HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday opened Shangri-La Hotel Doha, a 50-storey property located in the commercial district of West Bay.
A life-sized portrait of HH the Emir and HH the Father Emir was also unveiled on the occasion.
After the opening ceremony,  the prime minister toured the hotel and examined the conference halls and other hotel facilities.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman, Al Faisal Holding and its international hotel investment subsidiary ARTIC, the hotel’s owner,  expressed his “excitement” at the opening of the hotel.
Sheikh Faisal said: “We are honoured by the presence of HE the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior today and appreciate the government’s continuing support for the private sector in Qatar and the further development and diversification of Qatar’s income resources.  ARTIC is committed to excellence in all of its projects and we have ensured that Shangri-La Doha Hotel meets the exacting international standards of the
Shangri-La brand.  
“Our commitment to this project reflects our belief in the importance of investing in the hospitality sector as one of key drivers of the diversification of Qatar’s economy beyond hydrocarbons in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Contributing to this goal, ARTIC continues to establish its reputation as a leading international hotel investment company and partner of choice for the world’s preeminent hotel management brands through the ongoing expansion of its portfolio of iconic luxury hotels in prime city locations in Qatar and around the world.
“Adding the Shangri-La Hotel Doha to our portfolio is a strong endorsement of our position in this industry and will, I am sure, enrich the hospitality experience in Qatar. I look forward to further co-operation with the distinguished Shangri-La brand.”
The hotel, designed to resemble a falcon’s head in recognition of Qatari falconry is adorned with museum-quality art pieces which are on loan from the Sheikh Faisal Collection.  
Strategically located close to the business and diplomatic areas, Shangri-La Hotel, Doha offers a direct link to the City Center Mall and is only five minutes from the waterfront promenade.
It has 272 guestrooms and suites and 42 serviced apartments.  
Taking advantage of the 360-degree panoramic vista of the skyline and the glistening Arabian Gulf is the Horizon Club Lounge.