Hilton International is spearheading a development drive that will see the opening of three new properties in the Arabian Peninsula over the next two years, the management of an exclusive golf clubhouse and the completion of a multi-million refurbishment programme.
The first property in the development pipeline is Qasr Al Sharq, the new 46-suite palace property in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia due to open in the third quarter of 2005 and set to become the Kingdom’s premier property and the region’s most luxurious and exclusive hotel. Expansion plans also include a spectacular 324-room new-build Hilton Doha opening in Qatar in 2007, the region’s first Conrad, a luxurious 350-room property located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial, business and entertainment district, as well as the management of the new and exclusive Tower Links Golf Clubhouse, Ras Al Khaimah in the Northern Emirates.
Meanwhile, the leading hotel chain’s flagship Abu Dhabi property has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, introducing a brand new lobby, renovated bedrooms, the latest business-centre facilities, conference and banqueting rooms and the UAE capital’s first Bice Italian restaurant. In the recently issued statement of results for 2004, Hilton International’s profits totalled £171.3 million; a 17 per cent increase from 2003.