- Agreement with wasl hospitality and leisure will see world's largest Hampton Hotel debut in Dubai -

- Hilton Garden Inn also set to arrive in Dubai's Al Garhoud -

DUBAI, UAE & McLean, VA - 22 April 2105 - Hilton Worldwide - the world's fastest growing hospitality company - and wasl hospitality and leisure, a subsidiary of wasl Asset Management Group, today announced the introduction of mid-market hotel brand Hampton by Hilton to the Middle East. 

A management agreement has been signed to open Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Qusais, which becomes the largest Hampton under development anywhere in the world. In addition, an agreement has been signed to open Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Garhoud, which joins Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqabat, both of which are expected to open this year.

"We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Hilton Worldwide. This new commitment will provide two more mid-market hotels in Dubai and help to diversify the city's hospitality landscape supporting the Government of Dubai's vision of increasing the number of affordable offerings for guests," said Mr Hesham Al Qassim, CEO, wasl Asset Management Group, parent company of wasl hospitality and leisure.

"The new agreement forms the latest in wasl's corporate expansion policy for introducing high quality mid-market hotels that will help meet the government's target of attracting 20 million visitors each year by 2020 and support its hosting of Expo 2020 through the provision of a range of cost-effective options for visitors," he added.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa for Hilton Worldwide, said, "Dubai continues to broaden its appeal as a global destination and we are delighted to announce our first Hampton by Hilton here, thanks to our partnership with wasl hospitality and leisure. In a destination of firsts and with 5.6% YOY increases* in guests checking in to Dubai hotels, we are delighted that our first Hampton by Hilton in the Middle East will be in the UAE, as the largest property for the brand under development in the world."

This latest agreement will see the opening of Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Qusais and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Garhoud in 2017, adding more than 550 guest rooms to the emirate's inventory of mid-market rooms.

Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Qusais will feature 420 guest rooms and be located conveniently for Dubai International Airport (DXB), in close proximity to Terminal 2 and the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA). The new build property, set in a business district, will offer guests the convenience of a work-zone; fitness centre; and swimming pool - with food and beverage options including a bar, living zone and breakfast area.

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Garhoud, will be located in the busy area of Al Garhoud, part of Dubai's original and historic district. The 166 guest room hotel will offer convenient access to Dubai International Airport (DXB), as well as the attractions of Deira. Hilton Garden Inn offers guests signature beddings, as well as 24-hour business centre, complimentary WIFI and the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry which provides a range of snacks, sweet treats and beverages

"This is a landmark moment in our global plans to expand Hampton with the agreement to open our first property in the Middle East, and largest property so far," said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand management, Hilton Worldwide. "We recently celebrated the opening of the brand's 2000th hotel and I am confident our award-winning combination of outstanding Hamptonality and value will prove hugely popular in the Middle East."

In recent years, Hampton by Hilton has enjoyed repeated award-winning success in recognition of the brand's unique guest offering and service style, reaching almost 200,000 guest rooms. In the Middle East, Hilton Garden Inn will make its Dubai debut this year with the opening of hotels in Al Mina and Al Muraqabat, joining Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya which is already welcoming guests and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Mall of the Emirates, which is expected to open in 2016.

*According to figures published by DTCM in March 2015.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,300 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 715,000 rooms in 94 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, flickr.com/hiltonworldwide, and linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

About wasl Asset Management Group
wasl Asset Management Group, one of the largest real estate management companies in Dubai, was established by the Dubai Real Estate Corporation (DREC) in 2008 to oversee the management of its assets and grow its real estate portfolio. Through its three subsidiaries; wasl properties, wasl hospitality & leisure and dubai golf; wasl operates in various real estate, lifestyle, leisure, hospitality, and business sectors. wasl's main objective is to strengthen Dubai's position as the premier hub to live and work in and at the same time be the ultimate destination for tourists. For further information please visit: www.wasl.ae

About wasl hospitality & leisure
wasl hospitality & leisure manages a portfolio of several hotels and over 3,300 rooms. The Dubai-based portfolio includes five hotels under the Hyatt Hotels Corporation - the award-winning Grand Hyatt Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai, Park Hyatt Dubai, Hyatt Place and the recently launched Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights; and five under Starwood Hotels and Resorts including Le Méridien Dubai, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Le Méridien Fairway and Le Royal Club in addition to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and the Westin Dubai Beach Resort & Marina. 

wasl hospitality & leisure also owns the Novo Cineplex movie theatre complex located adjacent to the Grand Hyatt in Dubai and acts as the Owner's representative to oversee the management of Dusit Thani Dubai hotel. 

© Press Release 2015