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.


Revel Travels Strengthens Exclusive Tomorrowland Access for India and UAE Travellers

Revel Travels Strengthens Exclusive Tomorrowland Access for India and UAE Travellers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

As Tomorrowland prepares to return in 2026, Revel Travels is continuing its role as the exclusive official travel partner for India and the UAE, further strengthening a partnership that has developed steadily over the years.

Held in Boom, Tomorrowland has grown far beyond a music festival to become one of the world’s most recognised cultural experiences, bringing together music, large-scale stage productions, storytelling, and immersive entertainment. The 2026 edition will take place across two weekends, from July 17–19 and July 24–26.

For travellers from India and the UAE, Revel Travels plays a key role by offering official ticket access sourced directly from Tomorrowland. In a market where demand remains extremely high and ticket authenticity is often a concern, this official allocation gives travellers added confidence and reliability.

The company’s 4 Nights / 5 Days travel packages, and are designed as complete travel experiences rather than simple bookings. Guests can choose from multiple stay options, including the immersive DreamVille camping experience, centrally located hotels, and premium luxury stays such as Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp. The portfolio also includes exclusive private villas that are generally difficult to access for regular festival attendees.

At the premium end, the experience extends into luxury hospitality offerings with private villa buyouts, curated hosting environments, private boxes, and exclusive tables. These experiences can move into five-figure USD pricing, catering to travellers looking for privacy, elevated service, and premium festival access. Dedicated transfers, priority movement, and specialised pick-up and drop-off arrangements are also included for premium-zone guests.

A major focus of Revel Travels’ offering is creating a seamless journey for travellers. From visa support and round-the-clock on-ground assistance to personal delivery of Tomorrowland bracelets directly to hotels or DreamVille campsites, the company aims to simplify every stage of the experience.

Festival access is available through two pass categories, Full Madness Pass and Full Madness Comfort Pass, giving guests the option to choose between standard and upgraded entry experiences.

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Speaking about the company’s approach, Sahil Wahid, Director, Revel Travel, said, “We've built our reputation on one simple promise, authentic access. Every ticket we provide comes directly from Tomorrowland through an official allocation, which removes the uncertainty that often surrounds high-demand global events. For our travellers, that assurance is as important as the experience itself.

We've always focused on simplifying what is otherwise a complex global experience. Tomorrowland is something people plan for years in advance. Our role is to ensure that once they decide to go, everything else, from access to on-ground execution, feels effortless and reliable.”

As global demand for Tomorrowland continues to grow, Revel Travels has positioned itself as more than a travel company, offering travellers curated access to one of the world’s most sought-after festival experiences.


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.

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