US hotelier Hilton Worldwide has signed a deal to take over operation of the government-owned Al Hamra Fort Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, the company said Thursday.

The 249-room hotel – one of the emirate’s oldest - will become part of Hilton’s property portfolio in the first quarter of 2013, the hotelier said in an emailed statement.

The hotel will see extensive renovation under the deal, with the addition of a private beach, a health club and other amenities.

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“By handing over the reins to Hilton Hotels and Resorts we hope to benefit from the brand’s experience,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of the emirate.

Chief operating officer of Ras Al Khaimah Hotels and Tourism Development Authority Victor Louis said Hilton was carrying out the implementation of the brand and the company’s SOPs, connecting the property to the centralised system of reservation and sales.

"Construction contracts for the resort renovation are being awarded now and work will commence shortly," he added.

"Ras Al Khaimah Hotels and Tourism Development Authority and Hilton Hotels and Resorts collaboration will play an integral role in completing this project under the guidance and patronage of H.H. Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi - Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

"Hilton has been one of the most recognized names, forward thinking and global leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton welcomes guests in more than 530 hotels, 189,000 rooms and resorts in 76 countries across six continents. Their unique approach to service and quality will bring a new dimension to the hotel and the Ras Al Khaimah experience for visitors from around the globe.”

Global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, Dave Horton, said the hotel would "maintain its unique identity" but would " incorporate the style, standards and world-class service that guests around the world expect from Hilton Hotels & Resorts".

The hotel will keep its Arabic fort-style villas but will undergo extensive renovation to enhance and update facilities. Hilton Al Hamra Resort & Spa will feature eight food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining restaurant and three specialty restaurants, in addition to a lobby lounge and three bars. Recreational facilities will include an executive lounge, private beach, water sports facilities, swimming pools, kids club, mini-golf facilities, tennis courts and a health club and spa. In terms of events facilities, the adjoining convention centre offers a multipurpose ball-room with a capacity of 800 and six meeting rooms.

“As one of the first international hotel companies in Ras Al Khaimah, we have a long term commitment to the emirate. With the Hilton Al Hamra Resort & Spa, we aim to cement the emirate’s growing reputation for regional short-breaks; and give international guests another reason to choose Ras Al Khaimah as a destination offering culture, adventure and high-quality hospitality facilities,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa.

Ras Al Khaimah plans to plough $100m into hotel and tourism projects over the next four years in a bid to quadruple its visitor count, the COO of its tourism authority said in May.

The northern emirate, whose GDP comprises 1.5 percent of the UAE’s economy, hopes to see tourism revenues account for 20 percent of its income by 2021, by positioning itself as a lower-cost destination to its glitzy neighbour, Dubai.

The emirate’s government earlier this month inked a deal to take over the luxury Banyan Tree Al Wadi desert resort.

Hilton is due to open the UAE’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel in the emirate later this year.

The chain, which operates 49 hotels across 15 countries in the Middle East and Africa, plans to add six properties to its regional portfolio this year and is signing properties at a rate of one a month.


The openings are part of a plan to grow the Hilton portfolio by 80 percent in the next three to four years, Hilton said in May.