Hilton Worldwide expands footprint in UAE with plans for prestigious Ras Al Khaimah resort

RAS AL KHAIMAH– Hilton Worldwide today(May 8th) signed an agreement with long-standing business partner, Mohamed Ruqait Real Estate for a new resort property on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s premier island destination. The new property, DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan Island Village, is expected to open end of 2015 and will be the third hotel for the DoubleTree brand in Ras Al Khaimah.

An exclusive man-made cluster of five islands, Marjan Island is located in the prestigious Al Hamra district of Ras Al Khaimah and the new 205-key upscale DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan Island Village will enjoy prime positioning, close to the newly opened DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Marjan Island hotel.  Once fully completed, Marjan Island’s extensive premium offshore development will be home to luxury waterfront homes, resorts, sports facilities and numerous pristine beaches.

John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan Island Village, UAE represents another important new chapter for our brand’s growing presence in the UAE.   With a superb location and outstanding amenities, the hotel will undeniably be a shining model of DoubleTree’s versatility to seamlessly adapt to its surroundings whether it be stylish urban chic or, as in the case of Marjan Island, an exemplary example of a first-class, superior resort.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan Island Village will be thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural beauty of its surroundings and will boast a pre-eminent collection of superb amenities.  The new resort will feature a cinema, open theatre, three restaurants, including two specialty outlets to be located 50 metres out to sea, a separate lounge bar, three swimming pools, one exclusively female, and a premier health club featuring eforea: Spa at Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s exclusive spa brand designed to blend distinctive holistic treatments with specialist products sourced from natural resources.

Guest accommodation will be of the highest standard and designed by teams of internationally reputable companies  with the 205-keys spanning numerous individual buildings and multi-key villas, all linked by landscaped pathways.  Guest choice is a priority at DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan Island Village with the resort providing an exceptional array of on-site accommodation from individual superior deluxe rooms to a mix of 25 two and three-bedroomed upscale apartments.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa said: “As the largest and longest serving international hospitality operator in Ras Al Khaimah, I am delighted to note that the country’s northern most Emirate is rapidly becoming a destination of choice among a growing number of perceptive travellers, particularly with those seeking an authentic Emirati experience.  Today’s announcement will add another superb resort property to our wide ranging, attractive portfolio and help us to meet the growing demand from increasing number of visitors with dedicated first-class facilities and service.”

Ras Al Khaimah’s location as the most northern Emirate in the UAE has produced a land of contrast with red sandy desert, lush green plains, interspersed with creeks and lagoons, and beautiful mountains, the highest of which often has snowfall in winter.  Only 45 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport, the largest airport in the Middle East with more than 260 global routes, the Emirate’s diverse landscape and exceptional offerings attracted over 1.3 million visitors in 2013, a 10% increase on 2012.

Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan Island Village will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at a fast-growing collection of more than 370 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts in more than 32 countries and territories, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest upon check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme and the DoubleTree by Hilton award-winning CARE culture – which stands for ‘Create A Rewarding Experience’ for guests, team members and the community to empower team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness to make a traveller feel human again.

Owner Mohamed Ahmed Ali Ruqait said: “Following the success of our two existing DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, I am delighted to be working with the Hilton Worldwide team again to develop a hotel which is destined to become a jewel in the crown in Ras Al Khaimah’s growing international status. The winning partnership will once again draw on DoubleTree’s reputation for offering best in class accommodation and superior service standards, qualities which are skilfully captured in DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan Island Village, UAE.