Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced the signing of a management agreement with RAK Properties that will see a new integrated lifestyle development, Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort, open in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates in the first quarter of 2010.
"The Arabian Peninsula is a key development market for us; there is so much potential that is untapped. Ras Al Khaimah epitomizes this situation, and we are pleased to be able to bring out its most inviting qualities. This new Worldwide Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is integral to our development strategy in the Middle East, where we plan to double our current portfolio of 34 hotels within the next five years," said Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Hotels, Middle East & Africa.
Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort will be Hilton's third property in the Emirate; all 400 rooms will face the Arabian Sea set onto a natural beach spanning 300 meters, while its design incorporates the distinctive Venetian style of arched doorways, neutral tones and mosaic friezes.
Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director of RAK Properties, said, "We are proud to be driving the development of Ras Al Khaimah's tourism infrastructure through path-breaking projects and productive partnerships. To partner with Hilton is to gain the backing of a world-renowned company with considerable international experience, a proven track record in emerging markets, and a reputation for sustainable destination management."
Mina Al Arab, an AED10 billion (c. €1.8bn) freehold development, has been designed as a gated, waterfront resort community where homes and hotels will be set amidst lush landscaping, protected coastal wetlands, pristine beaches and world-class amenities.
The new Hilton resort will raise tourism standards in the Emirate in the same way that the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the newly opened Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa have done. Ras Al Khaimah has all the elements of a world-class destination: the mountains, the ocean, proximity to international airports, and now the hotel properties to bring these elements together.
Additional Hilton properties are under development in the U.A.E., with the Residence, Beach Club and Conrad - all in Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi with its first Conrad, in addition to Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Jordan (Amman & Aqaba). Furthermore, the new-look Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa will open after a complete facelift in 2008.
Source: Jiwin
