IHG: Al Maha Island poised to transform tourism in Qatar

Tribune News Network Doha Investment Holding Group on Monday (May 9) rolled out plans for its latest entertainment and leisure destination that will transf...

Tribune News NetworkDohaInvestment Holding Group on Monday (May 9) rolled out plans for its latest entertainment and leisure destination that will transform Qatar tourism.Al Maha Island is set to become a hotspot for Qatar tourism - attracting over 1.5 million visitors per year. The island is located in Lusail near Place Vendome mall and linked to the mainland via a causeway. The world-class project is led by the association of IHG subsidiary, Elegancia and IMG, in collaboration with Qatar Tourism Authority.“This project is a unique attraction, expected to attract tourists from around the world, while being especially popular with citizens and residents of the GCC countries in the region” said Henrik Christiansen, Group Chief Executive Officer, IHG.Doha Winter WonderlandAl Maha’s key attraction is Doha Winter Wonderland, a 93,000 m2 theme park managed by IMG - a global leader in entertainment events will be open from November to March of every year. IMG is well-known as a producer and operator of the Winter Wonderland in London’s famous Hyde Park.The park will host 50 amusement rides including 10 thrill rides with a 395-roller coaster, 25 family rides with a giant 150 ft Ferris Wheel, and 15 children’s rides.Thrill seekers will be sent soaring to new heights by the Space Gun, Drop n’ Twist Tower and the Vertical Swing. Families will also be introduced to an adrenaline rush with Bumper Cars, Mini Disco, and The Galleon. Winter Wonderland will have something for everyone. Rides for young children will include Pony Adventure, Air Balloon and Circus Swing. The park will also include carnival games, an ice rink and kiosks serving a wide selection of food and beverage options.Nammos Beach ClubAl Maha Island will also host Nammos - one of the world’s most elite beach clubs and restaurants with irresistible sophisticated dishes and electric ambiance, the stunning Mykonos beachside restaurant often frequented by global superstars such as Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Set on Al Maha’s private beach, the stunning Mediterranean venue will have luxe modern interiors inspired by the Greek party island. Once open, Nammos will be the new go-to destination for upscale beach dining.High End DistrictAnother venue set to entice visitors to Al Maha Island is its high end district with 6 of the best internationally acclaimed restaurants. London’s award-winning ZUMA, bringing the flavours of the Far East to Qatar with its internationally admired style of Japanese cuisine. Brainchild of German chef Rainer Becker, ZUMA offers a sophisticated cuisine philosophy inspired by informal Japanese dining called Izakaya. In 2002, Becker launched the first ZUMA restaurant in London’s Knightsbridge, and its success saw the launch of ZUMA in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations including Ibiza, Phuket, Mykonos, Maldives and Madrid. Another global hit opening on Al Maha is LPM restaurant and bar, the famous French restaurant influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, will be taking its guests on a culinary journey to south of France and the shores of the Mediterranean sea.The offering won’t be complete without a luxurious oriental offering, Em Sherif the luxuryious Levant restaurant designed to represent an Oriental Mansion offering fine dining Lebanese authentic cuisine The Lebanese-awarded restaurant has many branches across Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and London.Billionaire the famous bar and lounge offering luxury dining paired with nightlife, consisting of a special show with spectacular entertainment, perfectly blending extraordinary performances, exceptional food and service. Billionaire is also a favourite destination for many superstars and celebrities.Dokya - a Turkish taverna serving a variety of Turkish delicacies and mezze. The restaurant is also distinguished by its upscale design that blends the authentic oriental with the contemporary wester.Finally Jwala which promises a tasteful journey through the world of Indian flavours.International Music FestivalAnother key attraction on Al Maha Island includes the concerts venue, a 7,000 seat concert area which 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. The program of the music festival will be announced this August 2022. Al Maha Island demonstrates the huge potential of Qatar’s tourism sector and is a manifestation of how the private sector is adapting to the fast growth in hospitality and tourism sectors in the country. By leading this project, IHG is proudly becoming part of Qatar’s legacy.