Hilton Worldwide has signed management agreements with Saudi Arabia's King Saud University Endowment for the 241-room Hilton Riyadh King Saud University and the 155-room Hilton Riyadh King Saud University Residence - both expected to open by 2012.

The two new properties are located close to downtown Riyadh, the diplomatic quarter and the King Abdullah financial district, as well as an upmarket residential district for government ministers and royalty. King Khaled international airport is a 28km (17 miles) drive to the north. With preliminary groundwork already underway, both sites will feature all-day dining facilities, health clubs, swimming pools and business centres. The hotel will also offer a spa, retail space, four meeting rooms, an executive lounge and additional food and beverage options including a speciality restaurant, lobby lounge and a pool bar.

Hilton Worldwide's existing portfolio in Riyadh includes the Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya, the Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Al Muroj due to open in Q3 next year, and the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residence scheduled for Q4 2013. King Saud University is Saudi Arabia's oldest, largest and most prestigious higher education centre with a student population of 70,000 attending various colleges and research centres.

Image: Hilton Hotels