Hilton Worldwide plans to expand its Waldorf Astoria brand with a new property in Qatar, following the signing of a management agreement with Doha-based La Jolla. The legendary hotel brand will debut in Doha with Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, a 42-storey property. The hotel will be in the heart of the modern business and diplomatic district, close to Qatar Stock Exchange and near to the upcoming Doha Convention Centre, due to open later this year. Hotel amenities will include a ballroom, meeting and conference facilities and a wide range of bars and restaurants. A rooftop pool and a two-storey bespoke health club and spa will also be developed for the property, which is expected to open by 2016. John T A Vanderslice, global head, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide, said: "The aim of all Waldorf Hotels & Resorts is to offer unparalleled service and quality and build on the brand's legacy of timeless luxury and personalised experiences. "Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay will, undoubtedly, achieve that aim and guests can expect the highest levels of luxury in exceptional surroundings." Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay will feature 250 rooms and suites as well as 80 large serviced apartments. Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said: "Hilton Worldwide enjoys a close affiliation with Qatar and the introduction of the illustrious Waldorf Astoria brand is an important step in offering greater guest choice with what will, arguably, be one of the strongest and most enviable property portfolios in the country." As one of the world's fastest growing economies, Qatar is enjoying a surge in visitor numbers as it enters a sustained, decade-long period of growth and development supported by a government-backed $65bn investment programme. Headline plans for the country include a new airport capable of handling 50-million passengers annually, a $5bn deepwater seaport with large cruise ship terminal, a causeway linking Qatar to Bahrain as well as a network of projects required to support the staging of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Saad Mohammed Fahad Buzwair, owner of La Jolla, added: "We are proud and honoured to be working with the world's leading hospitality company to welcome the famous Waldorf Astoria brand to Qatar." Arabian business.com

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