In response to the mounting criticism of Qatar’s ability to host the 2022 World Cup, the “tiny Gulf Arab state” is considering developing floating hotels, luxury villas and a water park off the coast of Doha called Oryx Island to house the influx of visitors that will need accommodation during the games.
As stated by the WSJ, the island would be developed by Barwa Real Estate Co, a local firm partly-owned by the government, at a cost of $5.5 million.
The concept of the floating hotel can be developed as a space-saving, energy-efficient structure that will provide off-shore hospitality. In addition to amenities featured at hotels constructed on land, the floating hotels of Oryx Island are proposing to provide electrical vehicles, water taxis, ferries and private boats to transport its 25,000 visitors to the mainland. The hotel will have an independent sewage treatment plant, power generation and recycling possibilities, freeing it from the limitations of the infrastructure in the surrounding area.
The project is slated for completion in seven to eight years, well within the time frame for the upcoming Qatar 2022 World Cup. The development is expected to expand the country’s GDP and provide economic growth for years ahead.
Stay tuned as we hear more about this project.