EVERYTHING SHARJAH (27/09/24), UAE: The 167-room hotel will be close to the Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi.
American hospitality giant Hilton and UAE-based real estate developer Aldar have signed a deal to launch Abu Dhabi’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel.
The new luxury property will transform the Eastern Mangroves hotel into a high-end destination, offering 167 rooms and suites with views of the nearby Mangrove National Park.
- Aldar’s hotel portfolio will undergo an AED 1.5 billion transformation to capitalize on the growth of the UAE’s tourism sector and tap into the global luxury travel market.
- The Eastern Mangroves hotel will become a Waldorf Astoria branded luxury resort with premium rooms and suites, as well as promenade and marina enhancements, a new retail mix, and enhancements to the residences.
- The Yas Plaza Hotels concept will be reimagined under the IHG brand, turning the six-hotel complex into the largest Vignette Collection resort in the world.
- Aldar’s hotel in the Al Dhafra region, formerly known as Tilal Liwa, is being reimagined as a luxury desert escape and will also become a Vignette Collection resort.
- At Nurai Island, Aldar is undertaking a major refurbishment and expansion to further elevate the resort as Abu Dhabi’s ultra-luxury island destination.
- The company’s flagship hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, the Rixos Bab Al Bahr and DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island are also set to be elevated.
The companies said in a statement that Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi will feature 167 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, many with views of the mangroves.
The group hopes to bolster Hilton’s existing portfolio of more than 35 hotels in the UAE, including three under the Waldorf Astoria brand.
What Carlos Khneisser has to say about it;
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, said, “We are delighted to have signed Abu Dhabi’s first Waldorf Astoria, which will enjoy an unrivaled location overlooking the Mangrove National Park.”
Khneisser added, “Abu Dhabi, which plans to welcome more than 39 million visitors by 2030, is a world-class tourism destination where travellers can enjoy museums, architectural masterpieces and natural beauty. We see great opportunity in the city and are pleased to partner with Aldar to debut this iconic property.”
Set to elevate the capital’s hospitality scene, Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi visitors can look forward to the hotel’s signature luxury experiences, including a personal concierge assigned to each guest for tailored service from pre-arrival through post-departure.
Situated near the Mangrove National Park, the companies said the property would offer a natural retreat just minutes from the heart of the city.
The park is home to over 60 species of birds and marine wildlife, including turtles, dugongs, and dolphins. Visitors can explore the park’s waterways through kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, commented: “The UAE continues to enhance its appeal as a premier international leisure and tourism destination, and the government has a clear vision to further develop tourism infrastructure and attractions. In this context, we see a tremendous opportunity to enhance and reposition our hotel portfolio to meet expected demand in the luxury segment, while maximizing the revenue potential of each asset. We are also incredibly excited to provide our customers with the opportunity to experience two world class hospitality brands in Abu Dhabi for the first time.”
Aldar is repositioning its desert resort in the Al Dhafra region (formerly Tilal Liwa) into a luxury desert escape, which IHG’s Vignette Collection will also operate.
With new luxury suites and curated desert experiences, the property will also benefit from an upgrade to the F&B offering, kids club, and spa facilities.
Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi, Aldar will further elevate the guest experience at the W Abu Dhabi hotel on Yas Island by introducing new internationally renowned dining concepts, Brooklyn Chop House and Pappas Taverna.
These two modern eateries will bring New York style dining to the vibrant W Hotel when they open before the end of 2024.
Aldar’s ambitious plans for hospitality mirror the significant investment underway across the business, guided by a strategy for transformational growth, which is driving rapid expansion and diversification alongside consistent upgrades and optimization of Aldar’s assets and operating platforms.
