20 October 2011
DUBAI: Hilton Worldwide has partnered with the Al-Habtoor Group to convert two hotels in Beirut to the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and to develop the very first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Dubai, UAE.
The agreement will see Hilton Worldwide enter Lebanon by converting the 195-room Habtoor Grand and the 183-room Metropolitan Palace to the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace.
Both hotels are located in the heart of Beirut and are expected to open in early 2012.
“Beirut is one of the liveliest cities in the world and a leading gateway destination between the East and West.
We have been looking forward to entering Lebanon and are very pleased that we are able to do so with this calibre of properties,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide.
“Equally, Waldorf Astoria’s heritage and prestige is a perfect fit for Dubai and it is exactly the right time for this luxury brand to join the expanding number of properties we have planned in the UAE.
Today’s announcement amply demonstrates our ongoing commitment to growing in the Middle East and consolidates our position as a leading hospitality provider in the region.”
Khalaf al-Habtoor, chairman and founder of Al-Habtoor Group said: “Hilton Worldwide and Al-Habtoor Group are two of Dubai’s biggest corporate names, and our capabilities as hotel developers combine perfectly with Hilton Worldwide’s expertise as hotel operators.
They were our partner of choice to help re-establish the two Beirut hotels and we are particularly thrilled to be part of the team launching the legendary Waldorf Astoria name in Dubai.”
Copyright The Daily Star 2011.
