Hilton and Al-Rai Real Estate Co - owned by Mabanee Co - announced plans today which will seeConrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's smart luxury hotel brand, and midscale Hilton Garden Inn open their doors to guests in early 2019. The development forms part of an ambitious expansion project which will see almost $1billion devoted towards solidifying the position of The Avenues Mall in Kuwait City as one of the world's top retail destinations. 

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East, Africa & Turkey for Hilton Worldwide, said: "We're delighted to be working with Al-Rai as part of the fourth phase expansion of The Avenues. With its number of shopping outlets set to increase by nearly 50%, demand for accommodation at a site which already attracts millions of visitors every year is set to increase substantially. Our Conrad and Hilton Garden Inn brands will enable us to cater for guests seeking either smart luxury or affordable accommodations during their stay."

Both hotels will be managed by Hilton Worldwide and will be located on opposite sides of the mall. The complex itself is located off Kuwait's fifth ring road (now named Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Road) allowing ease of access to junctions connecting to both Kuwait International Airport and Kuwait City.

Mr. Mohammad Alshaya, chairman, Mabanee said: "In planning the fourth phase of the expansion of this immense project, one of the most exciting additions, we are making is to provide the ability for visitors to make their stays easier by staying inside Avenues itself."

He added: "Having hotels as part of The Avenues development will enhance the quality of the experience and the service we provide to our visitors. This will in turn support internal tourism and also place Kuwait on the regional tourism map. We have seen increasing numbers of visitors from abroad, in particular from the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and this is a strong indication of the revival of tourism in the country."

Mr. Waleed Alsharian, chief executive officer, Mabanee said: "We believe Hilton is the ideal partner to provide accommodation to match the expectations of our luxury shoppers while also providing more affordable alternative as we continue to diversify our retail and entertainment offering."

Conrad Kuwait

This 158-guestroom luxury property will form part of the extension of the Mall's popular 'Prestige' district, which opened in 2012. The district forms Kuwait's largest luxury shopping destination, home to 47 luxury retail units under a 23 metre dome. The hotel will feature a ballroom, multiple dining options, and an outdoor pool and spa. The hotel's design concept will complement the Prestige district's use of copper and rare 'Portoro' stone, imported from the mountains of Italy.

Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait

Adjoining two of the new districts being created under the fourth phase expansion, Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait will become the brand's largest hotel in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Boasting 430 guestrooms in an imposing tower structure at the Northern end of the Mall, the main entrance of the property will be located in 'The Forum' which will provide a central meeting point within the mall.  The property will also border the new 'Electra' district set to create a vibrant international atmosphere inspired by the bright lights and high technology of cities such as Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton Worldwide, said: "The Avenues is a truly world-class destination and a fitting home to two of our world-class brands. Both have celebrated landmark openings in the Middle East this year, with Conrad becoming our first luxury brand to welcome guests to Makkah, while Hilton Garden Inn has debuted at another of the region's flagship retail spaces, Dubai's Mall of the Emirates. We look forward to adding Kuwait to both portfolios."

Both properties will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,700 hotels worldwide.

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travelers for whom life, business, and pleasure seamlessly intersect. Conrad offers its guests an innovative way to Stay Inspired through a curated collections of 1-hour, 3-hour, or 5-hour experiences, available throughwww.StayInspired.com or through the intuitive Conrad Conciergemobile app. Consisting of 26 properties across five continents, Conrad is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,700 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with over 775,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. For 97 years, Hilton has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where Hilton HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. 

About Hilton Garden Inn

The award-winning Hilton Garden Inn hotel brand provides guests with upscale accommodations and the modern amenities needed for a successful and comfortable experience for both business and leisure guests. The satisfaction promise affirms that Hilton Garden Inn will to do whatever it takes to ensure every guest is satisfied, or they don’t pay. You can count on us. Guaranteed™. Approachable Team Members operating at more than 700 hotels around the world are committed to guaranteeing today’s busy travelers are appreciated and have everything they need to be productive during their stay. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key (selected locations) available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app.