Hilton inks deal for second DoubleTree in RAK
Hilton Worldwide on Sunday signed a management agreement with Mohamed Ruqait Real Estate for a second DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ras Al Khaimah.
The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Marjan Island is expected to open at the beginning of 2014, Hilton said in a statement.
It will be one of the first hotels to open on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah's offshore tourism project.
Once completed, Marjan Island will feature luxury waterfront homes, floating villas, resorts, sporting facilities and numerous beaches.
Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said: “Tourism is a vital sector of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy and with three Hilton Worldwide hotels already open and a further three in the pipeline, I’m pleased we are playing a major part in firmly putting the Emirate on the destination map.
"Today’s announcement represents another important step in our ongoing commitment to the region and our continued expansion across the Middle East & Africa.”
The 309-key DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Marjan Island will feature 11 suites in the main building and 45 luxury chalets located directly on the resort’s private beach.
Other features include two pools, a kids club, a health club and spa with five treatment rooms and water sports facilities.
In addition, the hotel will boast two restaurants, a lobby lounge and two bars.
Mohamed Ahmed Ali Hassan Ruqait Al Ali of owners Mohamed Ruqait Real Estate said: “Following the success of last year’s opening of the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah, we are thrilled to once again be working with the Hilton Worldwide team on this latest development.”
Hilton currently operates more than 270 DoubleTree hotels and resorts in 23 countries.
Hilton Worldwide operates 53 properties in the Middle East and Africa, totalling more than 15,500 rooms across 17 countries.
There are eleven hotels currently operating in the UAE, 18 hotels in Egypt, one hotel and one convention centre in Jordan, six in Saudi Arabia and one each in Oman and Kuwait, plus another 12 hotels in Africa and three hotels in the Indian Ocean.
Hilton Worldwide has a signed development pipeline of an additional 39 properties across Middle East & Africa.