Doha's first range of boutique hotels marks its footprint at one of Middle East's largest travel and tourism events

Doha, Qatar - May 7th, 2012: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels - the first set of luxury boutique hotels across the GCC - makes its first appearance at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

By participating in a premier regional event studded with professionals in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels marks its footprint in the hotel industry in the Middle East.

"The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels brand is built with distinctiveness and eccentricity being at the heart of each and every one of the properties. In order to truly succeed one has to push boundaries to keep ahead of the curve and our presence at ATM demonstrates our commitment to excellence in Arab hospitality," said Abdulla Bin Ali Al Attiyah, Executive Manager, Al Rayyan Project Management.

The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, individually recognized as Al Najada, Al Mirqab, Arumaila, Musheireb, Al Jasra and Al Bidda Boutique Hotels, are each designed to set a unique atmosphere with their distinctive décor, service and dining options.

Dotted across the historic, thriving Souq Waqif, the six boutique hotels have inherited their traditional names from nearby residential neighbourhoods. While Al Najada, Al Mirqab and Arumaila Boutique Hotels are currently operational, three additional hotels will be revealed to the public in the second quarter of 2012.

Following the concept of boutique hotels, introduced by Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels to the Middle East, none of the hotels feature more than 37 rooms. Four of twelve impressive dining outlets are currently open at the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, including East and The Terrace Lounge in Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel, as well as The Canteen in Arumaila Boutique Hotel and The Courtyard in Al Najada Boutique Hotel.

According to Al Attiyah, the development of the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is in sync with Qatar's elevating need for accommodation.  "With the events the country has in tow, Qatar is looking forward to a further booming tourism industry in the coming years. Establishing the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels brand is an important milestone that plays an integral role in transforming the hospitality experience for both business and leisure travellers from all over the world," he added.

From leisure to fine dining, the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels collection offers a rich variety of opportunities to experience Qatar. Presenting a truly distinctive retreat, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels aims to transform the hotel industry in the Middle East.

-Ends-

About Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels:
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is an exclusive collection of 6 boutique hotels ranging between 14 and 37 rooms, owned and managed by Al Rayyan Hospitality. The properties embrace and complement the traditions of Souq Waqif and the history of Qatar. The hotels are discreetly positioned throughout the Souq Waqif area of downtown Doha. Al Mirqab, Arumaila, Al Najada, Al Jasra, Al Bidda, and Musheireb are five star boutique properties with an individuality of contemporary design, style and atmosphere and through their own 'signature' offer a unique concept of Qatar hospitality.

The properties all exhibit the brand identity of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels as a retreat from the pace of the capital city; discreet, relaxing sanctuaries. The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels collection has something for everyone whether they are business or leisure travellers, and offers culinary variety and excellence through 12 exciting restaurants and lounges. The vision is to offer exciting, innovative, and contemporary accommodation; a fusion of sophisticated elegance and refined hospitality with the tradition and atmosphere of local authenticity.

For Media Enquiries please contact:
Myriam Chandna
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
Mobile: 3319 2066
Email: myriam.chandna@hkstrategies.com

Dalia Benhida, Marketing Manager
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
Tel: 00974 44336666
Email: d.benhida@swbh.com

© Press Release 2012