Construction work begins on Shaza Doha

The new Shaza Hotel in Doha, which will be a Sharia-compliant, alcohol-free property when it opens in 2016, has begun taking shape, with developers breaking ground and commencing foundation work.

Located between the souks in the city’s traditional commercial district, the hotel is being constructed by developer Domopan in partnership with Shaza Hotels and will have 180 rooms.

New York-based SOMA Architects has designed the hotel with an outer glass façade that gives it a regional identity, while an Islamic-inspired Arabesque pattern will be silkscreened onto the glass structure.

"We are thrilled to see work on Shaza [Doha] reach this important construction milestone," said SOMA founder Michel Abboud.

"The hotel will serve guests looking for the utmost in luxury and innovative design and upon completion it will be a key element in an area undergoing incredible transformation. We are proud to add our distinctive design to this emerging skyline."

In addition to the 180 rooms spread across 15 floors, the hotel will have three basements, a ballroom, two restaurants, a spa, business centre and cigar lounge. It will feature a celebrity chef-run restaurant and outdoor pool terrace on the roof.

Shaza Hotels is a joint venture between Shaza and Kempinski Hotels. The start of construction work follows on from the recent opening of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha in the Qatari capital.