From right: Reto Wittwer, Kempinski President & Chief Executive Officer, Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Group and Ulrich Eckhardt, President, Middle East and Africa for Kempinski Hotels, after the announcement of their Doha project here yesterday.

BY SATISH KANADY

DOHA: Europe’s oldest and most established luxury Hotels Kempinski and Alfardan Group of Qatar will jointly launch Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha early next year. Located at the heart of Doha’s central business district - West Bay - the 62 storeyed Residence tower is expected to be launched in March 2010, said Reto Wittwer, Kempinski President & Chief Executive Officer, and Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Group at an event held here yesterday to celebrate the official signing of a management agreement.

The uniquely square-structured project is developed by the Alfardan Group, whose name is associated with luxury in the market, marks the entry of European luxury hotel group, Kempinski, to the Capital city of Doha.

“Kempinski Residences and Suites, Doha is currently in the final phases of construction and outfitting, to meet its expected launch date in March 2010. It will be Kempinski’s first Residence Property to open in the Middle East and Africa Region”, Omar Alfardan said.

Boasting 370 luxury serviced residences for short, mid, and long-term rental, offering stunning sea views, the Kempinski is complemented with a variety of facilities. The facilities also include two indoor swimming pools for adults and families, an extensive gym area with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, male and female steam room, treatment rooms and a day care Center for kids. Additionally, the residence tower hosts various restaurants and cafes including an all day dining restaurant, a high-end gourmet shop and café, a bar at the leisure areas.

The modern fully furnished residences vary between one and three bedroom apartments in addition to various four to six bedroom duplex penthouses on the top floors with their own in-house scenic lifts. All apartments have fully equipped kitchens and offer spectacular views of the magnificent waters of Doha and of the Pearl Island.

“Kempinski Hotels is considered one of the world’s most renowned luxury operators and has long reflected the finest traditions of European hospitality. The alliance with Kempinski Hotels underpins Alfardan’s long-term strategy of collaborating with leading innovative companies, enjoying a sustainable business model. We are delighted to welcome Kempinski Hotels to Doha and look forward to a solid partnership”, Omar Alfardan added.

Said Wittwer: “The strategic partnership between Kempinski Hotels and Alfardan Group in Qatar, has started with the announcement of this residence property and will continue with the upcoming announcement of our stunning new project on the Pearl Qatar, Kempinski Hotel, Marsa Malaz and many more mutually fruitful opportunities”.

On the wisdom of launching yet another property amid the market reports of shrinking occupancy rates of hotels across the Globe, Wittwer told The Peninsula: “Business is something looking forward. We are confident, positive and we have great faith in this country’s market”.