UAE :  Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the most recognised hospitality brand in the Middle East, today announced the opening of Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi following a refurbishment and rebranding programme. The hotel joins the company’s burgeoning UAE portfolio and will add an additional 281 rooms to Hilton Worldwide’s growing 3000+ UAE room total.

Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi is a visually stunning, curved glass property ideally located close to Abu Dhabi International Airport as well as the city’s National Exhibition Centre and in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s new Capital District. With an abundance of corporate facilities including a 700-capacity grand ballroom and separate 500-capacity function room, five large meeting rooms, two boardrooms and a complimentary business centre, the hotel is well placed to maximise on the city’s flourishing MICE market.

Leisure visitors are also very well catered for and will welcome the luxurious and spacious spa, complete with 15 treatment rooms, sauna and whirlpool, a 24-hour fitness centre and an indoor and outdoor pool. A mouth-watering choice of seven different bars and restaurants, all serving a wide range of international cuisine and offering panoramic views of the city, will appeal to discerning foodies and diners.

Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “The opening of Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi continues the outstanding 40-year legacy the company’s flagship hotel brand has enjoyed with the UAE. With so many new striking features, the hotel is set to become an exceptional example of the high standards, quality and unrivalled experience guests expect from the region’s pre-eminent international hospitality brand.”

Described as an ‘architectural masterpiece’, the all-glass curved wave design of Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi defines the exterior of the property giving the hotel high visibility and iconic landmark status. Walking through the entrance, the interior does not disappoint with impressive, light-filled public spaces and comfortable guest accommodation ranging from classic and deluxe rooms to spacious junior and presidential suites – all finished with signature design pieces of marble bathrooms and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa said: “Today’s announcement is particularly timely with all economic indicators suggesting Abu Dhabi is enjoying an exciting phase of visitor growth. This strategy, implemented by the local tourism authority, provides the perfect foundation for the hospitality sector to prosper and upscale hotels such as Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi will, in turn, help strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a key global business and leisure destination.”

Abu Dhabi’s ability to attract premier global events such as Formula One and the Volvo Ocean Race is helping to boost year-on-year tourism success. The past 12 months have been a particular highlight for the Emirate with the capital reporting almost seven million guest nights during 2012, a rise of 13% on the previous year and, according to rankings by global meetings and events specialist, International Congress & Convention Association’s (ICCA), Abu Dhabi has now entered the top 100 busiest global meetings destinations for the first time, a rise of 134 places.