Hilton to open Garden Inn Al Khobar in 2017

US hotel giant Hilton has announced plans to open the 150-room Hilton Garden Inn Al Khobar in mid-2017.

Hilton Worldwide said its Hilton Garden Inn brand will open in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province following a signing agreement with local investor Ali Saad Bin Sultan & Brother Holding Group Co.

The hotel, which is scheduled to open mid-2017, will be located close to the city's two largest shopping malls, Hilton said in a statement.

Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn said: "We are pleased to add another impressive property to our hotel portfolio and proud to introduce the brand to the dynamic city of Al Khobar for the first time.

"Hilton Garden Inn has consistently set the guest standard in the mid-range sector and Saudi Arabia is proving particularly appreciative of our award winning combination of best-in-class customer service together with affordable comfort and convenience."

The hotel will also boast a range of guest amenities including a health club, an outdoor pool, a business centre, large multi-function room and meeting rooms.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa added: "Al Khobar and the wider Dammam region in the Eastern Province is an exciting prospect for Hilton Worldwide. The region is enjoying rapid commercial and industrial expansion and if that trend is to continue then the demand for quality hotels will be key to the continued progress and prosperity of the city."

While Al Khobar is regarded as the industrial heartland of Saudi Arabia, the city is also growing as a leisure destination, he said.

Ali Saad bin Sultan Alqahtani from owners Ali Saad Bin Sultan & Brother Holding Group Co, said: "We are pleased to partner with Hilton Worldwide as they have an impressive track record for launching hotel brands into new markets. We are confident that Hilton Garden Inn Al Khobar will be representative of the quality and style for which the company is known."