Hilton Worldwide has announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Dhahran at the commercial heartland of Al Khobar in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

The153-room conversion property, becomes the first DoubleTree by Hilton branded hotel to open in Saudi Arabia.

“The introduction of DoubleTree by Hilton to Saudi Arabia demonstrates the brand’s global recognition and positive growth,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.

“One of Hilton Worldwide’s full-service, upscale brands, DoubleTree by Hilton caters to both business and leisure travellers by focusing on a warm, welcoming guest service culture built around the idea of CARE – Create a Rewarding Experience – not only for our guests, but also for our employees and for the communities in which we serve.

“The guest’s journey starts with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie upon arrival, adding a touch of warmth and indulgence after a day of travel.”

Dhahran is one of the older Saudi port cities on the coast of the Arabian Gulf and is home to most of Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserves.

Situated in the heart of the business and commercial district close to Al Khobar Corniche, shopping malls and a new hi-tech petrol museum, the hotel is ideally located for business as well as leisure travellers with a wide array of exciting leisure activities, including water sports available nearby at Half Moon Bay.

DoubleTree by Hilton Dhahran features a range of amenities designed for both the business and leisure guest, including a large ballroom, four flexible meeting rooms, a complimentary 24-hour business centre, a complimentary 24-hour fitness centre, and scheduled later this year, a fully renovated fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and spa area, including steam room and sauna.

The hotel has a well-appointed selection of rooms and suites to satisfy guests’ needs, including 99 king, queen or twin rooms and a selection of 54 one and two-bedroom suites.

Guests can choose to dine in one of the hotel’s three restaurants: Al Waha, an all-day dining restaurant serving a selection of international cuisine, Rasoi, where they can sample an exciting array of Indian specialties in a fine dining atmosphere, and the Al Maha Café, where they can enjoy a coffee break accompanied by tempting pastry treats.