Thailand-based hospitality group Dusit International will open a hotel in West Bay, Doha, Qatar later this year. The property will be the first Dusit-branded property in Qatar and the company's sixth in the Middle East.

The launch is part of the group's 'year of expansion'. Openings in 2013 include two dusitD2-branded properties in Nairobi, Kenya and Khao Yai, Thailand, as well as a Dusit Thani hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Other developments announced this year include ones in Singapore and Dubai while in January 2013 the company announced a joint venture agreement with a Chinese partner which will see a minimum of 10 hotels developed over the next five years.

Andrew Shaw, Dusit International's director of development for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said: "Qatar offers enormous potential and is a significant market for us.

"This is an exceptional property which fits well into Dusit's portfolio. The property will set new standards in terms of product quality and levels of service within the vicinity, and it's positioned to meet the exacting requirements of today?s corporate and leisure traveller."

Facilities and services at the Doha property are to be confirmed, but will include a spa and a fitness club.