Hilton's luxury brand the Waldorf Astoria is to expand its presence in the Middle East with a new hotel and spa in Qatar.

The 42-storey Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, which is due to open later this year, will be located near the Qatar Stock Exchange offering views of the city and Arabian Gulf.

Designed to appeal to leisure and business travellers, the property will feature 250 guestrooms and suites along with 80 large serviced apartments.

Plans are also underway for a two-storey spa and health club and a rooftop pool, which will open by 2016.

The hotel will include a ballroom, meeting and conferencing facilities and a range of restaurants and bars.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, MEA 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."