DUBAI, U.A.E. and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide announces an agreement with the Al Hamra Real Estate Development company to take over management of the Al Hamra Fort Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The landmark hotel and adjoining convention centre, independently operated by the owners since 1999, will open under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand from Q1 2013.

The 249-room property is located in the Al Hamra area of Ras Al Khaimah, about 70 kilometers from the Dubai International Airport and 30 kilometers from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. As part of the Al Hamra development, the hotel has access to world-class golfing facilities, upscale residential and commercial areas and will be in close proximity to the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.

"The Al Hamra Fort Hotel is one of the icons of Ras Al Khaimah, and has been a mainstay of Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality scene for over 10 years. As Hilton Al Hamra Resort & Spa, the hotel will maintain its unique identity but incorporate the style, standards and world-class service that guests around the world expect from Hilton Hotels & Resorts," stated Dave Horton, global head, 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.

The new hotel will become the fifth Hilton Worldwide property in Ras Al Khaimah joining Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the upcoming Waldorf Astoria, RAK.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of the Al Hamra Group said: "The Al Hamra Fort Hotel is a symbol of our rich culture and tradition of hospitality. By handing over the reins to Hilton Hotels & Resorts; we hope to benefit from the brand's extensive experience in operating hotels around the world and we will work closely with them to develop the hotel into an international leisure hotspot."

Hilton Worldwide now has 52 properties across the Middle East and Africa - seven of which have opened this year - including 10 hotels operating in the UAE. It has 35 hotels in the pipeline including the first Waldorf Astoria in the UAE - Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah.

To learn more about Hilton Resorts visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/resorts.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized name in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 540 hotels in 78 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltononline, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 92 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,750 hotels and 615,000 rooms in 84 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.
For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.