The men who died were employed to work on a new massive waterfront resort roughly 100km outside of Doha. The project includes the Hilton Beach Resort hotel and is expected to open by the end of 2019.

In a statement to Doha News, a Hilton spokesperson said the company was “saddened” to hear what happened. She added:

“We understand this fire happened off-site, however can confirm that the tourism project is a large mixed use development that is currently in the hands of the contractor, Al Ali Engineering Contracting & Trading Est.

Hilton does not manage the tourism project but will ultimately operate a hotel within this broader development. Hilton Salwa will be handed to Hilton on completion by the owning company, to operate. We have however contacted the site managers and they have advised that an investigation is underway.”

Al Ali Engineering has not yet responded to a request for comment.