan Island North.

H.E Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Managing Director of Qetaifan Projects and Vice Chairman of parent company Katara Hospitality said: "We are pleased that there are investors who share our vision and see the development of Qetaifan Island North as a promising project that has a future as the first touristic destination in Qatar.”

ADMARES said in a press release that the signing of the MOU is part of both companies' desire to deliver sustainable solutions with minimum ecological impact, adding that the hotels will be built according to the strict energy standards – for instance the hotels will rely on solar energy. 

“This is the first time ever that pure floating real estate has been used as a temporary solution for accommodation needs at this scale. These hotels do not require major ports and deep water as their draft is significantly less than large cruise ships”, said Mikael Hedberg, CEO of ADMARES.

He added “after the World Cup, the hotels can be placed at any coastal location where the water is at least 4 metres deep. We are excited to be part of the solution for the amount of accommodation needed for the FIFA World Cup 2022.”

Samer Malaeb, Regional Director of ADMARES, said: “ADMARES floating hotels will position Qetaifan Island North as a preferred entertainment island in Qatar offering unique hospitality experience catering various market segment needs.”

Qetaifan Island North, where the hotels are to be built, is located to Lusail International Stadium, which will host the opening and final games of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The hotels are being built to help the Persian Gulf island accommodate the expected high numbers of tourists and fans that will visit Qatar before and during the tournament. 

Qetaifan Island North, located off Lusail City, spans approximately 1.3 million square metres and features a multitude of attractions including seven beaches; making it the city’s main waterfront destination.

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