Qatar: Place Vendôme aims to dazzle region

By

Jean-Paul Leroy

Published
Dec 29, 2014

In the Middle East, it’s not only Dubai that dreams of being and indeed is a major tourist destination... There’s also Qatar. The country’s ambitions are embodied in the national development strategy “Qatar National Vision 2030'. It’s in this framework that the Place Vendôme project was born.

At the heart of the project: United Developers, a group of four Qatari investors who are combining their expertise in distribution, real estate, construction and project management. One of the partners has already created several shopping centers in Qatar, including Villagio, which borrows inspiration from Italy. "The development will be a groundbreaking example of the entrepreneurship, vision and energy of Qatari commitment to the nation’s development,” according to the investors.

But why “Place Vendôme”? The name obviously evokes Parisian luxury and makes sense for the Gulf region. But it would be reductive to say that Place Vendome is simply a kind of luxury shopping center that features well-known brands. The project also aims to develop the next generation of shopping locales, with an added emphasis on restaurants and entertainment. And the investment that has been put on the table? 1.25 billion dollars! 

Having begun on March 17, 2014 with a planned opening in the third quarter of 2017, the project is on track to begin construction of its foundations. The 8.6 million-ft2 complex will house two luxury five-star hotels, serviced apartments, a shopping center housing 400 or so brands (from a super store to luxury boutiques) as well as a central entertainment amphitheater. 

Among the many sections of the shopping center, a luxury space will be reserved for flagship stores from some of the worlds’ biggest brands. “Not all brands have a presence in Qatar,” said Carol Sabbagha, marketing director of the project. “Chanel isn’t. Michael Kors has only just opened at the airport." 

Additionally, a canal leading to the sea will cross the Place Vendôme complex and will be lined with cafés and restaurants.

The complex will be located in Lusail, a future Qatari city that is home to the stadium that will host the opening match and the finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. 

As the complex is being built at the same time as the city’s infrastructure, Place Vendôme will be served by brand new roads and public transportation, as well as parks and marinas to be ready by the time of opening.