Luxurious New Banana Island Resort Near Doha

Qatar-based UrbaCon Trading & Contracting, headed by Mohamed Moataz Al-Khayyat, CEO, recently completed construction of the luxurious new Banana Island Resort just off the coast of Doha.

The island resort, which opened with a grand ceremony earlier this year, offers an array of accommodations, all with an ocean view, includes a 96-room hotel, 34 two and three-bedroom poolside villas and 11 Maldives-style villas built above the water on stilts.

The resort offers traditional Qatari hospitality and extensive facilities for families and romantic getaways that include a 800-meter long private beach, a marina with 30 berths, a dive center, a lap pool, a children's pool, a full range of water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, a Balance Wellness Center, an entertainment center with a nine-hole putting golf course, a bowling alley and a VIP cinema theater. Eight dining options offer a choice of Middle Eastern, Italian and international cuisines. The crescent-shaped island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Doha or a 10-minute helicopter ride from the Doha airport.

The Banana Island resort is one of more than 120 hotels and service apartment blocks under construction in Qatar. The upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is playing a major role in this growth and development, as well as Qatar's commitment to become a regional tourism destination.

UrbaCon Trading & Contracting has been involved in several huge projects over the last few years and has become one of the most respected building contractors in Qatar. In addition to the Banana Resort, included among its projects are the Mall of Qatar, the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Convention Center, and the Lekhwiya Stadium at Al Duhail.

UrbaCon is one of 17 companies owned by Mr. Al-Khayyat. The companies include general contracting, commercial and residential developments, building materials, various trading companies, hospitals and restaurants with operations in Syria, Morocco and Qatar. After the start of the Syrian revolution in 2011, Mr. Al-Khayyat joined the Syrian opposition and because of that decision, the regime confiscated all his assets in Syria as well as his family's assets. Mr. Al-Khayyat now operates his enterprises from Qatar. He is committed to fostering and supporting humanitarian efforts in the Near East.