First Doubletree in Saudi signs management pact
Dubai, November 27, 2009
Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Almousa Trading Group for the first Doubletree by Hilton in Saudi Arabia in Al Khobar.
The 304-room new build Doubletree by Hilton, Al Khobar will be located in the Saudi Arabia’s Eastern province and is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2012.
This latest deal reinforces additional Doubletree by Hilton hotel openings already scheduled for Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania in Q4 2009 and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE 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,” said Jean-Paul Herzog, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa.
“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 Abdulaziz Almousa Trading Group to further the growth of the Doubletree by Hilton brand in this region,” he added.
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 longstanding tradition of distinctively designed hotels that reflect the destination and surrounding area.
Other Doubletree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors loyalty programme and a unique caring commitment to the communities in which they operate.
“Doubletree offers a wide variety of distinctively designed upscale hotels and resorts in some of the most sought after business and leisure destinations around the world. There are numerous opportunities to build the Doubletree by Hilton brand further in the Middle East, and it is exciting to introduce the brand for the first time in Saudi Arabia,” said Rob Palleschi, global head for Doubletree Hotels.
The hotel will occupy a prime position near the King Fahd Causeway, which acts as the main artery linking Saudi Arabia with nearby 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.
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 specialty restaurants, a lobby lounge and a juice/ snack bar
Banqueting and meetings facilities include a large ballroom, two board rooms, as well as a business centre. The health club will have separate gyms for ladies and gentlemen, 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, and we are delighted to join hands with Hilton Worldwide to bring the Doubletree by Hilton brand to Saudi Arabia,” said Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Mousa, chairman, Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Almousa Trading Group. – TradeArabia News Service