H.H Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi and Hilton Worldwide President & CEO Christopher J. Nassetta, inaugurates 475-room Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
MCLEAN, Virginia & Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - October 15, 2009: Hilton Worldwide's second Hilton hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, the 475-room Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa was officially opened yesterday by H.H Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and RAK Free Trade Zone, and Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide.
"We are delighted to officially unveil Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa. The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is a key emerging destination, and one where we have a strong presence with our current portfolio and signed pipeline. We are the first globally branded hotel chain to have entered Ras Al Khaimah," said Nassetta who is on a tour of the Middle East.
Overlooking the Arabian Sea and situated in the shadow of the spectacular Hajar mountains, the resort features 324 guest rooms and 151 luxurious villas designed in classic Arabesque style. Coloured by earthy hues and decorated with an array of traditional lanterns, the resort is an authentic Arabian retreat in a new international holiday destination.
"Ras Al Khaimah, with its stunning coastline and serene atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the energetic pace of the other UAE's emirates. We are gradually developing into an international business hub, whilst still preserving our unique culture and the magnificent landscape. With its typical Arabian charm, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa will appeal to local residents and international visitors who are drawn to the emirate", said H.H. Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and RAK Free Trade Zone.
Each guest room and villa is centred on an Arabian theme with a contemporary edge. The general décor balances aesthetics and functionality, with clean lines and styles accessorised by local artefacts such as lanterns, mirrors and traditional treasure chests. All with waterfront views, the guest rooms' patios and balconies provide a spectacular vantage point to enjoy Ras Al Khaimah's coastline.
The resort also features four free-form temperature controlled pools including one with salt water, in addition to the 1.5 kilometre stretch of pristine white beach. Stretching to the edge of the Arabian Gulf, the long and winding pool deck, the largest in the UAE, serves as a focal point for the hotel's guests and activities.
A wide array of dining choices dot the resort landscape. Al Fanar Lighthouse and Rooftop Bar offers light refreshments to enjoy a dazzling sunset, while Piacere Del Gusto serves classic Italian fare indoors and in an open-air setting. Passage to Asia adds an Indian, Thai and Chinese flavour to the resort's gastronomic offering, and the cosy Pool Bar and Dhow Beach Bar cater to the poolside and beach loungers.
The resort also houses a world-class spa and Turkish Hammam, with an extensive array of treatments, set to satisfy the demands of the most discriminating spa enthusiasts. Children are not forgotten with a dedicated Kids Club featuring an indoor and outdoor playground.
The resort can also assist guests by organising a range of activities for guests to enjoy including traditional dhow boat trips to the Mussandam Fjords, desert or mountain jeep safaris, quad- biking and horse riding. For the culturally inclined, the resort is in close proximity to the Old Town and National Archaeological Museum.
"Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa brings a touch of quintessential Arabia to the emirate, and truly reflects our commitment to the development of the emirate as an international destination. The resort is a sanctuary promising the calm of its natural surroundings, the quality and service of a Hilton Worldwide property, along with a taste of local culture," said Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa.
Hilton Worldwide also manages the 227-room Hilton Ras Al Khaimah hotel by the creek, and has two more properties under development in the emirate; the 400-room Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort, and the 112-room Doubletree Suites by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah
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Notes to Editors
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our brands are comprised of more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward programme Hilton HHonors.
The company currently operates 42 hotels in the Middle East & Africa - 16 hotels in Egypt, nine hotels in the UAE, six in Saudi Arabia and one each in Oman and Kuwait, plus another nine hotels in Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Hilton Worldwide has a signed development pipeline of an additional 20 properties across Middle East & Africa in the U.A.E, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Cape Verde, and Tanzania.
For more information about the company and our pipeline, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com and www.hiltondevelopment.com
The Hilton Reservations and Customer Care telephone numbers in the Middle East are as follows:
UAE - 8000 20000 11 Qatar - 8000 20 222
KSA - 800 82000 10 Egypt - 19009
Bahrain - 8000 4058 Jordan - 00202 25805927
Kuwait - 222 56 200 Lebanon - 00202 25805928
Oman - 800 78 788 Syria - 00202 25805926
Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 500 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travellers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travellers to be at their best 24/7, whether travelling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com.
For further information please contact:
Samantha Wood
Director, Corporate Communications
Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa
Tel: +971 4 365 4886
Email: Samantha.Wood@hilton.com
Keren Gatty Saunt
Associate Account Director
d'pr
Tel: +971 4 323 3668
Email: keren@d-pr.ae
© Press Release 2009
