Hilton Worldwide Launches Waldorf Astoria in the UAE

Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement with the Al Hamra Group for the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah - the second Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in the Middle East following the 2005 opening of the Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The hotel is scheduled to open in Q4 2011, and promises to be one of the most luxurious and exclusive leisure destinations in the UAE.

The hotel, designed as a palace, will be located in the newest and most upscale area of Al Hamra, west of Ras Al Khaimah and approximately 40 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. It will be part of a mixed-use development that includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a 600-metre private beach and convention centre with capacity for 3000 people. The hotel will provide an ideal location for guests looking for a calm and secluded oasis of relaxation.

John Vanderslice, global head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands at Hilton Worldwide, commented: "The Waldorf Astoria brand is synonymous with timeless luxury and sophistication and we're delighted to announce the addition of The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah to our portfolio. Guests to the hotel can expect a truly luxurious experience, with the highest level of service and comfort, in spectacular and tranquil surroundings."

The 349-room, Arabian-themed palace hotel will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including a number of outdoor swimming pools. The hotel will also feature a 450-square-metre ballroom, as well as a varied choice of 10 restaurants and bars, of which four will offer fine dining. A bespoke spa experience has also been developed for the property. Guests will also have access to the recently opened shopping mall located within the Al Hamra development.

"The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect hotel to mark the brand's entry into the UAE and further strengthens our partnership with Ras Al Khaimah. We are looking forward to extending our brand portfolio in the UAE, with the addition of the Waldorf Astoria, and to welcoming guests to this "palace" retreat later in the year," commented Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Al Hamra Group said: "We are proud to welcome one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotel brands to Ras Al Khaimah. Al Hamra is an exciting new development in the Emirate, and we are creating a stunning oasis of luxury and tranquillity, where guests can come to relax and unwind. We now have four hotels open or under development with Hilton Worldwide and are proud to be working with them to expand the Waldorf Astoria brand to the UAE."

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah will be the second Waldorf Astoria property to open in the Middle East, reflecting the luxury brand's ongoing expansion in the region. Existing Hilton Worldwide properties in Ras Al Khaimah are the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the soon-to-open Doubletree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide's luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand's namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World's Best Workplaces list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel a day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Emma Corcoran
Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa
+971 4 365 4886
Hilton