First MENA Embassy by Hilton hotel to open in KSA

Hilton Worldwide will launch the first Middle East property under the Embassy by Hilton brand in KSA.

Located in the Saudi capital, the upcoming Embassy by Hilton Riyadh King Fahd Road is expected to open in 2019.

The agreement was signed yesterday by Hilton Worldwide and Hamad Abdulaziz Almousa Trading Group. Plans for an additional new property, DoubleTree by Hilton Dhahran – Al Qusur (in Saudi Arabia), were also signed yesterday. The 189 room property will be located close to the Dammam industrial area, and downtown Khobar.

Hilton plans to increase its presence in KSA from the ten hotels currently operating, with an additional 28 hotels in development. This will include the Conrad Makkah (opening in spring 2016), the first Hampton by Hilton in Saudi Arabia, which will open in Riyadh, and the 359 room Hilton Al Khobar Corniche (which replaces previous plans for the DoubleTree by Hilton Al Khobar), and will open in 2017.

The new Embassy by Hilton in Riyadh will offer 250 guest rooms, each 43 square metres and consisting of a living room, bedroom and bathroom. Facilities at the hotel will include an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, spa, indoor pool, prayer room and salon.

Commenting on the new Embassy by Hilton signing, Hilton Worldwide vice president of development for MENA Carlos Khneisser said: “We have been looking for the right opportunity to debut in the region and believe Riyadh makes for a great fit.

"Our strategy for growth continues to focus on quality projects, underpinned by strong brands and the best management expertise in the industry.

“With over 20 years of experience in Saudi Arabia, we are now operating or developing 38 properties with more than 85% of our pipeline under construction.”