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.


Etihad Airways Celebrates 20 Years of Connecting France with Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways Celebrates 20 Years of Connecting France with Abu Dhabi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2026

Etihad Airways is celebrating 20 years of flying to France, marking two decades since it launched its first service between Abu Dhabi and Paris in 2006. Over the years, the airline has expanded significantly, growing from six weekly flights and a fleet of 17 aircraft serving around 34 destinations to a global network of 118 destinations operated by 124 aircraft.

Today, Etihad operates up to three daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Paris while also offering seasonal summer services to Nice on the French Riviera. The expansion reflects the airline's continued growth in the European market and its commitment to providing greater connectivity for travellers.

The milestone comes as Etihad continues to strengthen its presence across Europe through new routes, increased frequencies and codeshare partnerships. Looking ahead, the airline plans to expand its fleet to around 250 aircraft and double its overall size, offering travellers from France and other markets even more travel options.

Abu Dhabi remains central to Etihad's network, attracting French visitors with its blend of Emirati heritage and modern attractions. The city offers experiences ranging from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island to Yas Island's entertainment attractions and the beaches of the Arabian Gulf.

To further enhance the visitor experience, eligible international passengers flying to Abu Dhabi with Etihad receive complimentary medical travel insurance for up to 15 days in the UAE, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. Travellers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which offers eligible guests up to two complimentary hotel nights.

Beyond the UAE capital, Etihad connects French travellers to several popular holiday destinations across Asia and the Indian Ocean, including Bali, Phuket, the Maldives, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and the Seychelles, destinations that continue to witness strong demand.

Commenting on the milestone, Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said, "Twenty years of flying to France is a milestone we are proud of, and at its heart are the travellers who have chosen Etihad over two decades. More and more of them are discovering Abu Dhabi for themselves, alongside the wider world our network opens up, and it is a privilege to keep welcoming them on board."


Disneyland Resort Welcomes Its One Billionth Guest During 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disneyland Resort Welcomes Its One Billionth Guest During 70th Anniversary Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2026

Disneyland Resort has marked a historic milestone by welcoming its honorary one billionth guest as the destination continues its 70th anniversary celebrations. The achievement comes as Walt Disney's original theme park celebrates more than seven decades of creating memorable experiences for families from around the world.

The special moment took place at Disneyland Park, where Andres Robles, who was celebrating his 8th birthday, arrived with his parents, Alejandra and Jose Robles from Arizona, unaware that they would become part of Disneyland's history.

Joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the family took part in a ceremony at the Main Street U.S.A. train station platform, where they unveiled an updated sign reading "Population 1,000,000,000." The family then enjoyed a day filled with exclusive experiences across the resort.

To mark the occasion, the Robles family received a VIP tour, including a visit to Walt Disney's private apartment, access to the newly opened Soarin' Across America attraction, and several other exclusive experiences that showcased the magic of Disneyland Resort.

Opened on July 17, 1955, Disneyland was created by Walt Disney as a place where parents and children could enjoy unforgettable experiences together. Over the decades, the resort has transformed the global theme park industry through immersive storytelling, detailed attractions, and family-friendly entertainment.

Commenting on the milestone, Jill Estorino, President, Disneyland Resort, said, "Welcoming our one billionth guest is a remarkable milestone for Disneyland Resort and a testament to the generations of guests who have made this special place part of their lives. For more than 70 years, Walt's original park has been a timeless symbol of Disney storytelling, where memories are made and shared, and we are honored to carry that legacy forward for guests today and for generations to come."

What began as a single theme park in Anaheim, California, has grown into a world-renowned destination featuring two Disney theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District. Disneyland has also inspired the development of Disney parks and experiences across the globe.

Continuing Walt Disney's vision that "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world," the resort remains focused on delivering innovative attractions, immersive experiences, and memorable moments for future generations of visitors.


Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare as ZEE Warns Hotels Against Unauthorized FIFA World Cup Screenings

Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare as ZEE Warns Hotels Against Unauthorized FIFA World Cup Screenings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 5, 2026

Defending champions Argentina survived one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, defeating World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter.

Played under the lights in Miami, the match turned into an unforgettable contest as Cape Verde matched Argentina's quality with determination and flair. Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead in the first half with a clinical finish, but Cape Verde refused to back down. Deroy Duarte brought the Blue Sharks level in the second half with a well-taken goal, sending the match into extra time.

Argentina eventually found the breakthrough to seal a hard-fought 3-2 victory, ending the remarkable World Cup journey of a spirited Cape Verde side that earned admiration for pushing the defending champions to the limit.

Elsewhere in the Round of 32, Australia suffered heartbreak after losing its first-ever FIFA World Cup penalty shootout. The Socceroos and Egypt finished level at 1-1 after regular and extra time before Egypt secured a 4-2 victory in the shootout. Colombia also advanced to the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win over Ghana.

Amid the excitement surrounding the tournament, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited has issued a strict compliance advisory to hotels, restaurants, pubs, and other commercial establishments across India regarding the unauthorized public screening of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

The advisory warns businesses against streaming matches without proper authorization and against using FIFA intellectual property in promotional activities. The move is expected to significantly impact event-led promotions across the hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors, where major sporting events are often used to attract customers.

ZEE holds the exclusive media and broadcasting rights for 39 FIFA competitions in India from 2026 to 2034, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, and the FIFA World Cup 2030.

In its advisory, the broadcaster emphasized that the terms "FIFA" and "World Cup 2026," along with all associated logos and branding, are protected trademarks.

"Unauthorized usage, reproduction, or display of these terms, marks, or logos in any form, including promotional materials, advertisements, or commercial communication is strictly prohibited," the network stated, adding that only officially licensed partners are permitted to use FIFA branding.

As the FIFA World Cup progresses, commercial establishments planning match screenings or promotional campaigns are expected to ensure full compliance with broadcasting and trademark regulations.

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.