Qatar’s Al Sawari pens hotel deals near India’s Taj Mahal

Qatar’s Al Sawari Holding has signed management agreements with two hospitality companies for hotels at a site 1km from India’s Taj Mahal

The announcement coincides with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Nardendra Modi to Qatar this week.

For the deal, Al Sawari will purchase a six-acre site from India’s Leela Group in the city of Agra with the intention of developing a hotel complex.

It has also entered into management deals with Leela Group and Aina Hotels and Resorts to operate one 100-room and one 150-room hotel at the site respectively.

“We are confident that Al Sawari Holding’s foray into the Indian hospitality industry will further enhance the economic and culture relations between the two countries,” said Al Sawari chairman Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani.

The two hotels will offer restaurants and lounges, banquet halls, health centres and spas. They will cater to upmarket leisure tourists and the MICE segment.

“These agreements are the first of many that we as a group plan to enter into in India. We firmly believe in the potential of the Indian market and will continue to seek growth opportunities to create value and expand our portfolio in India,” said Al Sawari managing director Mohammed Shafiek.

Construction is expected to be completed within three years.