Frasers Hospitality Group, the hospitality arm of real estate company Frasers Centrepoint, is expanding its global presence with eight new properties in the Middle East and Africa.

The new properties will increase Frasers Hospitality's global footprint to more than 1,500 units across both regions, the company said in a statement yesterday.

Fraser Suites West Bay, Doha, is the first of the eight properties to open, making it the group's second operating property in Qatar and the fifth in the Middle East. The 396-unit property is aimed at both long- and short- term-stay executives as well as families relocating to Doha.

The firm will also enter the Saudi Arabian market for the first time with properties in Jeddah, Khobar and Riyadh. Meanwhile, openings in Nigeria and the Republic of Congo will mark its first entry into Africa. "The Middle East and Africa are significant growth markets in our global expansion plans," said chief executive Choe Peng Sum. "As the regions continue to emerge as business hubs, our properties in key cities will be well positioned to cater to the needs of travellers."

Frasers Hospitality's global portfolio, including those in the pipeline, stands at 140 properties in more than 80 cities.