Extensive development plans are being mobilised to amp up tourism in Qatar, in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Drastic construction includes an off-shore floating hotel for £1billion, a luxurious “octopus” resort, and Lusail -- a £28.8billion city being raised up in the middle of the desert.
Qatar seeks to be the tourist spot of the future, starting with the World Cup slated for 2022. It has spared no expense in constructing up to 18 stadiums, including one to be built within the impressive Lusail, which is being referred to as “the must-visit city of the future.”
Some concern is expressed that the rapid increase in tourism may become difficult to maintain when the World Cup tournament comes to an end.
According to a Samba Financial Group report, the country’s tourism may decline, and the facilities being erected in preparation for the World Cup may prove to be a challenge.
The report says, “Although the recent growth of the tourism industry in Qatar has been robust, it will be difficult for the country to achieve the level of visitor growth which will garner enough demand to support a 400 per cent expansion in the number of hotel rooms in eight years.”
Amphibious 100 Resort
The £310million resort, designed to look like an octopus with arm walkways leading out to pod-like suites, is the ideal hotel residence for marine lovers. It has an unusual offering of underwater rooms and an interactive marine life museum in the lobby.
The jellyfish-inspired pods stretch out to over four stories, and will include an underwater observatory area and a lounge.
The lush hotel resort will be built in the middle of a sea reserve, and will comprise four huge hotels resembling superyachts.
The mainland will also feature a similar museum, as well as a restaurant with panoramic views.
Hamad Airport
Guests entering Qatar will be treated with a luxurious welcome the moment they step off the plane. Often called the world's most over-the-top airport, Doha's Hamad International Airport knows how to make a lasting first impression.
The airport showcases extravagance at its finest. The gold-plated coffee kiosks, life-size Formula One replica, and a full-service luxury hotel, are just a few of the ways in which it bedazzles.
The hotel boasts of a fitness centre and an indoor pool that overlooks arrivals and departures. Its presidential Suite that spans up to 1,400-square feet, and is available for VIP travellers wishing a little more than comfort during their three-hour layovers.
The Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, a 33,000 square feet business class lounge, as well as a mini art gallery for the artists and the cultured, provide an additional source of amusement for the city’s guests. A number of high-end stores -- from Hermes to Armani to Chanel -- as well as over 80 choice restaurants, are also available.
Moreover, available for airport travellers are shower rooms, “quiet rooms”, meeting rooms, a children's play room, and free WiFi.
The Silver Pearl Hotel
The Silver Pearl Hotel is a £1billion development set to be built a mile off the coast of Doha. The deluxe hotel, designed by a M. Castedo Architects based in New York, resembles two half moons on the horizon.
It will have over 1000 rooms, as well as an adjoining expo centre, in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It will be accessible through a four-lane bridge. Private yachts and helicopters will also be able to dock and land, respectively.
The most striking feature will be a stainless steel and glass facade that reflects the ocean, and will be made to sparkle like a pearl in the night time.
The hotel interiors will have conference centres, restaurants and high-end shops, and will showcase a garden atrium that overlooks the ocean.
According to a statement, all suites will be endowed with aesthetics that present the country’s “rich cultural heritage and visual traditions.”
Stadiums
On top of the grand and elaborate structures are the stadiums themselves, which all promise to deliver the most luxurious sporting experience.
Twelve stadiums, which are estimated to cost £1.9billion to build and renovate, are set to dazzle. Nine of those will be shiny and new, and three will be remade to match the fresh and lofty designs.
When the World Cup comes to a close, Qatar has planned to take some parts of the stadiums and bestow them on developing countries, with the hopes of being rebuilt into 22 brand new stadiums.
The stadiums are climate controlled and zero-carbon emitting. This is ideal for the World Cup's usual June and July season, and given Qatar's average daytime high. It will also be the first time that air conditioning will be applied to areas as massive as these structures.
The costs to build and renovate have already been reflected in Qatar's initial bid documents for the World Cup.
Lusail
The World Cup is scheduled to be hosted at the city of Lusail, which is being erected from scratch along the desert coast. Located nine miles from Doha's centre, the 28-square mile centre is set to hold the World Cup opening ceremony, as well as the final match of the tournament.
Lusail, soon be the home of a quarter of a million residents, will have an 86,000-seat stadium -- the Lusail Iconic Stadium -- which costs £28.8billion to build. Like the other stadiums being built, this will have no carbon footprint.
A major feature will be an Entertainment City complex approximately a 241-acres wide. The Entertainment City showcases attractions like a giraffe zoo, a snow park, the Six Flags amusement park.
Lusail also will also have two marinas, as well as a gigantic mall with five interconnected pods outfitted with high-end shops, elegant restaurants, and lush cinemas.
The Lusail Towers District and Plaza is slated to be the commercial and business district of the city. Additionally, two golf courses are being built around town, for guests to enjoy between matches or during downtime.
The rich city will be accessible via a light-rail network. It will also be constructing tunnels for water taxis. The whole project will cost £28.8billion upon completion.
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