Dubai, UAE and McLean, VA – 26 February 2013 – Hilton Worldwide today signed a management agreement with Hamad Abdulaziz Almousa Trading Group to develop a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in KSA’s (“Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”) commercial heartland of Al Khobar, in the country’s Eastern Province.

The 158-room DoubleTree by Hilton Al Khobar Corniche is the third Hilton Worldwide pipeline hotel planned for Al Khobar and the 17th in Saudi Arabia, making it Hilton Worldwide’s largest development market in MEA.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said: “Saudi Arabia is a powerhouse of activity for Hilton Worldwide. We are opening 17 new hotels over the next three years and working to solidify our position as the leading hospitality company in KSA.  Al Khobar is a growing, vibrant community and I am delighted we are expanding our presence in a city which offers so much potential.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Al Khobar will be located downtown on the city’s picturesque Corniche and will feature a variety of inviting business and leisure amenities including extensive meeting facilities of two boardrooms, a conference hall and two meeting rooms.  The hotel will also offer a health club and swimming pool as well as two appealing restaurants and a lounge.  Construction is already underway and the hotel is expected to open at the end of 2014.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “DoubleTree by Hilton is currently enjoying a period of exciting growth in the Middle East and Africa as increasing numbers of hotel owners experience the benefits of the brand’s upscale, distinctive characteristics. DoubleTree by Hilton Al Khobar Corniche is set to become an excellent addition to this growing collection and we’re looking forward to bringing the brand’s signature attributes of warm and welcoming hospitality, high standards and quality accommodation to KSA’s Eastern Province.”

Al Khobar is the largest city in the Eastern Province with a growing reputation as a modern, energetic community.  The Corniche area, in particular, is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, boutiques and retail outlets and is proving a popular attraction with locals and domestic tourists as well as visitors from neighbouring GCC states.

Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Mousa from owners Hamad Abdulaziz Almousa Trading Group said: “We place tremendous value and appreciation on the very special business partnership we have with Hilton Worldwide and I am delighted that our professional and productive relationship will bring another outstanding new hotel to the local market.”

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 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.

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 325 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve.  Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.

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