Christian Hirt, Managing Director at Raffles & Fairmont Hotels Doha: Elevating Hospitality Excellence in Qatar’s Cultural Oasis
Doha, in recent years, has blossomed into a vibrant cultural center, tourist hotspot, and a venue for global sporting events. Among the architectural marvels shaping the city’s skyline, Katara Towers stands out—a striking crescent-shaped structure housing two hospitality giants, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Christian Hirt, the Managing Director, sees the hotels as a seamless fit for this prestigious establishment.
Inspired by the traditional Qatari seal, Katara Towers reflects a commitment to modernization and innovation. Hirt explains, “We have two truly exceptional hotels; Fairmont with 362 keys and Raffles – an all-suite hotel with 132.”
Katara Towers pays homage to Qatar’s cultural heritage, incorporating local symbolism, including a water feature inspired by the Falcon’s spiraling dive. With 230 artists contributing to its creation, the building houses over 40,000 works of literature, emphasizing the integration of art and culture into its design.
Beyond architecture, Hirt highlights the waterfront location in Lusail and the unparalleled luxury as key differentiators. “We have a shared vision for both hotels, which is to deliver the absolute ultimate in guest experience, luxury, and sophistication,” says Hirt. Fairmont focuses on active wellbeing and recovery, while Raffles emphasizes advanced beauty and wellbeing.
According to Hirt, Katara Towers has significantly elevated Qatar’s global hospitality standing. The building not only boasts aesthetics and luxury but also exemplifies sustainable development, holding a five-star certification from the Global Sustainability Assessment System.
Sustainable practices include energy-efficient technologies, water conservation, and green areas on-site. Raffles and Fairmont Doha prioritize local supply chains, with nearly all fruit and vegetables sourced from local farms, and a commitment to being free from single-use plastic.
Looking ahead, Hirt envisions a private floating island with spa facilities, restaurants, bars, and cabanas for hotel guests. The hotels also plan to host world-class artists, culinary events, and traveling spa practitioners, enhancing their ultra-luxury offering. As 2023 approaches, Hirt anticipates the sale of hotel residences, marking the conclusion of another remarkable year.
