Hilton achieves largest active pipeline in GCC, STR reports

The latest data from STR show that Hilton has the largest active pipeline in the GCC in terms of the number of rooms and properties in construction. Of the over 21,000 rooms in its pipeline in the Gulf, Hilton has more than 16,000 rooms under construction—the most rooms under construction in four of six Gulf markets (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Oman). They are scheduled to open before 2020.

“Our active pipeline of 16,000 rooms under construction in the GCC is more than double the number of our nearest competitor,” Carlos Khneisser, VP of development, Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, said in a statement. “The deals we are signing are not just there on paper, they are quickly progressing through design and construction. The value we drive for our owners facilitates the speed of this growth as owners want to come back for more. Sixty percent of the hotels in our pipeline are being developed together with existing Hilton owners and our team look forward to progressing further projects next week during AHIC.”

The GCC’s six markets contribute more than a third of Hilton’s pipeline rooms across the Europe Middle East Africa. The company is active in over 60 countries within this region.

Saudi Arabia currently has the most extensive growth, and Hilton is poised to nearly triple its presence in the country with 7,900 rooms in development. The UAE has more than 5,000 Hilton rooms under construction (putting the brand on top for the market), while Qatar has more than 1,800 Hilton rooms under construction. Kuwaut has more than 750 Hilton rooms under construction, Oman has 420+ and Bahrain has 350+.

Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta will be heading to the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai this year, underlining the importance of the region to his company’s ambitious expansion plans.