Hilton retains 'Leading Hotel Choice' crown in 2005 BDRC Middle East Business Guest Survey

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Hilton International (HI), an operating division of the UK based Hilton Group plc, owns the rights to the Hilton brand name throughout the world, with the exception of the USA, where the Hilton brand is owned and managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC).

HI currently operates 31 hotels in the Middle East - 17 hotels in Egypt, eight hotels in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia and one each in Oman and Kuwait. Hilton's heritage in the Arabian Peninsula stretches back over 30 years, when it became the first international hotel brand to open a property in the UAE - the Hilton Al Ain in 1972.

The 46-suite Qasr al Sharq, or 'Palace of the Orient' will become Hilton's first palace property when it opens in March this year. New Hilton properties are under development in Doha - Qatar, a worldwide resort in Ras Al Khaimah - UAE, in addition to the Arabian Peninsula's first Conrad hotel in Dubai.

Hilton International operates 403 hotels, with some 261 branded Hilton and 142 under the mid-market Scandic brand. Under a joint venture agreement, Hilton International and the North American based Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) share responsibility for the Conrad brand, which includes 17 hotels in 12 countries. A global marketing alliance between Hilton International and Hilton Hotels Corporation extends the number of hotels operated by both companies worldwide to over 2,700 - over 500 of which are branded Hilton.

Hilton Worldwide Resorts is an upscale, global resort network with a collection of 57 resorts, located in exotic places, making up the world's largest global choice. Currently, 36 resorts are operated by Hilton International - including four all-inclusive Coral by Hilton resorts, 18 by Hilton Hotels Corporation and three by Conrad. Hilton International Grand Vacations Company presently operates four resorts in Scotland and Egypt, comprising 271 time-ownership units.

Hilton International employs over 71,000 staff in 80 countries. Committed to doing business in a responsible way, Hilton International's aim is to bring a positive benefit to the societies in which it operates through high quality services, economic growth, environmental protection, community involvement and employment.