Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah opens

Luxury hotel brand the Waldorf Astoria, part of Hilton Worldwide, has entered the Dubai market with the opening of the 319-room Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah 

Leisure facilities at the hotel include a 2,000sq m spa, complete with a garden, a 24-hour fitness centre, two outdoor pools, a 200m private beach and activities ranging from tennis and fishing to parasailing and other water sports. 

The hotel will be operating with limited facilities until March 1, with the spa not opening until after this date. 

Rudi Jagersbacher, president of Hilton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa, said: "The introduction of a Waldorf Astoria hotel to the Palm Jumeirah will enhance Dubai's growing status as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city."

The hotel features six restaurants and bars, including signature restaurant Social, inspired by New York dining and developed by three Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck.