Egypt’s Sporting Sanctuary in Alexandria

Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch takes its name from its location and the heritage of the area. Situated in the King’s Ranch district on the western edge of Alexandria, near Borg El Arab, the hotel is associated with equestrian traditions, ranch-style estates, and horse breeding. This name not only highlights its geographical setting but also honours the vision of its owner, Engineer Abdel Fattah Ragab, a passionate horseman and former president of the Egyptian Equestrian Federation. By combining “Alexandria” with “King’s Ranch,” Hilton has created a title that is both globally recognizable and deeply rooted in local culture.

Beyond being a leisure and business hub, the hotel has developed a reputation as a favorite among sports teams looking for a professional yet comfortable environment in Egypt. Its proximity to Borg El Arab Stadium, the largest in the country, makes it an ideal base for both domestic clubs and international teams traveling for matches. Teams appreciate the short commute, the security of a controlled environment, and the ability to keep players, coaches, and staff together in one self-contained setting.

The facilities themselves lend well to high-performance preparation. The hotel’s expansive fitness center and indoor/outdoor pools allow squads to conduct recovery sessions after games, while the Premedion Spa, one of Alexandria’s largest wellness complexes, provides physiotherapy, saunas, and specialized treatments that are vital in maintaining athletes at peak condition during demanding schedules. These amenities make the property as functional as it is luxurious, offering both recovery infrastructure and downtime comfort.

Equally important is the balance between privacy and leisure. Teams traveling on international duty often need a setting that shields players from the pressures of the outside world while still offering space to relax and bond. The Hilton’s large rooms, landscaped grounds, and varied dining options give athletes that balance, whether they’re refueling after training or unwinding by the pool. For coaching staff and administrators, the hotel’s event spaces double as meeting hubs, providing secure areas to review tactics, hold press conferences, or conduct team briefings.

Hilton King's Ranch exemplifies the connection between modern hospitality and professional sports. It is more than just a place to stay; it plays a crucial role in supporting athletic performance. For clubs and national teams competing in Egypt, the hotel has become a reliable partner, offering not only luxury accommodations but also the necessary infrastructure for preparation, recovery, and team cohesion. At Sports & Fitness, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ahmed El Geundi, the accomplished General Manager of Hilton King’s Ranch, to explore the hotel’s vision, achievements, and its growing role in sports tourism.

Egypt is known for hosting numerous international sporting events. Is the current investment in sports tourism sufficient, or is there potential for further growth and achievement?

“Egypt has made significant strides in sports tourism but still has considerable potential for growth. With its favorable climate and strategic location, the country could become a year-round sports destination. Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch contributes to this development by offering excellent sports facilities, including tennis and football fields, squash courts, a gym, and recovery areas. It also serves as a host for teams and wellness retreats. Further investments and partnerships could enhance Egypt’s sports tourism potential even more.”

Is there strong collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports to promote sports tourism? What does Egypt need to host more prestigious international events?

“Cooperation is improving year by year. Hilton King’s Ranch, with its advanced sports facilities, benefits from this collaboration. By working together in marketing, sponsorship, and infrastructure, we can position Egypt as a leading sports tourism destination, which would boost the economy throughout the year. However, more investment in infrastructure and global promotion is necessary to attract top-tier events.”

Why do many sports organizations prefer to hold tournaments or training camps in hotels or private venues rather than in stadiums and sports halls?

“Hotels provide a complete and private environment that combines sports facilities with accommodation, dining, and recovery services all in one location. Hilton King’s Ranch offers this integrated setup, allowing teams to train efficiently and comfortably without the need for external transfers.”

When did Hilton King's Ranch open, and why did the owner invest in sports infrastructure? What key sports facilities set it apart?

“Hilton King’s Ranch, which opened in 2015, was inspired by its owner, Engineer Abdel Fattah Ragab, a passionate equestrian and former president of the Equestrian Federation. The hotel features professional tennis courts, football pitches, squash courts, a modern gym, and dedicated recovery areas, making it an ideal destination for sports teams and wellness guests.”

What exclusive sports and health services does Hilton King's Ranch provide, especially considering its proximity to Borg El Arab Stadium?

“The hotel features full-size football pitches, a high-performance gym, sports rehabilitation facilities with spa and massage services, nutrition menus curated by experts, private training environments, and personalized sports concierge services—perfect for professional teams and athletes.”

What significant local, regional, and international sports events or delegations has your hotel hosted?

“Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch has proudly hosted national football teams from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, as well as clubs from the CAF Champions League, youth tournaments, athletics and swimming teams, and international referees and officials. Our prime location near Borg El Arab Stadium and our top sports facilities have made this possible.

Notable events include the Egyptian National Football Team's training camp for the FIFA World Cup in Russia, the Egyptian National Basketball Team's training camp, and the Equestrian Championship. The hotel organizes two competitions annually and has welcomed teams and officials for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, including the Madagascar National Football Team.

Additionally, we have hosted extensive training camps for foreign and Arab teams from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Libya, and Tunisia, along with Atlético Madrid. We’ve also hosted all basketball national teams participating in the Egypt Cup and Egyptian League, as well as Al Ittihad club for preparatory league camps. Furthermore, the hotel has been a venue for major rugby competitions.”

What leisure and wellness services do you offer for sports enthusiasts and health-conscious guests?

“We provide a full-service spa called Premedion, featuring massages, a sauna, steam rooms, and a jacuzzi. Additionally, there is a state-of-the-art gym, an Olympic-size outdoor pool, professional sports courts, and healthy dining options with nutritionist-curated menus. We also offer various wellness programs.”

How do occupancy rates for sports teams and medical tourism compare to overall hotel occupancy rates? Has investment in sports facilities been financially beneficial?

“Sports teams, delegations, and medical tourism typically lead to higher occupancy rates compared to the hotel average, especially during peak seasons. Investing in sports facilities has proven to be financially beneficial, boosting revenue and improving Hilton King’s Ranch’s reputation as a leading destination for sports tourism and wellness.”

In addition to financial returns, how has hosting sports events affected the hotel's marketing and reputation?

“Yes, the media coverage and promotional exposure from sports events have significantly enhanced our brand recognition among athletes, federations, and fans. The reputational gains and long-term partnerships we’ve established have proven to be as valuable as direct financial returns.”

Which international sports events would you like to see in Egypt, and what events would you like to host at Hilton King’s Ranch?

“We aim to host the FIFA Club World Cup in Egypt at Hilton King’s Ranch. Our prime location near Borg El Arab Stadium allows us to welcome both national and international football teams, supported by our athlete-focused services. In addition to football, we are excited to host championships in handball, swimming, and athletics, further enhancing Egypt’s reputation as a leading international sports hub.”

Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch has distinguished itself as more than simply a luxury retreat; it has become a premier hub for sports, wellness, and international hospitality. Boasting world-class facilities and a strategic location near Borg El Arab Stadium, the hotel has redefined sports tourism in Egypt by successfully hosting elite teams and events. Whether for recovery, training, or competition, it offers athletes and guests an exceptional blend of comfort, performance, and professionalism. As Egypt continues to emerge as a global sporting destination, Hilton King’s Ranch stands poised to welcome champions from around the globe.