It’s no secret that in last few years, Qatar has been firmly pushing ahead with its plans to become a travel hotspot in the Middle East. Hosting the 2022 World Cup only furthered its position, helping it to stand out from the neighbouring UAE. As a result, this country – one with a great sense of pride in exceptional hospitality – is fast expanding its international tourism, with a goal of welcoming over six million visitors a year by 2030.

This means there is a whole new set of opportunities and challenges for operators or investors looking to develop here. When introducing a brand, however, it’s pivotal to understand the distinctive cultural context and how a building will actually work within the local lifestyle. There is also – very importantly – the need for a well-thought-out climatic response, with temperatures frequently rising above 45 degrees Celsius.

As well as places for international visitors, hotels in this region also tend to go beyond tourism, providing essential meeting spots for locals and as hubs for activity and places that create moments of connection. They are therefore widely deemed a ‘third space’, especially when factoring in the climate and the need for respite from the heat.

Equally, developers in this region are often looking to achieve very high standards. The different cities in Qatar are cutting their own paths as new destinations in the Middle East. These are places that wish to distinguish themselves as different from their neighbours while becoming a stronger international gateway.

In essence, the evolution of Qatar’s hospitality offering reflects a delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing innovation. As the nation emerges as a leading destination not just in the Middle East, but on a global scale, the combination of cultural authenticity with modern luxury becomes paramount.

In the last two years, WATG and Wimberly Interiors have successfully completed three 5-star hotels in Qatar; the Chedi Katara in Doha, the Waldorf Astoria in Lusail and – more recently – the Four Seasons the Pearl, also in Doha. With each new hotel, Qatar is able to showcase its commitment to offering diverse experiences while staying true to its roots.

Starting off with the Chedi Katara, an exciting new destination in the cultural village, where General Hotel Management (GHM) entrusted WATG and Wimberly Interiors with the creation of their third property in the GCC region. This hotel offers 59 rooms and suites, as well as 32 villas, and world-class culinary concepts sitting on a picturesque beachfront.

Prior to development, the owner / investor was inspired by a trip to India and the Rajasthani palace style. WATG worked very closely with them to bring about a faithful renovation of this architectural form, while also creating something truly unique. The goal was to pay homage to Qatar’s rich history as a hub of cultural exchange and, as a result, the final design presents a fusion of different architectural styles – neo-classical Europe, Mughal heritage, and a touch of Ottoman influence.

Such an achievement was made even more challenging by the site itself – being located on the beach, while also having a frontage to one of the main canals. By carefully considering the layout, the result is a landmark feature at the end of the promenade. From the outside, this might feel out of place, but the result fits beautifully within the overall narrative of the surrounding area.

Around three kilometres away, there is the Waldorf Astoria Lusail, representing a collaboration between our architecture, landscape, and interiors studios. In this case, WATG and Wimberly Interiors have brought to life the client’s vision of a stand-alone integrated resort destination that can host a landmark structure within a masterplan development.

This hotel design needed to reflect the Waldorf Astoria brand – with an initial concept that was inspired by the ‘cool’, sun-soaked, urban resorts of Miami and LA – while fitting in with the local environment. The opening also coincided with the World Cup so it was important that, once complete, this resort would become a highly sought-after destination during one of the region’s biggest sporting events in history.

Taking advantage of the full length of the site, the programme was able to fit into a form which rises and falls elegantly, with smooth simple curved forms, taking on the essence of flight – reiterating the idea of a journey or escape.

The most recently opened of the three, the Four Seasons Resort & Residences the Pearl – Qatar is situated on a highly prestigious position on The Pearl. This hotel offers guests an eclectic balance of modern and traditional elements, grounded within a timeless interior architecture. The design is alluring in a way that is both subtle and elegant, aligning with the outstanding reputation of Four Seasons global brand.

The design concept, led by Wimberly Interiors, has been inspired by the site’s surroundings – the vibrant flora and fauna of Doha and the surrounding Qatari landscape, with a particular draw from the shells, sand the sea.

In addition to being a place of escape for passing visitors, this development also offers a rental program to meet the needs of guests who are looking for a longer-term stay. Each of these apartments has been thoughtfully designed to ensure not only the best in materials and furnishings, but they allow the guests to properly make themselves at home. This has been achieved with the addition of fully equipped kitchens and sufficient storage space, while some also include extra bedrooms for housekeepers or nannies.

At the Chedi Katara, the process has centred on bringing together the traditional and the contemporary.

This hotel offers a refined display of both the old and new, with strong Arabic influences. Meticulous attention to detail was given to every aspect of the design, ensuring real authenticity both inside and out. From the carefully detailed frame fretwork to the precise accuracy behind the hotel’s figurative elements and mouldings, these elements reflect a deep reverence for the fabric of Mughal design.

Functionality was as important as aesthetic, with an integrated approach taken to ensure guest comfort year-round. By strategically installing glazed screens, the Chedi Katara remains mostly enclosed, protecting guests from high temperatures, while preserving architectural authenticity – the screens blending seamlessly with the building’s original architectural details.

At the Waldorf Astoria Lusail, the design team worked with the client to decide whether this would be a property that blends into its neighbourhood or if it should be one to really strike out on its own as a landmark site. While the result leans more towards the latter, the impact isn’t overwhelming. Instead, the design sits well within the plans for the rest of the evolving neighbourhood, while still giving a strong impact on the beachfront. It offers a modern ‘wow’ factor view from the Persian Gulf with a design that is bright, bold and holds its own.

The curved frontage is striking upon first sight, evoking the idea movement and of the golden age of travel, further signified by its position in Alar – the name of the overarching masterplan – meaning ‘wing’.

WATG’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and client collaboration is clear with each design narrative. Each approach shows a detailed curation of experiences tailored to the individual aspirations of clients. From the elegant curves of the Waldorf Astoria Lusail to the intricate merging of architectural styles at the Chedi Katara, WATG and Wimberly Interiors signature touch is unmistakable, yet the outcomes are wholly unique.

By seamlessly blending local heritage with global sophistication, we can craft not just buildings, but timeless narratives that resonate with both guests and locals alike. This ensures that every hotel becomes a true reflection of its surroundings, in this case embodying the essence of Qatar’s vibrant culture and unparalleled hospitality.

For Qatar, a place that is setting itself apart, it’s all about being genuine, while still offering a range of opportunities to explore. Visitors can journey to Doha and stay in a palatial building, or they can try an experience that is more contemporary. As with any great destination, there is something for everyone.