Waldorf Astoria enters emirate of RAK

Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, has opened its first UAE hotel at emerging hospitality hotspot – Ras Al Khaimah.

Designed to reflect the features of an Arabian Palace, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah houses 346 guestrooms and suites.

The hotel, which offers 350m of private beach also includes a signature Waldorf Astoria Spa, a fitness centre, four restaurants and an 18-hole championship golf course.

It is one of a number of hotel projects included in a US$250m investment of the RAS Al Khaimah Government in tourism projects.

Other project in the pipeline include the 627-room Rixos Bab Al Bahr Resort developed on the five man-made Marjan Island, scheduled to open in February 2014. The Hilton will also open a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort on the Marjan Island next year.

In 2012 the Government of Ras al-Khaimah and Spanish football club Real Madrid announced plans to establish a major US$1bn (£632m, € 756m) visitor attraction that includes the first sports stadium open to the sea.

Details: www.rasalkhaimahtourism.com