HILTON Worldwide has announced the signing of a management agreement with the Al Hamra Group for the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah – the second Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in the Middle East following the 2005 opening of the Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The hotel is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year and promises to be one of the most luxurious and exclusive leisure destinations in the UAE.
The property (pictured), designed as a palace, will be located in the newest and most upscale area of Al Hamra, west of Ras Al Khaimah and approximately 40 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. It will be part of a mixed-use development that includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a 600-m private beach and a convention centre with capacity for 3,000 people.
John Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands at Hilton Worldwide, said: “The Waldorf Astoria brand is synonymous with timeless luxury and sophistication and we’re delighted to announce the addition of The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah to our portfolio. Guests to the hotel can expect a truly luxurious experience, with the highest level of service and comfort, in spectacular and tranquil surroundings.”
The 349-room, Arabian-themed palace hotel will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including a number of outdoor swimming pools. The hotel will also feature a 450-sq-m ballroom, as well as a varied choice of 10 restaurants and bars, of which four will offer fine dining. A bespoke spa experience has been developed for the property and guests will also have access to the recently opened shopping mall located within the Al Hamra development.