RAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates (4 April, 2011) --  Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, the first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the United Arab Emirates. Located in the heart of the Al Nakeel business district and just minutes away from the beach, this newly built, upscale, full-service hotel offers modern ambiance; extensive amenities; and warm, welcoming hospitality.

“DoubleTree by Hilton proudly marks its commitment to growing our brand in the Middle East with this second hotel opening in the region in less than one week. The United Arab Emirates continues to build upon an already successful tourism industry that is vibrant, growing and continues to show tremendous potential. The DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah is an excellent example to mark our brand’s premiere in the U.A.E and encourages the world’s travellers to discover this outstanding leisure and business destination,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.

Ras al Khaimah, the U.A.E.'s northernmost Emirate, offers incredible diversity in geography with its white sandy beaches, majestic mountains and breathtaking desert sand dunes as well as in cultural heritage and recreational activities. Just 45-minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, the hotel is centrally located adjacent to the Expo Centre and only minutes away from all major business establishments and tourist attractions.

“The opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah continues to build upon Hilton Worldwide’s strategic growth in the U.A.E with this opening of our 10th hotel across the country. With two DoubleTree by Hilton hotels now open in key destinations across the Middle East and many more development deals under negotiation in our robust development pipeline, the brand continues to gain momentum as a lucrative branding opportunity for owners and developers in the upscale, full-service hotel segment,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, area president - Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide.

DoubleTree by Hilton has a longstanding tradition of distinctively designed hotels that reflect their destination and create a rewarding experience for their guests in 17 countries across five continents. DoubleTree by Hilton characteristic qualities include the warm worldwide welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie to every guest at check-in, the rewards of the prestigious Hilton HHonors® loyalty programme and a unique caring commitment to the communities in which they operate. This second hotel opening followed the recent opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba in Jordan late last week.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah features 98 guest rooms and 28 one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments tastefully appointed with 32-inch LCD TVs, generous work surfaces, luxurious baths, high-speed internet access, 24-hour, in-room dining and the ultra-comfortable Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree Sleep Experience. Appreciating the demands of today’s business travellers, the hotel also features a 24-hour business centre and two boardrooms.

For on-site recreation and fitness, the hotel features a rooftop swimming pool with stunning views across the city; a whirlpool; a steam room; a fully-equipped fitness centre; and a spa with treatment rooms for massages and facials, beauty and wellness. Guests also may access the 1.5-kilometre private beach and enjoy additional restaurants at the nearby Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa with a complimentary shuttle bus service.

Dining options available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah include Gusto, an all-day dining restaurant, where professional chefs prepare fresh food selections at a variety of live cooking stations.  Freshly squeezed fruit juices, nutritious energy drinks and light healthy snacks await visitors to the Fresco Energy Bar. The Treetop Lounge and Restaurant located on the rooftop serves lunch, dinner, shisha and expertly mixed cocktails and beverages with stunning creek and city views.  A lobby lounge and 24-hour, in-room dining also are available to guests.

Hilton Worldwide currently operates 47 hotels and one convention centre in the Middle East & Africa, totalling to more than 14,500 rooms across 15 countries. There are 10 Hilton Worldwide properties currently operating in the U.A.E across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. There are six other properties in the company’s pipeline in the U.A.E: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah; Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort, Ras Al Khaimah; Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence; Conrad Dubai; Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah and Hilton Sharjah. Hilton Worldwide has a signed development pipeline of an additional 30 properties across Middle East & Africa in the U.A.E, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Namibia, Nigeria and Cape Verde.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah is located just 20 minutes from RAK Airport (RKT). The hotel address is Al Jazah Road, Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E 00001. For more information or to make reservations at the DoubleTree by Hilton Ras al Khaimah, please contact your local travel professional, visit the hotel’s website at www.rasalkhaimah.doubletreebyhilton.com or call the hotel directly at +971-07 228 8888.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 240 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, DoubleTree by Hilton hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers.  From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors® guest reward programme, each DoubleTree by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel or resort, travellers may contact their preferred travel professional or visit the brand’s website at www.doubletree.com

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 3,700 hotels and 610,000 rooms in 82 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.

The Hilton Worldwide Reservations and Customer Care telephone numbers in the Middle East are as follows:

UAE	- 8000 20000 11	Qatar	-800 20 222
KSA	- 800 82000 10	Egypt	- 19009
Bahrain	- 8000 4058	Jordan	- 00202 25805927
Kuwait	- 222 56 200	Lebanon	- 00202 25805928
Oman	- 800 78 788	Syria	- 00202 25805926