The General Manager of La Cigale Hotel reflects on legacy and the responsibility of guiding one of Doha’s landmark hotel developments.

You’ve worked across various international destinations, from Dubai to Beijing. Which has been your favourite and what attracted you to Qatar?
Whilst each destination is unique and brings its own opportunities and challenges, working in Asia has definitely had a tremendous positive impact, shaping the early part of my hospitality career.
The hospitality landscape in both the GCC and Asia is remarkably similar in a few distinct ways, with both regions being extremely competitive environments where guests tend to seek elevated luxury brands, meaningful experiences and consistently high service standards.
Moving to Qatar in late 2020 was somewhat of a professional dream come true, as I had the chance of leading the pre-opening of Banyan Tree Doha. Part of Doha Oasis, it remains a benchmark in Qatar’s upper luxury market.
As you know, hospitality never sleeps — and Doha is a city that continues to evolve rapidly. Very soon after, I was entrusted by the owning company with a new project, and that momentum is what attracted me to Qatar.

At La Cigale, you’re repositioning the property and overseeing a major transformation of the facilities. Can you tell us what future guests can expect and the timescale?
La Cigale is a legacy hotel that has been at the heart of the luxury hospitality market in Qatar from the very beginning. The experiences it introduced onto the market continue to shape guest expectations until today.
The first Arabic sweets and chocolates crafted in a five-star hotel in Qatar were created here. Meant to be shared, savoured and remembered, it was our way of leaving a lasting memory of Qatari hospitality in the eyes of travellers from all over the world.
Our vision is to bring this outstanding legacy into the future as a branded property. An evolution that is honouring the past while embracing a new era of refinement and elegance. What began as a landmark of Doha will continue as a destination where stories are written and new memories are made, with each guest welcomed as part of an enduring legacy.

Qatar’s hospitality market is facing significant challenges at the moment, how are you addressing these and what do you see as the future of the sector both locally in Qatar and across the region?
In accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030, the country is evolving into a destination that travellers from around the world aspire to experience.
Qatar is successfully attracting visitors for leisure, business, exhibitions and cultural discovery. Government-backed tourism initiatives and investment, alongside improving regional connectivity, will grow and strengthen the destination’s appeal.
At La Cigale, we are preparing for a future where guest expectations continue to rise by enhancing our facilities, refining the guest journey and strengthening the overall experience we deliver. Alongside a distinguished hotel experience, we will soon reveal a collection of private residences designed for longer stays. High-end, fully furnished residences located at the very top of the hotel, offering privacy and a lifestyle-led stay in the heart of Doha.

What three things would you recommend every visitor to Qatar to see or try?
Welcoming guests at La Cigale gives them the perfect opportunity to explore some of Doha’s most iconic landmarks. From Souq Waqif and Msheireb to Katara Cultural Village, along with some of the region’s most beautiful museums.
For a deeper glimpse into Qatar’s heritage and natural beauty, I would recommend Al Zubarah Fort, the East–West/West–East sculpture, Umm Bab and the Inland Sea.

On a more personal note, what’s on your travel bucket list and what three things do you always take with you when you’re travelling?
Whilst Asia is still very much in my heart, at present, high on my travel bucket list is Iceland.
It is a destination that has recently attracted me due to its uniqueness, gorgeous landscape and food.
Every time I travel, I always take with me, a self-development book, my trainers to go for a walk and my laptop.✤