Taiba Investments and Hilton to Introduce Madinah’s First Waldorf Astoria

Taiba Investments and Hilton to Introduce Madinah’s First Waldorf Astoria

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 14, 2024

Taiba Investments, a leader in Saudi hospitality and real estate, has announced a strategic partnership with Hilton (NYSE: HLT) to bring the renowned Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to the holy city of Madinah. The agreement was signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Dubai, emphasizing Taiba Investments' ongoing expansion into the luxury hospitality market. This collaboration aims to elevate Saudi Arabia's tourism sector through partnerships with world-class hospitality brands like Hilton.

“This agreement marks a pivotal moment in our strategic growth, reflecting our unwavering commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s hospitality offering across diverse segments,” stated Sultan Al Otaibi, CEO of Taiba Investments. “Our collaboration with Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will elevate tourism and hospitality by delivering an extraordinary guest experience in line with the ‘Pilgrim Experience Program.’ This project not only reaffirms our leadership in the sector but also highlights our dedication to Saudi Vision 2030 by providing world-class accommodation that honors the Kingdom’s rich heritage.”

Set to open in 2028, Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will be the brand’s debut in the city, introducing its unparalleled standards of luxury and signature service. Ideally located on the northern side of the Prophet’s Mosque (PBUH), the hotel offers exclusive, direct views of this holy site and is just a few minutes’ walk away.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Taiba Investments through this remarkable project,” remarked Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of Development, Middle East and Africa at Hilton. “Saudi Arabia remains one of our fastest-growing markets where we plan to expand our footprint to exceed 100 hotels in the coming years. Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will bring the brand’s timeless hospitality and elegant service near one of the world’s most sacred sites. Together with Taiba, we look forward to expanding our network across the Kingdom and delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests.”

image

Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will feature over 300 sophisticated guest rooms and suites, three world-class dining concepts—including the celebrated Peacock Alley café—and two thoughtfully curated restaurants, including a signature venue. The hotel will also house two multi-functional halls, a boardroom, a private club lounge, a prayer room, and a fitness center.

By pioneering transformative projects, Taiba Investments aims to significantly contribute to local economic growth, generate valuable job opportunities, and support tourism infrastructure development, all while delivering an experience deeply rooted in tradition.

As part of this strategy, Taiba Investments plans to renovate the existing Taiba Front Hotel, rebranding it as Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah. This transformation will merge the global brand’s timeless luxury with the cultural essence of the holy city, enhancing the property’s sophistication and exclusivity while solidifying Taiba’s position as a key player in redefining Madinah’s hospitality landscape.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,000 properties and over 1.2 million rooms in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 35 iconic properties that deliver a unique sense of place with a commitment to sincerely elegant service and culinary mastery in landmark destinations worldwide.

About Taiba Investments

Taiba Investments Co. (TASI: 4090), established in 1988, is a leading hospitality and real estate company headquartered in Saudi Arabia, managing a portfolio of 39 properties, including hotels and residential communities.


Novotel Cairo Airport Invites Families to Celebrate Eid with Meaningful Moments

Novotel Cairo Airport Invites Families to Celebrate Eid with Meaningful Moments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2026

This Eid El Adha, Novotel Cairo Airport is inviting guests to slow down and enjoy meaningful family moments through a peaceful and relaxing holiday experience. Designed as a calm urban retreat, the hotel offers families a comfortable setting to reconnect and spend quality time together away from the rush of everyday life.

At the heart of the experience is the idea of togetherness. The hotel’s guest rooms and suites have been thoughtfully designed to create a warm “home away from home” atmosphere, allowing families to enjoy a comfortable and relaxed stay during the festive season.

The celebration continues through a wide range of dining experiences featuring seasonal favourites and international dishes. Whether over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, every meal is designed to encourage conversation, shared moments, and festive joy around the table.

Guests can also unwind with leisure experiences across the property, including relaxing by the pool or spending time at the gym. The overall atmosphere focuses on creating simple yet memorable moments where families can truly enjoy being together.

With comfort, warmth, and togetherness at its core, Novotel Cairo Airport aims to offer guests a meaningful Eid escape filled with relaxation and family connection.


adidas and Saudia Launch ‘Made to Fly’ Travel Pack

adidas and Saudia Launch ‘Made to Fly’ Travel Pack

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2026

adidas and Saudia have come together to introduce the ‘Made to Fly’ travel pack, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration that brings sportswear and aviation into one space. The collection officially launched in retail on April 20 across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Morocco.

Saudia, as the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has played an important role in shaping the region’s travel experience over the years. By partnering with adidas, the collaboration aims to connect travel with modern sportswear, while appealing to a younger generation that sees travel as part of their lifestyle.

The collection is built on adidas’ SOFT LUX line, which focuses on clean design, premium materials and a refined look. With this collaboration, the classic tracksuit is reimagined as a modern travel essential, designed to suit both comfort and style.

Subtle design elements inspired by aviation and Saudi culture are woven into the collection, giving it a distinct identity while keeping the overall look minimal and contemporary. The idea is to create pieces that feel easy to wear, yet polished enough for different travel moments.

The garments are crafted using peached spacer fabric with modal and enhanced with a liquid cotton treatment, giving them a smooth texture and a soft feel. This makes the collection suitable for long journeys, airport transitions and everyday wear.

Speaking about the collaboration, Bilal Fares, SVP and GM, adidas EMC, said, “This collaboration allowed us to reinterpret one of adidas’ most refined sportswear lines through the lens of travel, alongside a brand that has shaped the Kingdom’s travel culture for generations. By bringing together Saudia’s connection to movement and adidas’ sportswear heritage, we created a collection that feels elevated, effortless and relevant to today’s consumer.”

The ‘Made to Fly’ pack blends elements of fashion, travel and movement, positioning the tracksuit as a modern-day travel uniform. It reflects how today’s travellers see their journeys not just as a way to move, but also as an expression of identity and personal style.

Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, added, “For 80 years, Saudia has connected the Kingdom to the world. Today, travel is no longer defined only by destinations, but by identity, culture, and self-expression. Building on our 2023 rebrand, which marked a new chapter in our global journey, we are expanding our brand presence beyond aviation into culture and lifestyle. Our collaboration with adidas brings these elements together, transforming movement into a statement of modern Saudi ambition and capturing the confidence and creativity shaping the Kingdom today.”

The adidas x Saudia ‘Made to Fly’ travel pack is available at select adidas stores across the region and online, offering a fresh take on travel-ready fashion.


Emirates Restores 96% of Global Network, Strengthens Dubai Hub

Emirates Restores 96% of Global Network, Strengthens Dubai Hub

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2026

Emirates has announced a near-complete return to its global operations, with 96% of its network now restored after a period of disruption. Over the past few weeks, the airline has gradually resumed services across key regions including the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East, and Australasia.

At present, Emirates operates flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. This accounts for around 75% of its pre-disruption capacity, as the airline continues to increase flights, seat availability, and travel options for passengers. The move also reinforces Dubai as a major global hub connecting international travellers.

Even during the disruption period, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers between 1 March and 30 April, reflecting steady demand for travel and continued trust in the airline’s services.

Passengers flying with Emirates can expect a consistent and high-quality experience both onboard and on the ground. The airline offers regionally inspired, multi-course meals prepared by experienced chefs, along with a wide range of premium beverages. Its inflight entertainment system, ice, features over 6,500 channels across nearly 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and more. High-speed Wi-Fi is also available, with Starlink connectivity currently live on 28 aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.

To make travel more convenient, Emirates has introduced several customer-friendly benefits. Bookings made from 2 April include one free date change across all cabin classes, and travellers can hold fares for up to 24 hours at no cost. The airline’s Dubai Connect programme offers added comfort for passengers with transit times between 6 to 26 hours, providing complimentary hotel stays, airport transfers, meals, and visa support where required.

Additionally, Emirates Skywards members can benefit from faster tier upgrades and Bonus Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights between 1 May and 31 August 2026.

For Indian travellers, Emirates continues to maintain strong connectivity with 167 daily flights between Dubai and nine cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, ensuring smooth and reliable travel options.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.