HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, yesterday officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Mandarin Oriental, Doha, developed and owned by Msheireb Properties (MP).
MP board member engineer Saad al-Muhannadi, acting chief commercial officer Jamal al-Kuwari, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group CEO James Riley, Mandarin Oriental, Doha, general manager Martin Schnider, and many high level officials, business leaders, and local and international guests were present.
Al-Kuwari, in his opening remarks, said: “This collaboration with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group indicates our success in winning the confidence of prestigious international companies and demonstrates our commitment to making Msheireb Downtown Doha an authentic destination for tourism, living, leisure and business in the region. Mandarin Oriental, Doha is the first hotel to open in Msheireb Downtown Doha, which is the most sustainable and smartest fully-built city district in the world.” 
The opening ceremony was a celebration of tradition which featured “ardha,” a Qatari cultural dance and a Chinese lion dance, a Chinese tradition to bring good luck and prosperity. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests were escorted on an exclusive tour to preview some of the hotel’s facilities which was followed by a reception at IZU restaurant, overlooking the majestic Barahat Msheireb, the largest covered open-air square in the Middle East. 
Mandarin Oriental, Doha will officially open to public on March 9 when the hotel will unveil its bespoke fan, an iconic symbol unique to each Mandarin Oriental hotel. To celebrate the opening, the hotel has launched a Blossoming in Doha stay package.
Mandarin Oriental, Doha is an intimate and stylish urban retreat located in the centre of Msheireb Downtown Doha, the new destination for leisure, living and business in the heart of the city. 
The hotel blends chic and contemporary design with touches of Qatari heritage, bringing new levels of luxury to Qatar. Guests can expect an inviting ambiance, exquisite décor and bespoke service, where traditional Middle Eastern charm meets Mandarin Oriental’s legendary hospitality. 
Designed by the world-renowned David Collins Studio, the hotel’s 128 rooms, 30 suites and 91 serviced apartments fuse an elegant, contemporary design with subtle elements of traditional Qatari heritage.  
The hotel’s nine dining outlets offer an inviting culinary experience, introducing unique flavours from destinations around the world, as well as focusing on classic local dishes and delicacies. 
Inspired by renowned Chef Izu Ani’s travels, the restaurant IZU showcases an interpretation of modern Mediterranean cuisine with surprising layers of flavours. Facing the Barahat Msheireb, the restaurant features three seating areas, comprising of an indoor ground and mezzanine level and an outdoor terrace. 
Mosaic has nine open kitchens offering an eclectic collection of the world’s most sought after classic dishes. Mandarin Lounge and Baraha Lounge celebrate the elegant joy of Afternoon Tea. 
Unique flavours of homemade gelato and frozen desserts await at Gelato. Three further dining outlets are scheduled to open later in 2019. These include a Chinese restaurant, serving authentic Cantonese and provincial dishes from around China. 
The Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop with a selection of hand-crafted cakes, pastries and chocolates, and Aqua a rooftop alfresco restaurant lounge, adjacent to Mosaic, which will offer guests spectacular views of Barahat Msheireb and the stunning Doha skyline. 
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Doha occupies 3,030sqm and includes two indoor pools. The Fitness & Wellness Centre includes mixed and female guest only areas, as well as three multi-purpose studios designed specifically for Pilates, Yoga, Queenax, TRX and FunXtion experience. There are two temperature-controlled rooftop pools offer views of the city and private cabanas.
The hotel’s event venues and facilities have an exclusive entrance lobby. The ballroom can seat up to 400 guests for banquets. There are seven functions rooms as well.