Source: Hilton
Hilton Hotels & Resorts®

Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement with the Hospitality Division of the Mohammad Omar Bin Haider Holding Group to open Hilton Dubai World Central (DWC), an upscale 535 guest-room hotel in the heart of DWC - the 145 square kilometre master planned urban development centered on Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport.

"With Hilton Worldwide's multi-brand vision for Dubai and a 50-year legacy of outstanding hospitality in the region we are delighted to be once again at the forefront of the industry, with the addition of our flagship Hilton brand in DWC," said Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa for Hilton Worldwide. "Across the Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide expects to open an average of one hotel per month over the course of the next few years and plans to more than double our portfolio here in Dubai."

Anticipated to open in early 2019, Hilton Dubai World Central will be well placed for guests who want to stay in close proximity to the main passenger entrance to the Al Maktoum International Airport which, since opening to passenger traffic in 2013, is expected to develop its position to become a leading global hub for aviation in the Middle East. The hotel will also be located close to the venue of Dubai Expo 2020, a focal point for Dubai's tourism objective of reaching 20 million visitors per year.

"We are very pleased to have signed our first agreement with Hilton Worldwide. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is known for setting the highest standards in hospitality and our partnership will ensure that we establish a world-class hotel at DWC," said Dave Cockburn, group general manager, Hospitality Division of the Mohammad Omar Bin Haider Hospitality Holding Group.

The upscale Hilton Dubai World Central will feature seven floors, with a large multifunctional ballroom, eight meeting rooms and six board rooms. A village of F&B options, as well as a separate all-day dining restaurant will mean that food will be a central part of the guest offering. Leisure facilities will include a spa and wellness centre, fitness centre and two swimming pools.

Mohammed Al Awadhi, Vice President - Real Estate, Dubai World Central, said, "This partnership feeds into DWC's wider vision to develop a robust hospitality offering that supports Dubai's ambition to become a global tourism hub and welcome 20 million tourists into the emirate by 2020. Our focus is to provide our partners the necessary infrastructure and facilities that guarantee connectivity and ease of access so they, in turn, can provide their customers with a unique experience.

"We anticipate considerable demand for hotel accommodation not only from passenger flows at the Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020, but also from business travelers associated with the wider DWC community. We are, therefore, looking at a diverse offering that would serve the varied and changing needs of every kind of traveller."

Travellers will benefit from easy connection to Dubai's main highway, the Sheikh Zayed Road, allowing for fast access to attractions such as Dubai Marina; Dubai Palm Jumeirah; Downtown Dubai; and the commercial, business and trade hubs of the emirate. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is also easily reached by highway.

Rob Palleschi, global head of full service brands for Hilton Worldwide, commented, "Dubai is a hub for world travel and trade, and we are delighted to be further expanding our Hilton presence here. Across the world we occupy some of the best city and airport locations, constantly innovating in our mission to offer our guests the very best in hospitality - from service, to digital check-in and room selection - making travel easier and more comfortable."

A brand with a 96-year legacy of innovation in hospitality, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has more than 550 hotels in its portfolio in 82 countries and territories, including 50 hotels operating in the Middle East and Africa. Hilton Worldwide currently has 70 hotels operating across the Middle East and Africa, with more than 90 hotels currently under development.

Most recent announcements include the arrival of mid-market Hampton by Hilton to Dubai, as well as the anticipated openings of the first two Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the UAE, Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqabat. Hilton Hotels & Resorts opened its first UAE hotel in Al Ain, and is now present in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah.