The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia set to present an impressive lineup and agenda for 1,200 hotel investors at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, from April 29 to May 1, 2024.
Under the theme “Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together,” FHS Saudi Arabia will bring together the hospitality investment community’s industry leaders and decision-makers. The summit will discuss sustainable development, investment opportunities, industry entrepreneurship, human capital, and Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Jonathan Worsley, chairman of The Bench, said: “We have dedicated even more effort to thoughtfully assemble the agenda this year. Additionally, we are offering delegates opportunities to immerse themselves in the dynamic essence of Saudi Arabia’s market. Moreover, our enriched program includes engaging presentations, 10X Talks, panel discussions, fireside chats, case studies and captivating site tours. Furthermore, the event is peppered with ample networking opportunities over the span of three days.”
Agenda
The first morning (29 April) is dedicated to the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF). GRIF will engage Riyadh’s dining scene with presentations, case studies, panel discussions, F&B workshops, tours and networking. Latest speakers include industry leaders.
Topics include “The Future of Wellness – New Data on Wellness Travel,” moderated by Aradhana Khowala of Aptamind Partners, as well as “The Hotel of the Future” by Turab Saleem of Knight Frank MENA.
Day two of FHS Saudi Arabia 2024 kicks off with welcome remarks by His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid Al Saud.
Plenary sessions on 30 April will cover a wide range of topics including “Hospitality Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia in Alignment with Vision 2030,” presented by Mahmoud Abdulhadi.
Moreover, a panel discussion on “A Blueprint for Successful Market Entry and Investment,” moderated by Edie Rodriquez, will feature panelists Qusai Al-Fakhri, Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, Guy Hutchinson and Haitham Mattar. Additionally, there will be a case study on “Public and Private Sector Collaboration to Accelerate Lifestyle Developments and Promote New Destinations,” moderated by Mohammed Islam. Furthermore, a panel on “Maximising Financial Resilience Through Multi-asset Allocation” will be moderated by Matthew Martin. Sustainable hospitality investment and development will once again be at the forefront of the FHS program. Richard Williamson will lead a panel titled “Sustainable Horizons: Catalysing Change Through Green Investments,” in conversation with Glenn Mandziuk. Furthermore, Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim will discuss ‘”Revolutionising Luxury Through Regenerative Tourism” with Ali Manzoor, Rosanna Chopra and Sebastian Carre.
Highlights of FHS
Technology will be a key focus this year, with industry leaders discussing AI, the Metaverse, AI-IT-human touch intersection, and tech stack investment tips.
New at FHS Saudi Arabia this year is ‘Destination Tomorrow: Unveiling of Investment Opportunities,’ an exclusive platform connecting project developers with investors. For the first time, the Speakers Corner offers attendees a unique opportunity to share personal narratives of overcoming industry challenges.
The Startup Den returns this year following its resounding success at FHS Saudi Arabia 2023. Additionally, this year’s expert panel of judges includes His Highness Prince Saud Al Saud, Executive Director, TDF Grow; Salma Arafa, Innovation Expert, UN Tourism, and Maya Ayoub, Founder & CEO, District Twelve and Country Director, Saudi Arabia Women in Tech. According to Jonathan Worsley, “The Bench is passionate about supporting start-ups . Consequently, this year, 10 finalists will take to the stage to present their business concept in what is set to be another thrilling competition.”
The three-day event includes ‘Leadership Spotlights’ with leaders from successful hospitality brands.
FHS Saudi Arabia has a stronger female focus than ever before. Furthermore, The Bench is offering Saudi national women leaders working in hospitality complimentary passes to this year’s event.
futurehospitalitysummit.com
