Abu Dhabi Investment House appoints Yousef Darwish as General Manager of Qatar Entertainment City

Total cost of the project is $3bn.

In his capacity as General Manager, Mr. Darwish, will be responsible for the operational aspects of QEC, as well as, the strategic planning, business development and ensuring deadlines are met for the completion.

With over 11 years of experience in the leisure and hospitality industry, Mr. Darwish played a significant role with Qatar National Hotel Company (QNHC), where he held the position of general manager of Merweb Grand Hotel (prior to the official opening) where he was responsible for upgrading the hotel classifications, creating policies and procedures, and undertaking marketing activities and initiatives.

In addition, Mr. Darwish played a vital role in the development and success of other land mark projects in Qatar that also belong to QNHC such as the Movenpick Doha Hotel and the Doha Golf Club bringing to QEC his hands-on knowledge and expertise in the industry.

Commenting on his new appointment, Mr. Darwish said, "I am pleased to work with ADIH in managing this unprecedented project which combines elements of luxury living, fine dining and family entertainment. This project will without doubt add to the global leisure industry and will aim to become the number one destination for families in Qatar and the Middle East."

The QEC concept was launched by ADIH in 2006. The development covers an area of one million square meters and is situated on a waterfront in the heart of Lusail development area with top brands, beach restaurants, cafes as well as luxury residences and entertainment zones.

QEC is the first of the "Entertainment City" project-chain where India Entertainment City is currently on offer to investors and subsequently will be followed by the same in China, North Africa and in countries that research proves great potential for such projects.

Rashad Janahi, ADIH Managing Director, Chairman QEC, said, "We are happy to welcome Mr. Darwish to our team as we strive to have the best professional expertise in the field. This definitely will add value and assist in achieving ADIH goals and strategies."

Earlier this year ADIH announced the appointment of its Entertainment City Advisory Board consisting of global leaders of the entertainment industry to provide consultation on the Entertainment Cluster within the project. The Board consists of: Six Flags, Sony BMG, AEG, Nokia, Coca-Cola, Starcut, Red Zone Capital, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum, Vertex Productions, InterSport, Global Entertainment, Columbia Pictures and the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program.