A hotel designed in the shape of two massive swords

In Qatar, where even the subway has a business class section and Friday brunches are fiercely competitive, extravagance is just the standard.

For a new hotel to truly stand out here, its architects must create something extraordinary—like spending five years building a structure that mirrors the national emblem of the country.

The latest addition to Doha's skyline, Katara Towers, features two luxury hotel brands, Fairmont and Raffles. Divided within a 300,000 square meter structure, the design mimics the shape of crossed Qatari scimitars.

Nestled along the azure waters of the Persian Gulf, these twin hotels exude luxury in their own unique ways.

On the left

The Raffles, an all-suite hotel occupying the left wing of the building, draws inspiration from the world of fine arts. In the lobby, a grand white piano sits beneath a ceiling projection of a swirling 42-meter (137-foot) kaleidoscope, its light dancing across the space.

Guests can enjoy a private cinema featuring plush red velvet seating and gourmet snacks created by the hotel's chefs. The rooftop bar, Acoustic, offers live performances and a crystal-encrusted bar designed to evoke the shape of a whiskey tumbler.

The pinnacle of luxury is the Raffles Suite, which spans two floors and boasts a private swimming pool, an internal elevator, a dedicated hair salon, and even a hammam.

Blue Cigar, a cocktail and cigar lounge with dark, moody blue decor and towering bookshelves, evokes the feel of a Bond villain's lair.

The towering bookshelves aren’t just for show. As a cigar sommelier selects the perfect cigar or a server delivers sliders on blue-tinted buns, guests are asked for the name of their favorite author.

Within an hour, a staff member is likely to return with a rare book by that author. To build its extraordinary library, rare-book experts were sent around the world to find these treasures.

Among the standout pieces in the collection are a first edition of “Moby Dick” and the earliest known English version of Homer’s “The Odyssey” ever printed.

Guests are provided with gloves and a magnifying glass to explore the pages themselves, or they can ask a staff member to read a particular passage aloud.

Angela Moore, who handles international PR and communications for Qatar’s tourism board, recently visited Katara Towers as a guest.

“I visit many hotels for my work,” she remarked. “Many believe a nice room with a beautiful view is enough, but what Fairmont and Raffles offer here goes beyond mere luxury. Every detail of each property is awe-inspiring and tailored to the individual guest.”

On the right

So, how does a guest decide which side of the building to book their stay?

Christian Hirt, the managing director for both hotels, explains that each property attracts its own distinct type of guest.

When asked to distinguish between the two, he states: “Raffles guests are sophisticated travelers seeking new, unique cultural experiences. Fairmont guests are seasoned travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture and destination, with couples and families eager to enjoy both the property and the lively surroundings.”

The Fairmont’s vibrant atmosphere is immediately felt upon entry.

The walls are adorned with 18-karat gold squares, while the world’s largest chandelier, towering at 56 meters (183 feet), casts a radiant glow of pearlescent gold.

The Fairmont’s design takes inspiration from another symbol of luxury – yachts.

The rooms exude elegance with soft white and blue hues, with east-facing rooms offering views of the Persian Gulf. The beds are framed by curved white velvet headboards, evoking the shape of one of Qatar's most iconic symbols – the pearl.

The nautical theme subtly persists throughout, with sculptures of seashells, bedside lamps inspired by hurricane lanterns, and art books showcasing stunning ocean photography from around the world.

The room also features tables and intricate details inlaid with vibrant tiles, a nod to classic Islamic design – a visit to Doha's I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art will offer deeper insight into this tradition.

At the elegant 33rd-floor bar, Provok, blue and white glass elements create a light, airy atmosphere, enhancing the natural desert sunlight that floods the space.

Falconry is a beloved tradition in the Middle East, with Doha's local souk even boasting a dedicated wing (pun intended) for these majestic birds, often associated with the luxurious lifestyles of Qatar’s elite.

It seems only fitting that two of the Fairmont’s most exclusive suites – the Peregrine and the Lanner – are named after revered falcon species.

Service at both hotels is refined and unobtrusive. The front desk staff and concierges wear custom-made suits and dresses from the aptly named British brand No Uniform, which also designs uniforms for prestigious hotels like Claridge’s in London.

Female employees at the Fairmont wear long-sleeved dresses adorned with colorful floral patterns, while the Raffles bellhops and doormen are impeccably dressed in sharp three-piece suits and top hats.

A destination on the rise

Katara Towers stands as one of the key architectural landmarks in Lusail, Qatar’s second-largest city, which was constructed on reclaimed land along the edge of the Persian Gulf.

It is located approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) north of Doha, the capital, and just 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of the Katara Cultural Village.

The area is home to Lusail Stadium, a key venue during the World Cup in November and December of the previous year. It hosted major events, including the final match between France and the eventual champions, Argentina, as well as the Formula One circuit that staged the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix.

The Fairmont and Raffles hotels officially opened their doors to the public in January 2023.

However, prior to their official opening, the hotels were used during the World Cup by FIFA officials and, according to rumors, members of the Qatari royal family.

The crossed scimitars, a prominent feature of Qatar’s national emblem, were reintroduced in an updated version by the government last fall, which conveniently coincided with the completion of the building’s construction.

The iconic double-sword design is a common symbol across Qatar, appearing on everything from coffee cups to jewelry. However, this marks the first time the design has been incorporated into the architecture of a building.