Al Habtoor and Hilton Partner to Bring Hilton Brand to Lebanon and Dubai
Conversion of Two Properities in Lebanon and Development of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE - October 18, 2011 - Hilton Worldwide has partnered with the Al Habtoor Group to convert two hotels in Beirut to the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and to develop the very first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Dubai, UAE.
The agreement will see Hilton Worldwide enter Lebanon by converting the 195-room Habtoor Grand and the 183-room Metropolitan Palace to the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace. Both hotels are located in the heart of the dynamic city of Beirut and are expected to open in early 2012.
The companies also signed an agreement to develop the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the first luxury resort by the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in Dubai. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, with unrivalled views of the coastline and some of the Emirate's most famous landmarks, the 324-room hotel will feature signature restaurants, a luxury health club and spa. The resort is due to open at the end of 2013.
"Beirut is one of the liveliest cities in the world and a leading gateway destination between the east and west. We have been looking forward to entering Lebanon and are very pleased that we are able to do so with this calibre of properties," said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide. "Equally, Waldorf Astoria's heritage and prestige is a perfect fit for Dubai and it is exactly the right time for this luxury brand to join the expanding number of properties we have planned in the UAE. Today's announcement amply demonstrates our ongoing commitment to growing in the Middle East and consolidates our position as a leading hospitality provider in the region."
Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman and founder of Al Habtoor Group said: "Hilton Worldwide and Al Habtoor Group are two of Dubai's biggest corporate names, and our capabilities as hotel developers combine perfectly with Hilton Worldwide's expertise as hotel operators. They were our partner of choice to help re-establish the two Beirut hotels and we are particularly thrilled to be part of the team launching the legendary Waldorf Astoria name in Dubai."
Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand will boast a number of quality business facilities including a business centre, four large meeting rooms and the largest, modern function and conference room in the city with capacity for 2400 people. Guests can also enjoy a state of the art health club, two swimming pools, three restaurants and two bars. At 3500sqm, the hotel's spa facility is one of the largest in the region.
Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace will feature a business centre, five large meeting rooms and an 820-capacity function room as well as a health club, swimming pool and a choice of four restaurants and two bars.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah will feature four signature restaurants, two bars, a private beach and a large luxury health club and spa. The property will also have a business centre, six meeting rooms and a 600-capacity ballroom.
Hilton Worldwide has signed 18 new hotels across the Middle East and Africa this year, taking their total number of hotels in the development pipeline in the region to 40.
About Al Habtoor Group LLC The Al Habtoor Group has grown with the UAE, and while best known for construction, it is globally recognized through its involvement in the hotel, automotive, real estate, education, insurance and publishing sectors. One of the UAE's most respected and successful businesses, the Al Habtoor Group today operates in the UAE and international markets. The highly qualified, experienced and professional multi-national team now exceeds 40,000 - and this is expected to continue to grow in line with planned expansion.
For more information about the company, visit www.habtoor.com.
About Waldorf-Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide's luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand's namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands.
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 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 93 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 timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 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 or connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.hiltonworldwide.com/media.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
