HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah: the Waldorf Astoria a significant step in establishing RAK as a
Hilton Worldwide has today (February 28) signed a management agreement with the Al Hamra Group for the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in the UAE — the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, known up until now as the Al Hamra Palace Hotel.
The signing ceremony was presided over by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who spoke exclusively to HotelierMiddleEast.com at the event.
“I think it’s a significant step in terms of establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a tourist destination,” HH Sheikh Saud said of the agreement.
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“Waldorf Astoria is a great brand and Hilton is a great company and we are happy that they have chosen Ras Al Khaimah. We look towards a happy future,” he said.
The 349-room Arabian-themed palace hotel, expected to be one of the most luxurious and exclusive destinations in the UAE, is scheduled to open in Q4 2011.
Hilton Worldwide president MEA Rudi Jagersbacher, who signed the agreement with Al Hamra Group chairman HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, commented: “The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect hotel to mark the brand’s entry into the UAE and further strengthens our partnership with Ras Al Khaimah.
“We are looking forward to extending our brand portfolio in the UAE, with the addition of the Waldorf Astoria, and to welcoming guests to this “palace” retreat later in the year”.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and chairman of the Al Hamra Group, added: “We are proud to welcome one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotel brands to Ras Al Khaimah.
“Al Hamra is an exciting new development in the emirate, and we are creating a stunning oasis of luxury and tranquillity, where guests can come to relax and unwind.
“We now have four hotels open or under development with Hilton Worldwide and are proud to be working with them to expand the Waldorf Astoria brand to the UAE.”
Existing Hilton Worldwide properties in Ras Al Khaimah are the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the soon-to-open Doubletree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah.
HH Sheikh Saud revealed that the government was currently in the “process of organising our tourist plan”, but that he thought Ras Al Khaimah would appeal to a range of visitors.
Ultimately, the destination would provide a “variety of products” he said.
“We have a country with a unique landscape. We have the sea, the sand dunes, the mountains, the archaeology — it’s a good mix so we can probably attract different types of tourists," commented HH Sheikh Saud.
Hilton’s Jagersbacher added: “The uniqueness of Ras Al Khaimah is that it is in its early stage of maturity. We want to be in there right from day one to be able to develop — tourism being such an important aspect for RAK — and we have to be willing to offer from a three-star operation to a five-star operation to make sure that the uniqueness of the country is a underlined”.
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Mar 2, 2011 , United Arab Emirates
Hi Nick, I know alot about this hotel (Al Hamra Palace & Residences) which is in the same complex of Al Hamra Forte Hotels & al Hamra Town houses, and I also know many people working or worked there. I would like to keep many things as vague since I do not want to use people names but I was wond...
Mar 2, 2011 , United Arab Emirates
Saif, you need to learn to read. This hotel isnt open yet.