Qatar’s much anticipated, leisure and tourism hotspot, Al Maha Island will open prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, disclosed a top official of Investment Holding Group (IHG). The world-class project is led by the association of Investment Holding Group and IMG, in collaboration with Qatari Diar and Qatar Tourism “Al Maha Island will be opened to the public and tourists prior to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Located in Lusail City, the Island will be offering some of the best entertainment facilities available internationally,” Henrik H Christiansen, Group CEO of IHG, told Gulf Times.
Christiansen explained: “Al Maha Island is set to become a hotspot of Qatar tourism - attracting over 1.5 million visitors per year. Al Maha Island sits on 230,000sqm. It includes a concert area as well as the place for restaurants and other food joints and parking slots. Doha Winter Wonderland will be the main attraction along with Nammos the famous the beach club of Mykonos and Dubai and the high-end district restaurants.” According to the Group CEO, Al Maha Island demonstrates the huge potential of Qatar’s tourism sector and is a manifestation of how IHG is adapting to the fast growth in hospitality and internal and external tourism in the country.“The brands that are coming at the Island are internationally refined and top-notch known brands, including London’s award-winning ZUMA, LPM restaurant and bar, the famous French restaurant, Em Sherif, the luxurious Levant restaurant, Billionaire, the famous bar and lounge offers luxury dining paired with nightlife, Dokya - a Turkish taverna that serves a variety of Turkish delicacies and mezze,” remarked, Christiansen. “These major brands have shown great enthusiasm in opening in Qatar. They see the country as a trending destination. In this regard, IHG is ramping up efforts to deliver and expand its tourism portfolio, and develop infrastructure and facilities to cater to this vision,” he continued.The CEO pointed out that another attraction at the Island will be the concert area. “We are planning for some big names in the industry to perform at the Island. The programme of the music festival will be announced in August. The 7,000 spectator capacity concert area will host Global Music Festival, 34 live events annually and is set to attract big names from international and regional superstars to world renowned DJs, singers and comedians,” he highlighted.“The music will be a mix of international as well as regional flavours. This will provide the right ambiance and will adequately cater to the tastes of the audience of the region. It will be an added attraction for the visitors from the region,” stated, Christiansen.He also said that Doha Winter Wonderland will be an affordable facility for all the sections of the population. “The rides and other facilities will be very much affordable for the families. The Island will cater to the tastes of every segment of the population. Except for some of the high-end restaurants, food and other item will be made available at affordable prices for the entire visitors,” described, ChristiansenAccording to the official, the Island will set a strategy to develop a far larger approach to create a stable and diversified market post 2022. “IHG is working on several current and upcoming projects in Qatar. Al Maha Island will be the destination for entertainment in Qatar, with Doha Winter Wonderland, 10 national and international restaurants, a world-famous beach club and a concert area for live music and entertainment. Another exciting project is Katara Hills, a VVIP hospitality area with 20 exclusive units, all with own pool and view of the surrounding green areas of the hills. The project also has a high-end restaurant. The Palace Hotel & Spa LXR is another exciting project which is being built and managed under the IHG banner,” he added.