Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a 300-key Taj hotel in Cairo, marking the brand’s debut in Egypt. The signing represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s international growth strategy and strengthens the presence of the Taj brand in key global gateway destinations.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Cairo in Egypt with its rich cultural heritage and strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, has long served as a vital hub for global tourism and trade. Debuting the iconic Taj brand in Cairo aligns with IHCL’s international growth strategy of being present in key gateway cities of the world and extending the brand’s hallmark warm and sincere service. We are excited for this landmark development and thank Hon’ble Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly for his support.”

The hotel, to be known as Taj Cairo, will be developed in partnership with E.G.O.T.H (Egyptian General Company for Tourism & Hotels) and will involve the transformation of the historic Grand Continental Hotel.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Hisham El Demery, Chief Executive Officer of E.G.O.T.H, said, “The transformation of the Grand Continental Hotel into Taj Cairo is a defining moment in our mission to restore Egypt’s architectural heritage. As the custodians of this iconic landmark, EGOTH is committed to ensuring that its legacy is honored through thoughtful redevelopment and world-class standards. Our partnership with IHCL brings trusted expertise to this endeavor, and together we are creating a destination that will contribute meaningfully to Cairo’s tourism landscape and its continued revitalization.”

Located at Opera Square, one of Cairo’s most historically significant districts, the 300-key Taj Cairo will overlook the iconic Azbakeya Garden, one of the city’s oldest public parks. Situated within the heritage zone and a short drive from the Nile, the hotel will offer guests easy access to major landmarks while placing them at the heart of the city’s rich cultural fabric.

The property will retain key architectural elements of the historic building’s façade while introducing contemporary design, world-class amenities, and Taj’s signature hospitality. Planned facilities include all-day dining and specialty restaurants, wellness offerings, and expansive banqueting spaces for corporate meetings and social gatherings.

Often referred to as the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’, Cairo is Egypt’s cultural, political, and economic epicentre. The city is home to globally renowned attractions such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, alongside vibrant bazaars and historic mosques, making it one of the most compelling destinations in the world.

Dhanarak Asset Development Co., Ltd. (DAD), the state-owned enterprise managing Thailand’s Government Complex, has announced the completion of a landmark transformation that positions the site as Thailand’s first green government city. The initiative reimagines the role of public-sector land, placing sustainability, walkability and human wellbeing at the centre of urban planning.

Led by Dr. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, President of DAD, the multi-year redevelopment shifts the Government Complex away from traditional, closed administrative design toward an open, people-first civic environment. The concept, titled “City of Green Lifestyles,” focuses on how citizens move, rest, breathe and interact with nature within an urban government setting.

“For decades, government districts in Thailand were designed to manage paperwork, not people,” said Dr. Nalikatibhag Sangsnit. “We wanted to reverse that logic. A city, especially a city owned by the state, must first work for human life.”

At the heart of the transformation is a newly opened 5.1-rai landscaped green connector linking Buildings B and C. Once a traffic-heavy buffer zone, the space has been converted into a pedestrian-friendly green corridor connecting offices, public transit points and communal areas. The redesigned landscape acts as a climate buffer, helping reduce heat, improve water absorption and encourage daily walking and outdoor activity.

Over the last six years, DAD has expanded green spaces within the Government Complex by more than 47 rai. When combined with surrounding landscaped zones, the total green area now exceeds 138 rai, creating one of the largest continuous public green spaces in northern Bangkok. Importantly, previously restricted government land has been opened for wider public use, dissolving the boundary between administrative infrastructure and the city beyond.

The project aligns closely with Thailand’s national sustainability goals, including ESG principles and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. Design elements prioritise expanded tree cover, permeable surfaces and flexible open spaces that support exercise, informal gatherings and community interaction.

DAD’s approach has gained international recognition. In 2025, the organisation became the only public-sector entity to win the Asia-level International Innovation Awards for two consecutive years, honouring its Government Complex Smart City initiative and the GCC Super Application, a digital platform integrating transport, navigation and public services.

Unlike large-scale urban megaprojects, the Bangkok Government Complex transformation relies on incremental, system-based upgrades rather than new land acquisition. Urban planners and policy experts view this model as a scalable blueprint for governments across Asia, particularly in rapidly growing cities where the public sector remains one of the largest landowners.

“This is about proving that sustainability is not an added cost,” Dr. Nalikatibhag added. “When green infrastructure improves health, reduces stress and invites public use, it becomes both economically rational and socially essential.”

With this initiative, Dhanarak Asset Development is redefining how government spaces function, demonstrating how public-sector leadership can set new standards for humane, sustainable and inclusive city-making.

Ras Al Khaimah has announced the return of the HIGHLANDER long-distance hiking challenge, marking five years since the Middle East’s premier endurance hiking event first arrived in the Emirate. The fifth anniversary edition will take place from 6 to 8 February 2026 on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, once again inviting adventure enthusiasts from around the world to explore the rugged beauty and cultural depth of the destination.

Organised by HIGHLANDER Adventure, the world’s largest international hiking series, and supported by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the event continues to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s positioning as a key adventure tourism hub. Participants will journey across the Emirate’s most extensively developed hiking network, covering trails that span the dramatic Hajar Mountains.

With global demand for experience-led and adventure travel on the rise, hosting a mass-participation long-distance hiking event further reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to immersive tourism. The challenge blends endurance hiking with sustainability, cultural discovery and community engagement, offering participants a deeper connection with the destination.

Along carefully curated mountain trails, hikers will pass through historic settlements that reflect the traditions, resilience and daily life of mountain tribes that once thrived in the region. These encounters offer an authentic insight into Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural heritage. Beyond the trail, HIGHLANDER’s signature camp programmes will feature live cooking stations showcasing local cuisine, allowing direct interaction with mountain communities. Wildlife sessions led by renowned wildlife photographer Bachar Bouka will also introduce participants to the diverse species found in the Hajar Mountains.

Commenting on the milestone, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “Hosting HIGHLANDER for the fifth consecutive year underlines our commitment to promoting wellness, experiential travel and connection with nature. The event perfectly aligns with our vision for engaging the local community and positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER Adventure UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, added, “With more than 250 participants, last year’s edition successfully positioned Ras Al Khaimah on the global adventure tourism stage, attracting hikers from 35 countries who travelled from around the world to take part in this adventure of a lifetime. We remain committed to showcasing the rich heritage and culture of Ras Al Khaimah through every event we organize, while continuously enhancing our camp experiences with more entertainment and wellness initiatives.”

The 2026 edition will offer three distinct challenge formats designed to suit varying fitness levels. The HIGHLANDER Pegasus, a three-day challenge covering 37 kilometres, will run from 6 to 8 February 2026. The HIGHLANDER Orion, a two-day backpacking format covering 25 kilometres, will take place from 7 to 8 February 2026, while the HIGHLANDER Lyra, a one-day format covering 13 kilometres, will be held on 8 February 2026, offering a more accessible introduction for first-time participants.

Aligned with Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainable tourism vision, the event actively promotes “Leave No Trace” principles through on-ground activations and participant communication. By encouraging responsible travel and environmental stewardship, HIGHLANDER highlights the importance of preserving the Emirate’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Participants who successfully complete their chosen trail will receive official finisher recognition and take part in a shared celebration, marking the culmination of an adventure rooted in endurance, discovery and connection with nature.