The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) – the organization responsible for delivering the required infrastructure, host country planning and operations, and legacy projects for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – has signed an agreement with Accor, a world-leading hospitality Group, to manage operations and deliver services to Qatar’s host country real estate portfolio through the end of 2022. FIFA World Cup 2022 accor

The agreement was signed in Doha, Qatar, in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. H.E. Ali Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance and Chairman, Katara Hospitality, and H.E.  Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General, were also in attendance. Engineer Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office, and Vice Chairman, Technical Delivery Office, signed the agreement alongside Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, and Katara Hospitality’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Humphries.

The agreement will see Accor provide personnel to operate what will be the largest serviced real estate operation in the world and include front office (check-in/check-out), operational supplies and equipment as well as housekeeping services among others. The agreement will make use of the country’s full real estate portfolio, further illustrating Qatar’s commitment to sustainability.

As of 2022, Accor managed several hotels in Qatar, covering a range of brands from budget to luxury. There were about 40 Accor hotels across different categories and brands throughout the country, with more properties opening or being planned around the time of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Most Luxurious Accor Hotels in Qatar

Here are some of the most luxurious Accor properties in Qatar:

1. Raffles Doha:
   • Location: Lusail City, near the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
   • Features: A new addition to Accor’s luxury portfolio, Raffles Doha offers ultra-luxurious suites, high-end dining experiences, private butler services, and stunning views of the city. It is designed to provide an exclusive, high-end experience.
2. Fairmont Doha:
   • Location: Lusail City.
   • Features: Sister property to Raffles Doha, Fairmont Doha offers luxury accommodations with spacious rooms, state-of-the-art amenities, fine dining restaurants, a luxurious spa, and various recreational facilities. The design reflects a blend of Qatari culture and modern elegance.
3. Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha:
   • Location: West Bay, Doha.
   • Features: Mövenpick is known for its premium service, spacious rooms, and exceptional views of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel has multiple fine dining options, an indoor pool, a luxury spa, and a range of business facilities, making it popular among business travelers and tourists.
4. Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb:
   • Location: Msheireb Downtown Doha.
   • Features: An ultra-luxury property managed under Accor, offering sophisticated design, world-class dining, a rainforest-themed spa, and exceptional amenities. It’s known for its elegant rooms, suites, and residences that provide a blend of contemporary style and Qatari influences.
5. Mondrian Doha:
   • Location: West Bay Lagoon.
   • Features: Although a bit different in style, Mondrian Doha offers a luxurious, eclectic experience with its artistic interiors, designer furnishings, and unique dining venues. It has become a trendy spot for visitors looking for a high-end, unconventional stay.

These properties represent the pinnacle of luxury within Accor’s portfolio in Qatar, offering world-class service, exquisite design, and amenities tailored to cater to high-end travelers.

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC said:

“This groundbreaking agreement is another example of how Qatar’s approach is truly historic – not only in terms of setting the highest delivery standards, but also for legacy planning. By making full use of existing residential apartments and villas in Qatar, we can offer visitors a range of affordable and comfortable options; while also ensuring we have a sustainable hotel market that does not leave Qatar with excess permanent hotel rooms post-2022.”

Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office, and Vice Chairman, the Technical Delivery Office, said: FIFA World Cup 2022 accor

“Today’s signing represents a significant step in our promise to deliver a wide range of affordable and exciting options to visitors traveling to Qatar. This agreement will enhance the overall experience for every visitor staying in the country and ensure that everyone receives the truly memorable, hospitable welcome for which Qatar and the Arab world is renowned.”  FIFA World Cup 2022

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, said:

 “The entire team is thrilled to have been selected to manage and provide services to Qatar’s exciting real estate portfolio. We share the region’s excitement for the coming year and look forward to welcoming visitors, and ensuring they have a comfortable and memorable stay in the country.”  

Key Points about Accor Hotels During the FIFA World Cup 2022:

1. Partnership with the Qatar Government: Accor was tasked with managing around 60,000 rooms across apartments, villas, and other lodging options. This included various fan villages that were specifically set up to accommodate the influx of visitors during the World Cup.
2. Diverse Accommodation Options: Accor offered a range of accommodation types from budget hotels to luxury suites. This was intended to cater to the diverse needs of fans, officials, and teams. The Accor brand portfolio includes well-known names like Sofitel, Novotel, Pullman, and Ibis, among others.
3. Dedicated Staff: To manage the vast number of properties, Accor recruited and deployed thousands of staff members from various parts of the world, focusing on providing a high level of service despite the scale of operations.
4. Fan Villages: Accor was also responsible for managing the unique “fan village” accommodations, which included modular cabins and temporary housing set up to handle the large number of attendees. These fan villages were strategically located to provide easy access to World Cup venues.
5. Sustainability Initiatives: Accor implemented various sustainability measures, including eco-friendly practices like reducing waste, energy, and water consumption, which aligned with Qatar’s broader sustainability goals for the World Cup.