Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the signing of Four Points by Sheraton Ras Al Khaimah with Hamarain Real Estate LLC. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019, the hotel will be Starwood's first property in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the fourth Four Points by Sheraton in the United Arab Emirates. "We look forward to working together with Hamarain Real Estate to introduce our first property in Ras Al Khaimah," said Neil George, senior vice president, acquisitions & development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa and Middle East. "This deal is in line with the strong demand for affordable yet modern accommodation in the UAE and also underlines Ras Al Khaimah's plan to enhance the destination and diversify its hotel portfolio." "We are excited to sign our first hotel with Starwood and look forward to contribute to the growing development of the tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah," said Yousef Hamarain, Managing Partner, Hamarain Real Estate LLC. "We believe with its modern style and great value, Four Points by Sheraton Ras Al Khaimah will create a new benchmark in the Emirate." The new Four Points will offer 300 rooms and serviced apartments and four food and beverage outlets. The hotel will be a part of a mixed-use development featuring offices, residences and a shopping mall. Reflecting the brand's promise and insight into the needs of today's traveller, the hotel will also offer all of the brand's signature elements, including the exclusive Four Points Four Comfort bed and free bottled water in all guest rooms and fast and free Wi-Fi in all public areas. The Four Points brand boasts Starwood's largest and fastest growing development pipeline, fueled by its widespread, global appeal to guests and flexible development options. The Four Points brand's approach provides travelers with everything that matters the most such as timeless design, uncomplicated comfort and a genuine and friendly approach to hospitality and service. In the Middle East, Starwood will more than double the brand's portfolio with eight new hotels scheduled to open in the next five years. Starwood operates 53 hotels and resorts across the Middle East under eight of the company's ten distinct lifestyle brands including: The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft. With a pipeline of over 40 hotels, the company is on target to operate 100 hotels in the Middle East by 2020. The UAE remains Starwood's largest market with 25 operational hotels and 17 properties in the pipeline.
