Conference and event organisers are constantly on the lookout for unique and multidimensional destinations in which to host their functions. Qatar’s Aspire Zone provides one of the most fascinating examples of such facilities, with its impressive features earning it the title of Business Destinations’ Best Meetings and Conference Centre, Middle East, 2012. It’s not hard to see why this spectacular location makes such a huge impact on those that attend its many, varied events.
A sporting host
Located in Doha, the capital of Qatar, Aspire Zone is an international sports and entertainment destination with a vision to be recognised as a global leader in sports excellence. It offers world-class infrastructure, boasts international-standard services and hosts wide-ranging sports events.
Yet Aspire Zone is not only a hub for international sports; it has also proved attractive to a spectrum of other conference and event organisers. Cirque Du Soleil made use of the Aspire Dome to perform its signature show Saltimbanco to a sold-out audience, the International Centre for Safety and Security held its inaugural conference there, while the United Nations Office for Sport and Development for Peace puts on an annual event at Aspire Zone to develop future leaders.
The Aspire Dome, which sits at the heart of the precinct, is an incredible multi-purpose facility that can simultaneously accommodate up to 13 separate or integrated activities. Its flexibility was demonstrated when it hosted the Middle East’s leading sports business congress – the third ASPIRE4SPORT Congress and Exhibition – in November 2012.
ASPIRE4SPORT concurrently holds a range of sport clinics for children in multi-purpose halls, and networking seminars in the vast array of meeting rooms. Due to the versatility of the dome, all of this can happen under one roof.
Technological innovation
Aspire Zone is at the forefront of technology in order to enhance the event experience.
Combining all facets of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industries, Aspire Zone has developed its own venue and event management system that seamlessly integrates a catalogue of functional areas including facility bookings, accreditation, volunteer management, security and catering.
The technological developments made by Aspire Zone have improved the experience of both the event organiser itself and its customers, and are now being marketed to other international venues.
Events within Aspire Zone are managed through Aspire Logistics, a member-organisation of Aspire Zone Foundation. Aspire Logistics has become well known for its optimal venue operations and services. These include event planning and venue management – giving clients detailed insight into the layout and facilities of a venue, as well as the services and logistics best suited to their specific event.
Aspire Logistics’ catering and hospitality facility provides guests with the highest service deliverables at events, ranging from the provision of concession stands and kiosks, to royal banquets for more than 1,000 attendees.
The logistics and equipment services include high-quality event furniture, crowd control apparatus and a large fleet of club cars, while its landscape department can provide stunning, international-standard playing fields. Aspire Logistics’ efforts were recognised in 2010 when the company received three international certificates in facilities management.
Hotels galore
Adding to the appeal of Aspire Zone as an international business and event destination, the precinct is home to two hotels – the Torch Doha Hotel and the Grand Heritage Doha
Hotel and Spa.
The iconic Torch Hotel is the tallest building in Qatar and boasts five-star luxury views and facilities. Standing at 300 metres, and with 360 degree panoramic views across Doha, the structure was designed to embody the spirit of the torch used to light the cauldron of the 2006 Asian Games. It features 167 rooms and suites, three signature restaurants, a breathtaking revolving restaurant 240 metres above ground, four levels of health club, each with a cantilevered swimming pool, fitness facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, a business centre, as well as walkway access to Doha’s largest shopping mall, Villaggio.
A short walk from the shopping mall, the Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa displays a magnificent Victorian façade, providing a taster of the opulence running through the building’s interior. Charming tearooms and a multitude of wellness facilities ensure a stay there will always be a pleasure.
Facilities and amenities
Aspire Zone offers guests a range of features including:
– Indoor football pitch with 5,500 seats
– Indoor athletics track
– 1,200 seat amphitheatre with LED screens and audio, translation and broadcast facilities
– Offices, function rooms, VIP corporate suites, club cars
– Adjacent hotels, including the five-star Torch Doha Hotel and Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa
– Catering service offering banquets for thousands of guests
– Extensive IT and media electronics services
– Integrated security, protocol and parking
– Medical support from Aspetar hospital
Further information: www.aspirezone.qa
