Hilton to Introduce Two New Brands to Kuwait at The Avenues Mall

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait and MCLEAN, Va. -- Hilton and Al-Rai Real Estate Co - owned by Mabanee Co - announced plans today which will see Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's smart luxury hotel brand, and midscale Hilton Garden Inn open their doors to guests in early 2019. The development forms part of an ambitious expansion project which will see almost $1billion devoted towards solidifying the position of The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City as one of the world's top retail destinations.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East, Africa & Turkey for Hilton Worldwide, said: "We're delighted to be working with Al-Rai as part of the fourth phase expansion of The Avenues. With its number of shopping outlets set to increase by nearly 50%, demand for accommodation at a site which already attracts millions of visitors every year is set to increase substantially. Our Conrad and Hilton Garden Inn brands will enable us to cater for guests seeking either smart luxury or affordable accommodations during their stay."

Both hotels will be managed by Hilton Worldwide and will be located on opposite sides of the mall. The complex itself is located off Kuwait's fifth ring road (now named Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Road) allowing ease of access to junctions connecting to both Kuwait International Airport and Kuwait City.

Mr. Mohammad Alshaya, chairman, Mabanee said: "In planning the fourth phase of the expansion of this immense project, one of the most exciting additions, we are making is to provide the ability for visitors to make their stays easier by staying inside Avenues itself."

He added: "Having hotels as part of The Avenues development will enhance the quality of the experience and the service we provide to our visitors. This will in turn support internal tourism and also place Kuwait on the regional tourism map. We have seen increasing numbers of visitors from abroad, in particular from the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and this is a strong indication of the revival of tourism in the country."

Mr. Waleed Alsharian, chief executive officer, Mabanee said: "We believe Hilton is the ideal partner to provide accommodation to match the expectations of our luxury shoppers while also providing more affordable alternative as we continue to diversify our retail and entertainment offering."

Conrad Kuwait

This 158-guestroom luxury property will form part of the extension of the Mall's popular 'Prestige' district, which opened in 2012. The district forms Kuwait's largest luxury shopping destination, home to 47 luxury retail units under a 23 metre dome. The hotel will feature a ballroom, multiple dining options, and an outdoor pool and spa. The hotel's design concept will complement the Prestige district's use of copper and rare 'Portoro' stone, imported from the mountains of Italy.

Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait

Adjoining two of the new districts being created under the fourth phase expansion, Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait will become the brand's largest hotel in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Boasting 430 guestrooms in an imposing tower structure at the Northern end of the Mall, the main entrance of the property will be located in 'The Forum' which will provide a central meeting point within the mall. The property will also border the new 'Electra' district set to create a vibrant international atmosphere inspired by the bright lights and high technology of cities such as Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton Worldwide, said: "The Avenues is a truly world-class destination and a fitting home to two of our world-class brands. Both have celebrated landmark openings in the Middle East this year, with Conrad becoming our first luxury brand to welcome guests to Makkah, while Hilton Garden Inn has debuted at another of the region's flagship retail spaces, Dubai's Mall of the Emirates. We look forward to adding Kuwait to both portfolios."

Both properties will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,700 hotels worldwide.

Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at www.conradhotels.com. Media can access renderings of Conrad Kuwait and additional property information at news.conradhotels.com/kuwait.

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.

Huw Harrow
Hilton Worldwide - EMEA
Hilton