New York-inspired Waldorf Astoria is to open its first hotel in Abu Dhabi with spectacular views over the emirate's Mangrove National Park — home to dozens of bird species and wildlife including turtles, dugongs and dolphins.
Guests staying in one of the 167 elegant rooms or suites – each of which comes with access to a personal concierge – can experience the forest by kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or boating through the park’s main water channel.
The hotel will feature three sleek swimming pools, a fitness club and spa, plus "thoughtfully curated" dining options including a brasserie, rooftop restaurant, poolside café and Peacock Alley lounge — a signature of the Waldorf Astoria brand.
With the opening date yet to be revealed, the Abu Dhabi hotel will join seven others across the GCC, including in Jeddah, Kuwait, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Palm Jumeirah.
The Hilton-owned property – in the revamped former home of Anantara's Eastern Mangroves — will offer easy access to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, as well as to the Abu Dhabi corniche, downtown Abu Dhabi and Zayed International Airport.
Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of Development for the Middle East & Africa at Hilton, said: "We are delighted to have signed Abu Dhabi’s first Waldorf Astoria, which will enjoy an unrivalled location overlooking the Mangrove National Park.
"With its anticipatory service and timeless elegance, it is set to be a destination of choice for those seeking modern luxury in the capital.
"Abu Dhabi, which plans to welcome more than 39 million visitors by 2030, is a world-class tourism destination where travellers can enjoy museums, architectural masterpieces and natural beauty.
"We see great opportunity in the city, and we are pleased to partner with Aldar to debut this iconic property.”
With dozens of outposts open across the globe, the Waldorf Astoria brand reflects a grand yet intimate sense of place.
Every property exudes a highly curated, elegant atmosphere through stunning architectural features, refined art collections and fine furnishings and fabrics.
