01. Hamad Abdullah Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Katara Hospitality
When Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla took over as CEO, Katara’s only international property was in Egypt. Today, the group has properties in Morocco, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Singapore and Thailand, as well as qatar, of course.
This year has been an important one for Katara Hospitality. The group launched its standalone operating division, Murwab Hotel Group, which manages an international collection of boutique upscale hotels and brands. The group currently manages properties under its three main areas of business: Murwab Hotels; The Bürgenstock Selection; and a collection of independent non-branded upscale properties.
In Qatar, Murwab signed management agreements for Saraya Corniche Hotel and City Gate Hotel in Doha, both of which are in the final stages of development and scheduled to open later this year, in addition to the opening of three more hotels by Murwab in Qatar currently under development — Grand Murwab City Center; The Avenue, a Murwab Hotel; and Simaisma, a Murwab Resort.
Going forward, Al Mulla is focused on driving Katara’s strategy of expanding its portfolio of iconic hotels. Recently, the group surpassed its target of 30 properties by 2016, two years ahead of schedule, and now the aim is for 60 properties by 2026.
Commenting on the strategy for expansion, Al Mulla states: “Our criteria for our properties are that they must be outstanding and proud iconic landmarks of the cities in which they stand. And with our 45 years of experience, rich expertise, commitment and investment, they can be elegantly and carefully restored for future generations to come.”
Top inspiration
“Both my parents encouraged my career choices at a time when even the thought of a Qatari national working in the hotel industry would be ridiculed – let alone working in the back-of-house areas.”
By the numbers
Years in current role: 4
Years in the company: 6
Number of Middle East operating hotels: 7
Number of Middle East pipeline hotels: 8
Number of Qatar hotels: 10
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