Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa said on Wednesday it has 41 properties in its active pipeline for the region. The hotel group said the largest number of hotels under development was part of its \"strategy of ambitious growth\". According to the latest STR Global research, the company\'s expansion programme makes up 11.5 percent of the entire MEA hotel pipeline and, with 15,000 rooms under development, Hilton Worldwide is 50 percent ahead of its nearest rival.   Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa, said: \"Hilton Worldwide\'s unwavering momentum in seeking out practical and productive partners and properties in Middle East & Africa is setting the regional pace and return for the company. \"We\'re experiencing increased optimism in the region and this is reflected in the number and quality of enquiries we are receiving.   Today\'s announcement is good news for the company and good news for the area\'s hospitality industry.\" he added in a statement. Hilton\'s MEA region has signed a record 20 properties in the last 12 months including six hotels of the Jabal Omar Development in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This May 2011 signing represented Hilton Worldwide\'s biggest announcement to date and added a further 6,000 rooms to the MEA total. In 2012, Hilton Worldwide expects to bring two new brands to the UAE with the openings of the luxury brands Conrad Dubai and Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah.  In addition, the company will launch in four new markets including Doha, Uganda, Lebanon and Sharjah as well as extend its commitment to Egypt by opening its 19th hotel in the country.