Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The iconic Taj hotel brand is set to make its debut in Egypt with the launch of a 300-room luxury hotel in Cairo, marking a significant milestone in the country’s hospitality and tourism sector. The project forms part of the long-anticipated revival of the historic Grand Continental Hotel, one of Cairo’s most storied landmarks.
An agreement for the management of the property was signed on Sunday between Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), which operates the Taj brand, and the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels. Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended and oversaw the signing ceremony, highlighting the strategic importance of the project to Egypt’s tourism development plans.
The new property, to be known as Taj Cairo, will be developed on the historic site that once housed the Grand Continental Savoy, originally built in the 19th century. With a history spanning more than a century, the Grand Continental Hotel has long been associated with Cairo’s cultural and architectural heritage. Its revival forms part of a broader government-led effort to preserve historic buildings while enhancing Egypt’s high-end hospitality offering.
According to IHCL, the project will carefully balance heritage preservation with modern luxury. The hotel will retain key elements of the original building’s façade and architectural character, while introducing contemporary interior design and world-class amenities tailored to international standards. The redevelopment aims to create a destination that reflects both Cairo’s rich history and its evolving global profile.
“Debuting the iconic Taj brand in Cairo aligns with IHCL’s international growth strategy of establishing a presence in key gateway cities around the world,” said Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IHCL. He added that the expansion also reflects the company’s commitment to delivering the brand’s hallmark warm and sincere service to new markets.
The Taj Cairo hotel is expected to open around mid-2029, following the completion of redevelopment works. Once operational, it will further strengthen Cairo’s position as a regional hub for luxury tourism, business travel, and cultural tourism.
With this signing, IHCL’s international portfolio has grown to 36 hotels worldwide, including 16 properties currently in the pipeline. The Cairo project represents the company’s latest step in expanding its global footprint while partnering with local stakeholders to revive historically significant sites.
Egyptian officials have welcomed the investment as a vote of confidence in the country’s tourism sector, which continues to attract international brands amid efforts to modernize infrastructure, diversify offerings, and increase visitor numbers in the coming years.
