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.”

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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.


Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Offers the Ultimate Family Island Escape

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Offers the Ultimate Family Island Escape

By Hariharan U

Published on July 8, 2026

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is inviting families to experience an island getaway designed around togetherness, offering a blend of luxury accommodation, immersive experiences, award-winning dining and wellness in one of the Maldives' most picturesque settings.

Located just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, the resort provides easy access for travellers while offering an idyllic escape where guests of all generations can reconnect through shared experiences.

At the heart of the family offering is the Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate, a private beachfront retreat featuring expansive living spaces, a private infinity pool, dedicated butler service and direct beach access. Designed for multi-generational stays, the estate provides families with the comfort and privacy of a home while enjoying the services of a luxury resort.

Dining forms an integral part of the guest experience at Baraabaru, the resort's signature Indian restaurant inspired by the architecture of traditional Kerala theatres. Recognised among the Maldives' leading dining destinations, the restaurant showcases the creations of acclaimed Chef Hari Nayak, featuring regional Indian dishes including Malvani Fish Curry, Mangalorean-style Prawn Sukka, Chicken Malai Kofta, Bharwan Mirchi, and desserts such as Mango Kulfi and Ghewar.

Beyond its culinary experiences, the resort offers families opportunities to engage with the natural environment through its Coral Reef Plantation programme, where guests work alongside marine experts to help restore coral reefs by building and planting coral frames.

Families can also explore the island's vibrant marine life through snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing, while younger guests can participate in the Junior Marine Savers Programme, which introduces children to marine conservation through interactive learning experiences focused on coral reefs, sea turtles and ocean ecosystems.

Adding to the seasonal experiences is the Learn With Legends Summer Camp, taking place from 20 July to 31 August, where internationally recognised surfers, marine conservationists and martial arts experts conduct interactive sessions for guests of all ages. Families can also extend their holiday to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where football clinics and conservation programmes within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve complement the experience.

While younger guests enjoy outdoor adventures, adults can retreat to ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, the resort's dedicated wellness sanctuary located across the lagoon. Accessible by a traditional Maldivian dhoni, the wellness centre offers yoga, hydrotherapy, breathwork, nutrition consultations and therapeutic treatments rooted in naturopathy.

Among its signature therapies is the Maldivian Coconut Ritual, which combines locally sourced botanicals and warm coconut oil to deliver a restorative wellness experience inspired by the islands.

By combining spacious accommodation, family-friendly adventures, wellness experiences and exceptional dining, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa continues to position itself as a preferred destination for families seeking meaningful luxury holidays in the Maldives.


FIFA 2026 Highlights: Spain Ends Ronaldo's World Cup Dream as Host Cities Record Strong Hotel Revenue Growth

FIFA 2026 Highlights: Spain Ends Ronaldo's World Cup Dream as Host Cities Record Strong Hotel Revenue Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2026

Spain ended Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 at Dallas, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup journey to a close. The defeat means the Portuguese superstar retires from the tournament without lifting football's most coveted trophy, joining several legendary players who finished their international careers without a FIFA World Cup title.

In another Round of 16 fixture, Belgium delivered an impressive performance to defeat the United States 4-1, securing its place in the quarter-finals.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the FIFA World Cup continues to deliver strong results for the hospitality industry across host cities in the United States.

According to CoStar, hotels recorded robust performance for the week ending June 27, with Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increasing 9.6% year-on-year, while the Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose 9.2%. Occupancy remained largely stable, recording a marginal increase of 0.4%.

Among all host cities, Miami posted the strongest performance, with ADR rising 51.1% and RevPAR increasing 51.6% compared to the same period last year. San Francisco, which hosted two World Cup matches, reported the second-highest gains, with occupancy up 10.9% and RevPAR climbing 40.7% year-on-year.

CoStar had initially projected a 13% increase in RevPAR across World Cup host cities during the tournament. However, performance between June 11 and June 27 has already surpassed expectations, with host cities recording average RevPAR growth of more than 20%.

The strongest RevPAR growth during the period was recorded in San Francisco (54.5%), followed by Dallas (27.2%) and Kansas City (25%). According to Didio Pequeno, Director of Hospitality Market Analytics at CoStar, San Francisco's stronger performance was also supported by a relatively weaker comparison base from the previous year.

Pequeno noted that the tournament has primarily become a rate-driven event rather than an occupancy-driven one. While occupancy remained relatively flat in most host cities, significant room rate increases helped hotels achieve stronger overall revenue performance.

Through the end of June, San Francisco and Dallas were the only U.S. host cities to register occupancy gains, while other destinations experienced slight declines that were offset by higher room rates. Pequeno attributed this trend to international football fans, who have demonstrated a greater willingness to pay premium accommodation prices, effectively replacing domestic leisure travellers who would typically spend less.

Among the leading markets, Dallas' performance was widely anticipated, as AT&T Stadium is hosting the highest number of matches during the tournament. Meanwhile, Kansas City, the smallest U.S. host city, recorded a 34% increase in ADR during the June 11-27 period.

Looking ahead, hotel performance is expected to remain closely tied to tournament results, with fan travel patterns likely to influence demand across host cities. The FIFA World Cup Final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is expected to generate a significant surge in hotel demand across the New York metropolitan area, with industry experts predicting an impact comparable to that of the Super Bowl.


ZAYA Indian & Persian Kitchen Celebrates World Kebab Day with Exclusive Royal Kebab Platter

ZAYA Indian & Persian Kitchen Celebrates World Kebab Day with Exclusive Royal Kebab Platter

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2026

ZAYA Indian & Persian Kitchen in McAllen is celebrating World Kebab Day with the launch of an exclusive Royal Kebab Platter, available only on July 10 for dine-in guests. Curated by Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami, the limited-time offering showcases the rich culinary traditions of India and Persia through an indulgent selection of flame-grilled specialties.

Created to serve two guests, the Royal Kebab Platter features a carefully crafted assortment of signature dishes, including Chicken Malai Tikka, Achari Lamb Chops, Tandoori Prawns, Beef Shami Kebab, Saffron Basmati Rice, Greek Salad, Charred Onions and Tomatoes, along with ZAYA's signature Mint & Cilantro Tzatziki. The platter celebrates authentic grilling techniques, premium ingredients and bold regional flavours.

Speaking about the special menu, Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami said, "Kebabs are more than just grilled dishes, they represent centuries of culinary tradition, culture, and craftsmanship. For World Kebab Day, we wanted to create a platter that allows our guests to experience the diversity of Indian and Persian barbecue traditions in one memorable meal. Every element has been carefully prepared to deliver authentic flavors while reflecting ZAYA's commitment to quality, hospitality, and culinary excellence."

Observed by food lovers around the world, World Kebab Day celebrates one of the world's most iconic grilled dishes. At ZAYA, the occasion pays tribute to this enduring culinary tradition by combining authentic Indian and Persian flavours with traditional cooking techniques and contemporary presentation.

The Royal Kebab Platter will be available exclusively for dine-in on July 10 and in limited quantities. Guests are encouraged to reserve their tables in advance to enjoy this special culinary experience with family and friends.

Led by Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami, ZAYA Indian & Persian Kitchen continues to elevate McAllen's dining scene by blending the authentic flavours of India and Persia with modern presentation and warm hospitality. The World Kebab Day celebration reflects the restaurant's commitment to honouring global culinary traditions through memorable, chef-driven dining experiences.

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