Hilton Worldwide signed on Thursday an agreement with Mawten Hospitality LLC to introduce the company's first dual-branded property to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing capital city. The single-site development for Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Riyadh-Financial District will be located in the dynamic, upcoming area north of Riyadh, close to King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Currently under construction, KAFD will be home to many leading international banks, financial institutions and legal firms as well as the headquarters of the Capital Market Authority and Tadawul, the KSA stock exchange. The district will include around 40 multi-use designer towers which is set to redefine the skyline and landscape of the Saudi capital city. Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa, said: “Today's announcement for our first dual branded property in the Middle East signifies Hilton Worldwide's intent to become the pre-eminent hospitality provider in Saudi Arabia. We are bringing together two of the leading global, hospitality brands to a location which is destined to become a sophisticated, bustling metropolis within the next two years.” The 260-room Hilton Garden Inn's development and the 110 serviced apartments of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton will share a host of business facilities including a large, multi-purpose function room, eight meeting rooms and four boardrooms. Individually, the Hilton Garden Inn-Riyadh Financial District property will feature a business center, swimming pool and health club as well as a restaurant and lobby lounge. The 110 serviced apartments of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Riyadh-Financial District will include a full range of options from studios to one and two bedroom apartments. The property will also feature a business center, health club, swimming pool, lobby lounge and two restaurants, one of which is speciality. The dual development is expected to open Winter 2015. Dr Raeyd Al-Dakheel, CEO of Mawten Hospitality LLC, owner and developer of the dual hotel project, said "This project furthers our commitment to the city of Riyadh to deliver much needed high quality hotel rooms and suites. With the diverse experience of Mawten's Real-estate Development Company in developing and managing property, our top-notch consultants, and the longstanding reputation of Hilton in hospitality, we are looking forward to bring to life a distinctive landmark dual hotel project in the heart of the new sector of Riyadh. This project along with others shows our strong confidence in the Saudi hospitality market.” Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said, “Hilton Garden Inn is gaining real momentum in growing business hubs such as Riyadh. Since opening our first property in the capital three years ago, the brand has become one of the top choices for travellers to the capital seeking quality, mid-market accommodation. This latest signing in such a prominent development will help us to further establish our uncompromising value for money credentials.” – SG
