DUBAI, UAE & McLEAN, Va. - February 21, 2013 - Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Sharjah, the company's 11th branded hotel in the UAE and its first in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The 259-room Hilton Sharjah, a conversion property previously known as Corniche Al Buhaira Hotel, is a visually striking property, ideally positioned on the picturesque Corniche Road and overlooking Sharjah's biggest lagoon. The hotel is also a convenient 10 kilometers from Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world with over 50 million passengers annually.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: "We're delighted to open our first Sharjah hotel in such a prime location and at a time when increasing numbers of business and leisure travelers are staying in the Emirate of Sharjah. As a leading worldwide hospitality brand, we are pleased to bring our globally recognized attributes of style, high standards and quality service to this exciting and promising new market."

Hilton Sharjah will offer guests a wealth of leisure amenities including three swimming pools, state of the art health club with Hilton Precor Fitness Center, two inviting restaurants, a comfortable lobby lounge and a café. The hotel will also support the active and growing business community with seven meeting rooms, a business centre and the city's premiere ballroom with a capacity of 500.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa said: "Sharjah offers a unique business and leisure opportunity that complements traditional, authentic Emirati culture with the vibrancy of a dynamic industrial and commercial centre. The Emirate is also home to a number of major global events including the annual F1 Powerboat Racing, Sharjah International Book Fair and International Test Cricket matches, all helping to strengthen Sharjah's growing tourism position in the region."

On behalf of property owners Bin Otaiba Investment Group, HE Khalaf Bin Ahmed Al Otaiba said: "We've been eagerly anticipating the hotel's conversion into the Hilton brand and we're delighted the property will now bear the name of such a recognized global leader. The company enjoys an impressive reputation which will add value to Sharjah's ambitions in developing the Emirate into a key business and leisure destination."

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized names 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 550 hotels in 80 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at news.hilton.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltonhotels, 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 a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered 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 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories 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®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.