Hilton has partnered with the Al Habtoor Group to convert two hotels in Beirut to the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and to develop the very first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Dubai, UAE.

The agreement will see Hilton Worldwide enter Lebanon by converting the 195-room Habtoor Grand and the 183-room Metropolitan Palace to the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace.

Both hotels are located in the heart of the dynamic city of Beirut and are expected to open in early 2012.

The companies also signed an agreement to develop the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the first luxury resort by the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in Dubai.

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, with views of the coastline and some of the Emirate’s most famous landmarks, the 324-room hotel will feature signature restaurants, a luxury health club and spa. The resort is due to open at the end of 2013.

“Beirut is one of the liveliest cities in the world and a leading gateway destination between the east and west. We have been looking forward to entering Lebanon and are very pleased that we are able to do so with this calibre of properties,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide. “Equally, Waldorf Astoria’s heritage and prestige is a perfect fit for Dubai and it is exactly the right time for this luxury brand to join the expanding number of properties we have planned in the UAE. Today’s announcement amply demonstrates our ongoing commitment to growing in the Middle East and consolidates our position as a leading hospitality provider in the region.”

Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand will boast a number of quality business facilities including a business centre, four large meeting rooms and a conference room that has capacity for 2400 people. Guests can also enjoy an health club, two swimming pools, three restaurants and two bars. At 3500 sqm, the hotel’s spa facility is one of the largest in the region.

Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace will feature a business centre, five large meeting rooms and an 820-capacity function room as well as an health club, swimming pool and a choice of four restaurants and two bars.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah will feature four signature restaurants, two bars, a private beach and a large luxury health club and spa. The property will also have a business centre, six meeting rooms and a 600-capacity ballroom.