Qatar-based UrbaCon Trading & Contracting said it has completed the construction of its new luxurious Banana Island resort just off the coast of capital Doha.

It is one of more than 120 hotels and service apartment blocks under construction in Qatar, said a statement from UrbaCon.

The island resort, which opened with a grand ceremony earlier this year, offers an array of accommodation choices, all with an sea view, includes a 96-room hotel, 34 two and three-bedroom poolside villas and 11 Maldives-style villas built above the water on stilts.

The upcoming Fifa World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is playing a major role in this growth and development, as well as Qatar's commitment to become a regional tourism destination, said Mohamed Moataz Al Khayyat, the chief executive of UrbaCon Trading.

UrbaCon Trading & Contracting has been involved in several huge projects over the last few years and has become one of the most respected building contractors in Qatar, stated Al Khayyat.

In addition to the Banana Resort, included among its projects are the Mall of Qatar, the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Convention Centre, and the Lekhwiya Stadium at Al Duhail, he added.

The Banana Island resort will offer traditional Qatari hospitality and extensive facilities for families and romantic getaways that include a 800-m-long private beach, a marina with 30 berths, a dive centre, a lap pool, a children's pool, a full range of water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, a Balance wellness centre, an entertainment centre with a nine-hole putting golf course, a bowling alley and a VIP cinema theatre.

Eight dining options offer a choice of Middle Eastern, Italian and international cuisines. The crescent-shaped island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Doha or a 10-minute helicopter ride from the Doha airport.

UrbaCon is one of 17 companies owned by Al Khayyat. The other include general contracting, commercial and residential developments, building materials, various trading companies, hospitals and restaurants with operations in Syria, Morocco and Qatar.-TradeArabia News Service