Hilton to open $43m DoubleTree hotel in Sharjah

Global hotel operator Hilton has announced plans to open its first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Sharjah.

Set to open to guests in 2020, Sharjah Waterfront Hotel and Suites will offer 254 suites and serviced apartments.

Hilton has signed a management agreement with hospitality debutants Al Marwan Group for the $43m property, a statement said.

Located opposite Al Majaz Waterfront, the hotel will include an all-day dining restaurant, lobby café, indoor pool, two gyms and treatment rooms.

The Waterfront area is one of the Sharjah’s main tourist attractions and includes activities such as a splash park, a mini golf course and a night time fountain display.

“Although less well known than its neighbours, Sharjah is a well frequented destination for industrial and GCC tourists,” said Carlos Khneisser, vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa at Hilton.

“Responsible for nearly half of the UAE’s oil output, the emirate is abuzz with international trade and traffic. Coupled with burgeoning demand from cultural GCC tourists, Sharjah is a prominent location to introduce our DoubleTree by Hilton brand.”

The new hotel will be Hilton’s second property in the emirate following the Hilton Sharjah, which opened in 2011 and is situated on Corniche Road, overlooking Sharjah’s biggest lagoon.

Sharjah is looking to boost its hospitality and tourism infrastructure, with a string of new projects in the pipeline.

One of the projects currently under development is the Dhs2.26bn Maryam Island project, a 364,000 sqft development that will feature hotels, retail, residential property, offices and other entertainment options.

Also in the pipeline is the Dhs120.6m Al Khan Village Resort project, a luxury hospitality resort designed to resemble a traditional fishing village, which is planned for completion in 2019.

Read more: Alabbar-Shurooq joint venture unveils $670m of projects in Sharjah

The emirate is also undertaking a Dhs1.5bn expansion of its airport in a bid to handle 25 million passengers annually by 2027.