Friday, Nov 27, 2009
Gulf News
Dubai Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with the Hamad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Mousa Trading Group to launch the first Hilton Doubletree in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
The 304-room new Doubletree by Hilton, Al Khobar will be located in the kingdom's Eastern Province and is set to open in late 2012. The latest deal reinforces additional Doubletree by Hilton hotel openings already scheduled for Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania this year and Ras Al Khaimah in mid-2010.
"The Eastern Province is the industrial heart of the kingdom's oil and petrochemical industries, resulting in ever-increasing business opportunities and an exponential growth in the number of international and regional visitors.
"Domestic tourism is also on the rise. As a result, hotel accommodations are in great demand.
"Given that Saudi Arabia is a key development market for us, we are delighted to have signed this management agreement with Hamad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Mousa Trading Group to further the growth of the Doubletree by Hilton brand in this region," Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa, said.
Design wise
With a fast-growing network that spans more than 200 locations around the world, Doubletree by Hilton will introduce business travellers in Saudi Arabia to the brand's long-standing tradition of distinctively designed hotels that reflect the destination and surrounding area.
The hotel will occupy a prime position near the King Fahd Causeway, which is the main artery linking Saudi Arabia with Bahrain, and furthermore with Qatar, once the Qatar-Bahrain causeway is completed in 2014.
The Doubletree by Hilton location within the Shobily high rise development ensures the property will be in the heart of the commercial and residential districts, and in close proximity to King Fahd International Airport, downtown Al Khobar, and other recreational areas including one of the region's largest shopping malls, Shobily Grand Mall and a seven kilometre stretch of beach front.
Specialities
Doubletree by Hilton, Al Khobar will feature 244 guest rooms and 60 suites, as well as four food and beverage outlets including all-day dining and speciality restaurants, a lobby lounge and a juice and snack bar.
Banquet and meetings facilities include a large ballroom, two board rooms, as well as a business centre. The health club will have separate gyms for men and women, whilst the swimming pool will cater to families only.
"Our business so far is focused on the real-estate sector. This signing marks our entry into the hospitality segment," Hamad Bin Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Al Mousa, Chairman of the Hamad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Mousa Trading Group, said.
Staff Report
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
