Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa. Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa.

Hilton Worldwide has signed an agreement with Al Jazeera Group to open the 180-room Hilton Al Ahsa in the Al Ahsa district of Saudi Arabia in 2016.

The Al Ahsa signing marks Hilton’s 22nd pipeline property for the kingdom, to boost the company’s operating portfolio from six to 28 in the next six years.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “With a 17-year history in Saudi Arabia, Hilton Hotels & Resorts enjoys a long serving, proud reputation in the Kingdom. I am delighted we continue to consolidate our presence by expanding the company’s flagship brand into the new market of Al Ahsa, a city with growing appeal for business and leisure travellers to the region.”

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Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa agreed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is integral to the Hilton Worldwide portfolio and that the announcement “strengthens” the company’s commitment to the country and “one of its biggest development markets”. Jagersbacher commented: “We have the right partner, the right location and the right property to add value and presence to the Al Ahsa landscape and to the character of the city.”

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Jassim bin Nasser bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani of owners, Al Jazeera Group said: “Al Ahsa is a flourishing destination and the addition of a new property by Hilton Worldwide, and the well-known quality it represents, will be a major boost to the city.”

The hotel will open in the downtown area of the Al Ahsa district and will feature a variety of f&b and MICE facilities including a mulit-function room, two boardrooms and four meeting rooms and a business centre. Leisure facilities will include an outdoor pool and a health club and spa.

One of the largest regions in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Al Ahsa is known for agricultural business and is located near the world’s largest oil field at Ghawar.