Admares, a Finland-based modular construction firm, has been selected by Qetaifan Projects, the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to build 16 floating hotels to serve tourists and fans during the World Cup in Qatar.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which includes the construction and operation of the floating hotels on the shores of Qetaifan Island North to provide accommodation for the masses within the fan villages during the tournament.
The floating hotels are expected to be 72m long, 16m wide and can accommodate 101 guest rooms, a restaurant and a lounge bar. All of the 16 four-storey hotels are expected to be identical and will include a total of 1,616 floating hotel rooms.
Qetaifan Projects managing director and Katara Hospitality vice chairman Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said: “We are pleased that there are investors who share our vision and see the development of Qetaifan Island North as a promising project that has a future as the first touristic destination in Qatar.
“This indicates the aspiration of investors in the returns due to the safe and secure climate achieved by the state to encourage and attract foreign investment and create new opportunities, which will reflect positively on the local market, encourage competition, and stimulate the state sectors in all fields, especially with the recent developments witnessed within these sectors.”
Admares claims that its turnkey solutions offer greater returns for developers with shorter project timelines, along with offering minimal environmental impact.
Designed by Finnish architect firm Sigge Architects, the modern and urban buildings are expected to be built as per very strict energy standards.
Admares CEO Mikael Hedberg said: “This is the first time ever that pure floating real estate has been used as a temporary solution for accommodation needs at this scale.
“These hotels do not require major ports and deep water as their draft is significantly less than large cruise ships.
“After the World Cup, the hotels can be placed at any coastal location where the water is at least 4 meters (13 feet) deep. We are excited to be part of the solution for the amount of accommodation needed for the FIFA World Cup 2022.”
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Image: Rendering of the floating hotels designed by Sigge Architects. (Credit: ADMARES Ltd)
