Kuwait will get its first new five-star property in well over a decade when the Hilton Kuwait Resort opens its doors by the end of this year.

"Work is well under way on the exclusive beach resort, which is scheduled to open in December, says Guy Epsom, Hilton's regional director of sales and marketing for the Arabian Peninsula.

He continues: "The hotel will be the first five-star property to open in Kuwait after a long period of time - in excess of 10 years. Equally importantly, it will also mark a return of the Hilton to Kuwait since 1990."

The resort, located 30 km south of Kuwait City at Mangaf, is being built by Ahmadiah Contracting and Trading. It will have 133 rooms, 14 executive suites and 20 villas, complemented by a 1,600 metre-long private sandy beach.

The Hilton Kuwait Resort, says Epsom, will be targeting both the business and leisure traveller. "We are well positioned to cater to business clients as we are located closer to the airport and industrial areas than other hotels," he says. "In effect, we will be the first property in Kuwait that truly combines business with leisure.

Rooms at the resort will be fitted with direct dialling, satellite TV, radio, safe, a mini-fridge, individual temperature control, private bath and hairdryers as standard.

For conferences, the resort will offer meeting facilities for up to 70 persons.

Guests will have two dining options to choose from: the Songbird Cafe and Lounge and Globetrotters, a multi-ethnic restaurant offering Lebanese, Chinese and international cuisine.

Leisure and health facilities include a health spa with an Aquamedic pool, an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor family pool, jogging and walking tracks within its landscaped grounds, and a cardio-vascular training and aerobics centre.