Ras Al Khaimah, May 31,2007(WAM)-- The Government of RasAl Khaimah today signed a contract with Construction Technology Contracting(CTC) for setting up of the 325- room Hilton Beach Hotel at the picturesquewaterfront location at Al Marid in Ras Al Khaimah involving a total costof AED 300 million.

The construction contract was signed by Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi,Chairman of RAK Finance Department and RAK Free Trade Zone and WaddahBassmaji, CEO of CTC in the presence of Jihad Quzmar, Legal Advisor, Governmentof Ras Al Khaimah and Mohab Ghali, General Manager of Hilton Ras Al Khaimahand and Mohammed Jameel, Manager of Arab Bank, Ras Al Khaimah, which isthe project financier.

The new Hilton Beach Hotel is part of the ambitious expansion plans ofthe Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, set on a one- kilometre stretchof white sandy beach with exquisite sea and mountain views.

Speaking after the signing in ceremony, Sheikh Faisal said that the HiltonBeach Hotel would boost Ras Al Khaimah's rapid transformation into aninternationally renowned getaway destination. He said that the new hotelwould add to the existing facilities at the RAK Hilton Beach Club andwould make it an favoured resort destination.

"The project would set new benchmarks in terms of design, quality andluxury and would turn out to be a remarkable resort with a one- kilometrelong private beach front, which is very unique in UAE," Sheikh Faisaladded.

The five- star hotel, overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches inthe region, would have tastefully furnished 325 rooms including Presidentialand Deluxe suits and a range of fine restaurants offering unique diningexperiences apart from a variety of leisure and wellness facilities.

The hotel, set in a lush fully landscaped environment, will ensure anidyllic holiday destination with all rooms having balconies overlookingthe Arabian sea. The design of the hotel seamlessly integrates with thecurved beachfront location and boasts an unmistakable architectural themewhich involves a fusion of Islamic, Moorish and local vernacular architecture.

The building, resembling an Arabian fortress, would have a overall massingof low rise structures which step back as the height increases, ensuringthat all guests enjoy the magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf.

The hotel would mark the second phase in the development of Hilton RasAl Khaimah Resort and Spa which already has 151 chalets and a recentlyopened 2,000 square metre sea- facing spa complete with nine treatmentrooms, hear dressing salon, sauna, Jacuzzi and a variety of baths.

Other on- site facilities at the resort will include four free- form,temperature controlled swimming pools, water sports facilities, fullyequipped gym and health club, business centre and shopping arcade.

Waddah Bassmaji said that CTC was delighted to partner with the Governmentof Ras Al Khaimah in the development of the landmark hotel project. Hesaid that the project would be completed within 17 months.

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is Hilton's second property in RAKand compliments the existing Hilton property, the 227- room Hilton RasAl Khaimah and Beach Club.

Atkins is the consultant for the project and the new hotel will be managedby Hilton International.

The signing ceremony was attended by Tim Asque, Regional Managing Directorof Atkins, and Nassib Al Sibassi, Resident Director of Atkins Middle East.