Hilton Worldwide announces an agreement with the Al Hamra Real Estate Development company to take over management of the Al Hamra Fort Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.  The landmark hotel and adjoining convention centre, independently operated by the owners since 1999, will open under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand from Q1 2013.

The 249-room property is located in the Al Hamra area of Ras Al Khaimah, about 70 kilometers from the Dubai International Airport and 30 kilometers from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. As part of the Al Hamra development, the hotel has access to world-class golfing facilities, upscale residential and commercial areas and will be in close proximity to the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.

“The Al Hamra Fort Hotel is one of the icons of Ras Al Khaimah, and has been a mainstay of Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality scene for over 10 years.  As Hilton Al Hamra Resort & Spa, the hotel will maintain its unique identity but incorporate the style, standards and world-class service that guests around the world expect from Hilton Hotels & Resorts,” stated Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

The hotel will keep its Arabic fort-style villas but will undergo extensive renovation to enhance and update facilities. Hilton Al Hamra Resort & Spa will feature eight food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining restaurant and three specialty restaurants, in addition to a lobby lounge and three bars.  Recreational facilities will include an executive lounge, private beach, water sports facilities, swimming pools, kids club, mini-golf facilities, tennis courts and a health club and spa. In terms of events facilities, the adjoining convention centre offers a multipurpose ball-room with a capacity of 800 and six meeting rooms.

“As one of the first international hotel companies in Ras Al Khaimah, we have a long term commitment to the emirate. With the Hilton Al Hamra Resort & Spa, we aim to cement the emirate’s growing reputation for regional short-breaks; and give international guests another reason to choose Ras Al Khaimah as a destination offering culture, adventure and high-quality hospitality facilities,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa.

The new hotel will become the fifth Hilton Worldwide property in Ras Al Khaimah joining Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the upcoming Waldorf Astoria, RAK. 

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of the Al Hamra Group said: “The Al Hamra Fort Hotel is a symbol of our rich culture and tradition of hospitality. By handing over the reins to Hilton Hotels & Resorts; we hope to benefit from the brand’s extensive experience in operating hotels around the world and we will work closely with them to develop the hotel into an international leisure hotspot.”

Hilton Worldwide now has 52 properties across the Middle East and Africa – seven of which have opened this year – including 10 hotels operating in the UAE.  It has 35 hotels in the pipeline including the first Waldorf Astoria in the UAE – Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah