Latest news with #NileMaadi
The Star
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Waldorf Astoria to start cruising on the Nile in 2026
When Marriott dipped into cruising with its introduction of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brand in 2022, it was the first hotel company to head to the ocean. Then came Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman – all with plans to launch ocean yachts in the next two years. And now, as of May, Hilton Worldwide has decided to quietly join the fray with its flagship luxury brand Waldorf Astoria, which is set to introduce a Nile River cruiser in late 2026. The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will bear some of the hallmarks of the hotels that share its name: a Peacock Alley Bar, a monumental lobby clock and art deco design flourishes. (Yes, there will be plenty of Champagne, perhaps even enough to fill the Nile.) But Hilton's head of luxury brands Dino Michael says the decision to expand into cruising has more to do with the company's heritage than keeping up with the competition. Hilton, after all, has a long history in Egypt, stretching from the 1958 opening of the Nile Hilton to the 589-room Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, which opened in 2023, and the months-old Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi. It also operated two "floating hotels' there in the 1960s, long before the phrase was trendy. The Isis and Orisis, two 184-passenger vessels launched in 1965 and 1966, each sailed for about 25 years up and down the Nile. Rediscovering that history in the lead-up to the Cairo hotel opening made executives feel nostalgic, Michael says. "The conversation led from one thing to another.' Before long, he says, the team had concluded, "you know, we should do it again'. With that in mind, Michael says the Nile River Experience won't be part of a broader entrance by Hilton into the luxury cruise market, but rather "a distinctive offering that reimagines Nile River cruising through the lens of the Waldorf Astoria brand.' Egypt's tourism moment The Nile is a crowded market for luxury cruising, with a broad range of companies sailing along similar routes. But it's also thriving: Viking will have 10 ships sailing the Nile by 2026, and this fall will see the debut of two butler-serviced dahabeyahs – wind-powered boats associated with Egyptian royalty – from lauded Indian hotelier Oberoi. So is tourism in Egypt, generally. Despite the turmoil enveloping the broader Middle East, the country's tourism ministry has seen record arrivals in the first months of 2025, with visitor numbers up almost 24% in April compared with the year before. That trend is expected to continue with the late 2025 opening of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum and a newly unveiled, US$30mil refurbishment to the tourism infrastructure around the famed pyramids of Giza. To that booming backdrop, Hilton will add a five-deck vessel with a lavish rooftop deck and 29 river-view suites, each with personal concierges able to arrange "tailored programming' off the ship. "There was an existing vessel that was in need of a full renovation, which is great for us because you get to create from the ground up,' Michael says. He declines, however, to name the ship or the price of the project. The company's local partner for the endeavor is Middle East for Nile Cruises and Hotels, owned by the Egyptian plastics manufacturer Al-Ahram Group, whose assets include a 21-year-old ship called The Nile Story. The reimagined Hilton cruiser will sail a tried-and-true route. Departures will set sail from Luxor toward the Valley of the Kings and the intriguing market town of Aswan; other stops will include private docks at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, to see temples dedicated to the gods of crocodiles and falcons. Other experiences, such as helicopter rides and wellness-oriented excursions, are under discussion, though Michael says it's too early to talk specifics; the goal, he says, is to avoid "touristy and overcrowded' spots and to seek "unique' opportunities to explore along the river. Points hounds welcome One distinguishing factor is that guests will be able to earn and burn: Hilton Honors points on the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience's cruises. While prices have yet to be decided, Michael says bookings are expected to open for sale around the second quarter of 2026, and trips will range from four to six nights. The only other Nile cruises that can be paid for with loyalty points are much longer itineraries – nine- to 13-day trips with AmaWaterways, Viking and Uniworld River Cruises – which are bookable via Marriott Bonvoy's Cruise With Points programme. And while travellers can also book the Waldorf Astoria in Cairo on points to extend their trips on either end, Hilton doesn't plan to replicate that strategy for now. Where other brands such as Orient Express and Four Seasons are deliberately planning diverse rail and sea itineraries that can easily get combined with stays at nearby hotels, Hilton plans for now to stick to the Nile. "Right now, it's just something we felt was unique,' Michael says. "Given the popularity of Nile cruising and the huge opportunity that exists at that premium level, we thought Waldorf Astoria was the right fit.' A Nile cruise, Michael says, is "on a lot of bucket lists-and when done well, it's extraordinary'. – Bloomberg
Daily News Egypt
16-02-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Saudi Egyptian Developers launches Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi with EGP 6bn investment
Saudi Egyptian Developers (SED) has officially opened Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi, a landmark addition to the Nile Pearl project. Situated along the banks of the Nile in the heart of Maadi, this architectural masterpiece embodies elegance and sophistication. With an investment exceeding EGP 6bn, the project strengthens Egypt's position as a premier global tourism destination while showcasing SED's commitment to world-class real estate development. Spanning 9,600 sqm, Nile Pearl is a luxury mixed-use development featuring two iconic towers. One houses a high-end residential complex with 190 upscale units of varying sizes, while the other is a five-star hotel managed by Hilton Global Hospitality. The hotel offers 256 elegantly designed rooms and suites, all boasting panoramic views of the Nile. Mohamed Al-Taher, CEO of Saudi Egyptian Developers, emphasized that the inauguration of Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi and the handover of residential units in Nile Pearl mark a defining moment in the company's journey. He highlighted the project's significance in strengthening SED's contribution to the Egyptian real estate sector while playing a crucial role in enhancing tourism and attracting visitors worldwide. Al-Taher noted that the development aligns seamlessly with Egypt's Vision 2030, which aims to attract 30 million tourists annually. Haitham Nassar, General Manager of Hilton Nile Maadi, expressed pride in partnering with Saudi Egyptian Developers to introduce this prestigious addition to the Hilton brand. The success of Nile Pearl is the result of a strategic collaboration with leading industry entities, including SIAC Construction, Hill International, EHAF Consulting Engineers, Siemens, and Pino Meroni. Their expertise was pivotal in shaping this architectural marvel, with more than 2,000 workers dedicating over 90,000 hours to its completion. Located near some of Egypt's most renowned landmarks, including the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi offers an exceptional hospitality experience with seamless access to key transportation routes. The 22-floor hotel is designed to deliver unparalleled luxury, with rooms and suites featuring breathtaking panoramic views of the Nile. Saudi Egyptian Developers, founded in 1975 as a joint venture between the Egyptian government—represented by the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities—and the Saudi government, through the Ministry of Finance, has been at the forefront of Egypt's real estate sector for nearly five decades. The company has consistently delivered pioneering projects that redefine luxury living and investment opportunities. SED's financial performance has been remarkable, with profits surging from EGP 25m in 2017 to EGP 500m in 2023, reflecting its sustained growth and strategic vision.
Zawya
31-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi opens on The Maadi Corniche
CAIRO, Egypt – Hilton has just opened the highly anticipated Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi, with spectacular views overlooking the River Nile. With 255 rooms and suites, the new hotel is situated in the urban Maadi district of Cairo, close to The Museum of Civilisation and boasts inspiring design, modern amenities and dynamic dining and bar offerings. The property extends the flagship brand's unrivaled hospitality to host leisure and business travelers in this iconic destination. Guy Hutchinson, President, MEA at Hilton said, ' Hilton has a strong legacy in Egypt, where we have operated for more than 60 years. The opening of Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is just one exciting step towards our plan of tripling our portfolio in the country. The hotel is idyllically situated in the upscale district of Maadi, making it perfectly situated both for business guests and those looking to explore the capital's rich culture and history.' The hotel features four food and drink outlets taking guests on a journey of local and global flavours. Embark on a culinary adventure at O' Nile restaurant, with a majestic Nile view and diverse international cuisines for an unforgettable experience. Guests can also indulge in an upscale Levantine experience dining at Dayma, where tradition meets refined cuisine with authentic and elegantly presented dishes. The Tonic Pool Bar & Restaurant offers guests a tranquil poolside escape where they can relax and recharge while indulging in a tempting menu of light bites and refreshing cocktails, and the Lobby Lounge offers a stylish and inviting retreat for every occasion. With its comfortable seating and relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect place for guests to enjoy a moment of peace. Haitham Nassar, general manager of Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi, said, 'From reliable and friendly service and state-of-the-art amenities to compelling dining options and breathtaking views, we look forward to welcoming guests to a memorable stay at our outstanding property. We take a lot of pride in our newest hotel in Cairo and look forward to welcoming visitors to experience everything the city has to offer.' The hotel offers a total of six meeting rooms that can cater to up to 500 guests, making it the ideal host for every celebration and event. Designed to inspire connections, creativity and productivity, all meeting spaces are equipped with the latest technology and groups can use the pre-function areas for networking and informal gatherings. The property also features the eforea Spa, the first-of-its-kind in Egypt, where guests can unwind and rejuvenate with a wide range of treatments tailored to promote relaxation and well-being. It also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center with views of the River Nile, an outdoor swimming pool and a kids pool. Guests of all Hilton properties can benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty program, allowing more than 200 million members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences. Hilton Honors members can also unlock access to instant rewards and benefits, such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts. Developed by Saudi Egyptian Developers (SED), Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi exemplifies the company's focus on quality and innovation. Hilton currently operates 14 hotels in Egypt, with plans to grow its portfolio to more than 40 properties in the coming years including an all-inclusive resort in Marsa Alam under the Hilton Hotels & Resort brand. For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi or call +2 02 2122 7666. Read more about Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi at About Hilton Hotels & Resorts For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. With more than 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world's most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Experience a positive stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at and follow the brand on Facebook, X and Instagram.
