Qatar, Doha - 03 December 2013: In line with the growth strategy of its Merweb brand, Katara Hospitality yesterday announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for managing a new hotel in Doha under the umbrella of Merweb brand.

The MoU was signed by Saeed Abdulla Al Amer Al Kaabi, President of Sphinex Hotels & Resorts and, on behalf of Katara Hospitality, by Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, Chief Executive Officer. The signing ceremony took place today at Sharq Village & Spa, Doha.

The new hotel will be known as Merweb Plaza Hotel and is located on Jawaan street in Al Sadd District. The hotel has been designed to cater to the growing number of business travelers who seek a high-quality business hotel in the very heart of Doha city.

Currently under construction, Merweb Plaza Hotel is expected to open in late 2014. The property will comprise 175 rooms and suites equipped with the latest technologies and amenities required by business travellers on the move, while restaurants, meeting and banqueting space as well as recreation facilities will complement the offer.

"We are proud to be associated with Katara Hospitality, the national owner, manager and developer of iconic hotels that has become one of the most reputable international hospitality organisations," said, Saeed Abdulla Al Amer Al Kaabi, President of Sphinex Hotels and Resort.

"With its international experience and scale, we are confident that Katara Hospitality will manage Merweb Plaza Hotel according the highest international standards, and are confident that this will be a fruitful partnership for both parties."

"The addition of Merweb Plaza Hotel to the portfolio of managed hotels under the Merweb brand fits perfectly with our strategic expansion plans for this brand", stated Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality.  "As we are refreshing the Merweb brand to enhance the guest experience, we are looking forward to a successful partnership in managing this new hotel", he concluded.

Katara Hospitality takes great pride in its home grown Merweb brand and is presently focusing on reviewing and refreshing the brand offering to become one of the leading hotel management companies in the region.

-Ends-

About Katara Hospitality
Katara Hospitality is a global hotel owner, developer and operator, based in Qatar. With 40 years' experience in the industry, Katara Hospitality actively pursues its strategic expansion plans by investing in peerless hotels in Qatar while growing its collection of iconic properties in key international markets. Katara Hospitality has set a target of owning and / or managing 30 hotels by 2016 and 30 more over the following decade and aims to become one of the leading hospitality organisations in the world. The company is supporting Qatar's long term economic vision, and, as the leading hospitality organisation in the country, it will play a key role in the World Cup 2022. 

Katara Hospitality currently owns properties spread across three continents, in Qatar, Singapore, The Maldives, Switzerland, France, Italy, Egypt, Morocco, The Gambia and the Union of Comoros. While partnering with some of the finest hotel operators, Katara Hospitality also owns its own operator brands: The Bürgenstock Selection and Merweb Hotels.

About Merweb Hotels
Merweb is the Qatar-born and -grown hotel brand intimately related to the history of the country. The ancient Merweb fort that once provided shelter for traders and seafarers has now developed into the modern hotel concept that caters to modern business travellers - a metamorphosis of Arabic hospitality heritage enhanced through technological innovation. The Merweb Hotels are the oases that reveal to travellers a different dimension of life - the hassle-free upbeat, cosmopolitan corporate life that can be enjoyed at full speed. This is a hotel where business travellers can stay in contemporary and comfortable business-friendly accommodation and experience a dedicated range of smart amenities and services, while savouring overall a subtle flair of Arabic heritage. It is specifically designed to help them perform to their best ability, at a price point where they can enjoy excellent value for their money.

About Shinex Hotels & Resorts
Sphinex Hotels & Resorts are founded on the concept of hybrid hospitality developments providing guests a holistic hospitality experience in environmental friendly hotels.

The company believes in creating unique properties that create an engaging dialogue between guests and hotel employees reflecting the true meaning of hybrid hospitality.

Sphinex Hotels & Resorts owns three hospitality developments in Qatar, including Merweb Plaza Hotel (5 stars), Bin Mahmood Hotel (4 Stars) and Al Rufaa Hotel (3 Stars).

For media information, please contact:
Mihaela Tayar
Communications Manager - Katara Hospitality
Tel:       +974 4423 7801
Fax:      +974 4442 0477
Email:   mihaela.tayar@katarahospitality.com 
Web:    www.katarahospitality.com

© Press Release 2013