Regions

Sofitel, the luxury hotel brand, is owned by French company Accor, was said to be in active discussion to sign new hotels located in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is also keen to expand its design with the slogan 'So by Sofitel' across the Gulf region.

The said expansion plans had been confirmed by the hoteliers CEO with Arabian Business. The build up to the 2022 World Cup is what is priming the hospitality business in Qatar. As more and more openings occur, Sofitel would be the latest addition to the Doha hotel industry.

According to Sofitel Worldwide CEO Robert Gaymer-Jones in an interview, "I went to Doha and we have a very good opportunity... They have given me two weeks and we either have it or we don't." He was in the region to formalize an agreement with Ali Tamiuz Hotels and Resorts the brand would manage in Jeddah. The 189 room hotel is scheduled to be opened by 2014 and would be known as Sofitel Jeddah would be located at the city's corniche. The facilities would include six food and beverage outlets, convention facilities, two swimming pools, a spa and health club, a squash court and a cinema.

Jones added, "We trust there is a great potential for Sofitel in the Middle East and we are delighted to sign a new agreement for this beautiful project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by blending our different cultures: our French heritage of elegance and lifestyle with the finest of the Islamic culture and Arabic tradition for hospitality."