Crowne Plaza coming to Qatar

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, owner of the Trans Orient Group , and John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, IHG, Middle East & Africa .

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Bamsey said: "Today IHG has pushed further forward with development, highlighting our commitment to continued growth and expansion within the Middle East and Africa. IHG is delighted to have signed the Crowne Plaza Doha Airport agreement with Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani and the Trans Orient Group . Doha is a strategic location and a great opportunity for Crowne Plaza, which offers business travellers high levels of comfort, service and amenities, ensuring a relaxing environment in which to work and rest."

To be centrally located within Doha's newest business park, which is currently under development and only two kilometres from Doha International Airport, the hotel has been designed with a focus on high-level individual service, comfort and business facilities. With easy access to the business park's major conference centre and office towers, the hotel will provide the perfect base for the discerning business traveller.

Incorporating 265 hotel rooms and 83 serviced apartments, the property will offer travellers a choice of accommodation to suit their length of stay. Featured in the design are three specialty restaurants, ideal for entertaining clients or unwinding after a long day. A fully-equipped business centre with state-of-the-art facilities will also form part of the hotels services, ensuring Crowne Plaza Doha Airport becomes a focal point for both guests and local companies to conduct business.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani said: "I am extremely happy to be working in partnership with IHG on the development of the Crowne Plaza Doha Airport. The Trans Orient Group already has a strong portfolio of companies within Qatar, including the development of the new business park at the Crowne Plaza Doha Airport site, incorporating six office buildings. The economy is growing significantly throughout the country and superior business hotels such as Crowne Plaza are required to service the needs of this booming market."

IHG currently operates one property in Qatar, InterContinental Doha, with a further hotel, InterContinental Doha West Bay, in the development pipeline.

Currently there are 13 Crowne Plaza Hotels and 3,538 rooms across the Middle East and Africa, with a further six properties and 2,216 rooms in the development pipeline.