Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Granada Investment Centre for the first Hilton property in Riyadh.

The hotel will open in the fourth quarter of 2013. Granada is established by General Organisation for Social Insurance (Gosi).

Located on Riyadh’s Eastern Ring Road, a major corridor linking King Khalid International Airport with the downtown area, the new-build Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residence in Saudi Arabia will feature two towers; a 20-storey 480-room hotel tower, and a 14-storey tower with 350 hotel apartments.

“Our goal has always been to have a Hilton branded property in every capital city around the world, so we are delighted to have signed this management agreement with Gosi marking our Hilton entry into Riyadh,” said Ian Carter, president, Global Operations, Hilton Worldwide.

“There is growing demand for hotel accommodation in the capital from the business and corporate travel segments making Riyadh the perfect choice for us,” he added.

Once completed, the hotel promises guests a distinctive hospitality experience that has been the trademark of Hilton Hotels worldwide, and will be located between the 466,000 sq m Granada Centre, one of the capital’s largest shopping and entertainment malls, and Granada Business Park.

Also nearby is the new Riyadh International Conference Centre, and the King Abdullah Financial District, the future home of the Saudi Stock Exchange. Further leisure attractions within close proximity include the Al Hokair Land Theme Park.

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Brand, said: “The Hilton Hotels brand is the global leader in hospitality and the Middle East’s leading hotel brand. We are excited to bring our style, world class service and directional approach to Riyadh. The hotel will be highly visible from the capital’s major highway, giving us great exposure and brand awareness amongst residents and visitors.”

“We wanted to work with an internationally recognised hotel brand that matches our ambition to provide world-class hotel facilities and services to a growing city,” said Soliman Bin Saad Al-Humayyd, governor, Gosi.

“Hilton was a natural first choice. We are delighted to be working together, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship,” he added.

The Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residence will offer a varied culinary experience, as well as several food and beverage outlets, featuring all-day dining, specialty and destination restaurants, as well as two outdoor lounges.

Business meetings and conferences are addressed with the hotel’s Hilton Meetings facilities, including separate male and female ballrooms, a junior ballroom, eight meeting rooms, two boardrooms and a business centre. Leisure and recreational facilities include a spa and health club, with separate male and female areas and a swimming pool. – TradeArabia News Service