Riad Eltaweel: Leading Success in Travel and Food Delivery with TravelYalla and Haader

Riad Eltaweel’s career trajectory offers a compelling narrative of ambition, innovation, and resilience. From his early days in the bustling advertising world of Egypt to becoming a prominent figure in the travel and food delivery sectors, Eltaweel’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and vision.

Riad Eltaweel’s professional journey began in the vibrant city of Cairo. As a student, Eltaweel took on a role at Tarek Nour, one of Egypt’s leading advertising agencies. This early experience was formative, providing him with invaluable insights into team management and client relations. “I learned a lot about dealing with people and how to manage a team,” he recalls. His time at Tarek Nour not only honed his interpersonal skills but also laid a solid foundation for his future endeavours.

Upon graduation, Riad Eltaweel expanded his horizons by joining Danat, an internet company based in Dubai. It was here that he immersed himself in the world of e-commerce and online advertising. Eltaweel’s exposure to Google AdWords, SEO, Facebook advertising, and data analysis marked the beginning of a pivotal phase in his career. “I realised that e-commerce and online advertising were the future,” he reflects, acknowledging how these insights shaped his professional path.

Riad Eltaweel’s career is marked by significant achievements that underscore his strategic foresight and leadership capabilities. One of his most notable accomplishments is the recognition of TravelYalla as Africa’s leading online travel agency and Egypt’s leading online travel agency by the World Travel Awards. “Winning these awards was proof that all the efforts we put into TravelYalla were in the right direction,” Eltaweel notes with pride. This accolade not only validated his vision but also highlighted the company’s impact on the travel industry.

Another notable achievement for Riad Eltaweel was the success of Haader, an app for food delivery that reached number one on the Apple Store in terms of instals. This success story is a testament to his ability to identify and capitalise on emerging trends in technology and consumer behaviour.

The inception of TravelYalla in 2011 marked a significant turning point in Riad Eltaweel’s career. Partnering with colleagues Amr and Osama, Eltaweel ventured into the travel industry with a bold vision. The challenges of establishing a travel agency licence and building a competent operations team were substantial, but Eltaweel and his team managed to create a platform that attracted 40,000 daily users. “We faced numerous challenges, but our commitment to the vision kept us moving forward,” he says.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the travel industry, Eltaweel’s resilience was put to the test. During this challenging period, he focused on developing the Haader app, demonstrating his ability to pivot and adapt to the changing market conditions. “Every challenge motivates us to move forward and put in more effort to achieve our dreams,” Eltaweel asserts.

Throughout his career, Riad Eltaweel has learned that every crisis presents an opportunity. This mindset has been pivotal in shaping his approach to work. “Every crisis is an opportunity we must seize,” he emphasises. This philosophy has guided him through various challenges and has been instrumental in his success.

Reflecting on his career evolution, Eltaweel’s definition of success has matured. “Success to me now means commitment and the ability to use failure as a stepping stone for new achievements,” he explains. This perspective has been a driving force behind his relentless pursuit of excellence.

If Riad Eltaweel could offer advice to his younger self, it would be to trust in oneself, avoid negativity, and persistently pursue goals. “Always have goals and try multiple times to reach them,” he advises. This guidance reflects his own journey of perseverance and determination.

Looking to the future, Riad Eltaweel hopes to be remembered for the positive impact his companies have had on people’s lives. “I want our legacy to be the happiness of those who travelled with us and the good memories we helped create,” he says. His vision for TravelYalla and Haader is not just about business success but also about enriching lives through exceptional service.

Currently, Riad Eltaweel is actively involved in leading Haader as CEO and co-founder, while also serving as COO and co-founder at TravelYalla. His dual roles illustrate his commitment to both the food delivery and travel industries, reflecting his diverse interests and expertise. “I’m working to provide top-notch services in both sectors, ensuring we meet the needs of our customers while pursuing our career goals,” Eltaweel states.

Riad Eltaweel’s career is a compelling example of how vision, resilience, and adaptability can lead to remarkable achievements. His journey from a young advertising professional in Cairo to a leading figure in e-commerce and food delivery highlights the power of innovation and determination. As he continues to shape the future of his industries, Riad Eltaweel remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide.