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Future Hospitality Summit to shine spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism industry

More than 150 speakers from across the world are set to address the event. FHS
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Updated 22 April 2024
Nadin Hassan
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Future Hospitality Summit to shine spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism industry

Updated 22 April 2024
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: More than 1,200 investors from across the world will descend on Riyadh at the end of April for what is expected to be the biggest Future Hospitality Summit ever seen in Saudi Arabia.

The event - set to be held at Al Faisaliah Hotel from April 29 to May 1 –  will focus on sustainable tourism and technology-driven hospitality under the theme, “Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together.” 

Industry leaders will discuss sustainable development, investment prospects, entrepreneurship, and human capital, as well as gain insights into the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. 

The upcoming three-day conference, which will feature more than 150 speakers, marks the seventh industry event for the Saudi market hosted by The Bench, a British business events firm.

Jonathan Worsley, chairman of the company, said: “The objectives of FHS Saudi Arabia are strategically aligned with Vision 2030, and our carefully curated program will focus on the development and sustainable growth of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, the adoption of tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the sector, as well as investment and job creation opportunities.” 

It will emphasize strategies to foster the growth of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, positioning it as a key driver of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. 

Additionally, it will facilitate collaboration in the tourism industry by spotlighting its potential and opportunities for partnerships.

Day 1




Fine dining is one of the topics set to be discussed. Shutterstock

The first morning of the conference will be exclusively dedicated to the Global Restaurant Investment Forum, exploring Riyadh’s growing dining culture through main-stage presentations, case studies, and panel discussions.

Founded in 2015, GRIF has been a three-day conference held in Dubai and Amsterdam. This year it will be incorporated at FHS Saudi Arabia. It is mainly dedicated to investors who want to meet owners of restaurant concepts, operators and franchisors looking for growth, equity, or partners.

GRIF Culinary Tours of game-changing restaurant concepts in the culinary landscape in Saudi Arabia will take place again, as well as the Startup Den – where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investor judges.

The most recent speakers who have confirmed their participation include Martin Raymond, who serves as the co-founder of the Future Laboratory and holds the position of editor-in-chief at LS:N Global. Christopher Sanderson, also a co-founder of the Future Laboratory, will be joining him.

Additionally, Mohammed Jawa, the founder and chairman of MJS Holding, Faisal Shaker, co-founder and CEO of Modern Food Company, and Nawal AlKhalawi, the founder and CEO of Asfar Experience, will address attendees.

The programme will kick off in the afternoon on April 29 with the FHS Intelligence Talks, moderated by Fritz Dickamp, managing director of Studio 49. 

Topics include “The Future of Wellness – New Data on Wellness Travel,” moderated by Aradhana Khowala, CEO and founder of Aptamind Partners, in conversation with Susie Ellis, chair and CEO at Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit, and “The Hotel of the Future” presented by Turab Saleem, partner and head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Advisory at Knight Frank Middle East and North Africa.

“We are offering delegates opportunities to immerse themselves in the dynamic essence of Saudi Arabia’s market. Our enriched program encompasses an array of engaging presentations, short-but-powerful ‘10X Talks’, multifaceted panel discussions, fireside chats, case studies, and captivating site tours,” Worsley said. 

He added: “Furthermore, the event is peppered with ample networking opportunities over three days, all carefully curated to foster an environment of learning, dialogue, exploration, and meaningful connections.”

Day 2




Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, will appear on a panel discussing investment blueprints. FHS

On the second day, the conference will kick off with welcome remarks by Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid, secretary general of the King Faisal Foundation, and chairman of the board of Al Khozama.

Plenary sessions will cover a wide range of topics including “Hospitality Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia in Alignment with Vision 2030” presented by Mahmoud Abdulhadi, deputy minister of Destination Enablement at the Ministry of Tourism.

A panel discussion on “A Blueprint for Successful Market Entry and Investment,” will be moderated by Edie Rodriquez, a Saudi Tourism Authority board member, with panelists Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Tourism Development Fund, Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, and Guy Hutchinson, president of Hilton MEA.

Also appearing will be Haitham Mattar, a special advisor to UN Tourism and managing director MEA and South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts. 

In addition, there will be a case study on “Public and Private Sector Collaboration to Accelerate Lifestyle Developments and Promote New Destinations,” moderated by Mohammed Islam, host and founder of the Mo Show Podcast Saudi Arabia, as well as a panel on “Maximising Financial Resilience Through Multi-asset Allocation” chaired by Matthew Martin, Saudi Arabia bureau chief at Bloomberg.

Moreover, sustainable hospitality investment and development will take center stage in the FHS program, alongside a significant emphasis on technology. 

Industry leaders will delve into discussions on the future of artificial intelligence and the metaverse in hospitality, explore the convergence of AI, IT, and human interaction for enhancing guest experiences, and offer valuable insights on tech stack investment strategies for both owners and operators.

A fresh addition to FHS Saudi Arabia this year is the “Destination Tomorrow: Unveiling of Investment Opportunities” platform, designed to highlight innovative and emerging locations and attractions within the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Its primary goal is to facilitate connections between project developers, entrepreneurs, visionaries, investors, and other essential stakeholders.

Another inaugural event at this year’s FHS is the Speakers Corner, offering a distinctive chance for attendees to share personal narratives of overcoming challenges and achieving success in the industry.

Startup Den




Erika Blazeviciute Doyle, founder of Drink Dry, the GCC’s first and only premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace, emerged as the winner of Startup Den 2023. FHS

The highly anticipated Startup Den returns this year, following its success at FHS Saudi Arabia 2023.

The panel of judges for this year include Prince Saud Al-Saud, executive director of TDF Grow, Salma Arafa, an innovation expert at UN Tourism, and Maya Ayoub, the founder and CEO of District Twelve and also country director of Saudi Arabia Women in Tech. 

“The Bench is passionate about supporting start-ups and providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their business to an expert panel of judges and investors,” Worsely said, adding: “This year, 10 finalists will take to the stage to present their business concept in what is set to be another thrilling competition.”

FHS Saudi Arabia is placing a greater emphasis on female representation than ever before, as a testament to The Bench’s dedication to empowering women in the hospitality industry and acknowledging their role within the sector. 

“Women’s contribution to the workforce has been at the helm of the historic growth and development we witness today in the region. Our unique campaign seeks to inspire Saudi executive women, champion gender diversity in hospitality, and highlight the pivotal role females play in this ever-growing sector,” Tanja Millner, production director at The Bench, said.

She added: “We are delighted to introduce FHS Women Power, an initiative focused on facilitating and empowering Saudi national women working in the hospitality sector with complimentary tickets to FHS Saudi Arabia.

Last year, FHS Saudi Arabia welcomed over 1,100 delegates and featured 150 speakers from over 35 countries with 71 sponsors and partners.

Topics: Future Hospitality Summit FHS24

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How AI will unlock billions of dollars in economic value for Saudi health sector

Updated 01 May 2024
Nour El-Shaeri
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How AI will unlock billions of dollars in economic value for Saudi health sector

  • AI and machine learning are revolutionizing patient outcomes and healthcare service efficiency
  • Integration of AI in medical administration to revolutionize resource allocation, optimize hospital operations
Updated 01 May 2024
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s health-tech sector is undergoing substantial transformation driven by artificial intelligence, promising significant economic and operational benefits.

A McKinsey & Co. analysis forecasts that by 2030 AI could unlock $15 to $27 billion in economic value for the Kingdom’s medical sector. 

This can be achieved by automating up to 40 percent of healthcare tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual workload. 

Such advancements align with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to emerge as a regional technology hub, with the medical sector being a key division benefiting from this digital transition.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has highlighted the potential of this revolution, and is quoted as saying: “We are living in a time of scientific innovation, unprecedented technology, and unlimited growth prospects. These new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, if used optimally, can spare the world many disadvantages and can bring enormous benefits to the world.”

Time of transformation

In a recent interview with Arab News, Nadine Hachach-Haram, a surgeon and co-founder of the health-tech platform Proximie, shared her observations about the transformative applications of AI. She said this could be used for enhancing patient safety, communication, and service efficiency across Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.

“AI use allows the automation of necessary but time-consuming and tedious administrative processes,” Hachach-Haram said. “AI implementation will help minimize errors, optimize efficiency, revolutionize patient care, and improve global healthcare accessibility.” 

She also underscored the government’s approach to fostering AI, including initiatives such as the National Data Bank and cloud infrastructure to support public and private sector collaboration.

Hachach-Haram explained that AI and machine learning are revolutionizing patient outcomes and healthcare service efficiency in the Kingdom as the nation embraces these technologies to align with the Saudi Health Sector Transformation Program. 

This undertaking is a pivotal element of the Ministry of Health’s strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to enhance medical care access and modernize facilities to ensure the well-being of the populace.

Proximie, a global healthcare platform, is at the forefront of this shift, playing a critical role in the SEHA Virtual Hospital’s efforts to overcome geographical constraints, enhance patient safety, and facilitate the sharing of medical expertise across Saudi Arabia.

Hachach-Haram highlighted the use of AI in a medical setting. “The hospital utilizes AI to triage caseloads and employs the latest imaging technologies to aid in remote scan interpretations.”

This evidence demonstrates tangible benefits, with Proximie instrumental in supporting cardiology surgeries at regional hospitals, thereby minimizing the need for patient referrals and travel, Hachach-Haram said.

“The hospital has the capacity to treat over 400,000 patients a year. It uses AI to triage caseloads and makes the latest imaging technologies available to support the interpretation of scans remotely,” she added.

She shared a poignant illustration of this impact in the case of Noura Saleh, 70, from Tabuk, who required urgent surgery following stroke-induced heart failure. 

The operation was successfully executed at a local hospital, with the SEHA Virtual Hospital’s cardiology team providing remote guidance through Proximie.

Hachach-Haram said: “It’s a great example of how distance is no longer an obstacle to receiving the best care promptly.”

Improved access and care

Speaking to Arab News, Rania Kadry, co-founder of the Egyptian health-tech platform Almouneer, shared her prediction of the Kingdom’s transformation over the next decade.

Kadry envisions AI significantly impacting medical diagnostics, treatment planning, and personalized medicine in Saudi Arabia.

“This will lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced efficiency in healthcare delivery,” she said.

She added that AI-driven telemedicine platforms and remote-monitoring systems are expected to become more prevalent, particularly in rural areas, increasing access to healthcare services nationwide.

“Moreover, AI will continue to be integrated into healthcare administration processes, optimizing resource allocation, and improving overall healthcare management,” she added.

Hachach-Haram addressed a crucial aspect of AI in healthcare: patient trust and data privacy. She acknowledges the apprehension many patients feel about the use of their health data. However, she believes that proper communication about the benefits of healthcare innovation and knowledge-sharing might encourage patients to become proactive proponents of AI. 

“Many patients are understandably nervous about the use of their sensitive health data, but if the benefits of healthcare innovation and knowledge-sharing are clearly explained, patients may embrace becoming ambassadors about the benefits of using and sharing data — helping the entire ecosystem,” she said.

Furthermore, the integration of AI in healthcare administration is predicted to revolutionize resource allocation and optimize hospital operations.

Kadry added: “One example could be the widespread implementation of AI-powered predictive analytics systems in Saudi Arabian hospitals.” This would leverage patient data to forecast healthcare needs and enhance service delivery, she added.

Kadry also underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to health tech and AI innovation, referencing Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to allocate 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product, approximately $16 billion by 2040, to research and development, with a focus on aging and chronic diseases. 

“Can you imagine how much the country will progress under the young and progressive leadership?” She highlighted the launch of the Hevolution Foundation, a $20 billion Saudi Arabia initiative dedicated to advancing human health and extending life expectancy globally.

Despite being in its early stages, the utilization of AI technology holds immense potential to positively influence patient outcomes across the Arab world.

Topics: AI Nadine Hachach-Haram Rania Kadry

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Rotana to double Saudi-based workforce to 5k employees as it expands offering

Updated 01 May 2024
Reina Takla
Nadin Hassan
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Rotana to double Saudi-based workforce to 5k employees as it expands offering

Updated 01 May 2024
Reina Takla Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: Rotana Hotels is planning on more than doubling its workforce in Saudi Arabia to 5,000 staff as it expands its outlets to 15, the company’s CEO has told Arab News.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, Philip Barnes highlighted the diverse nature of hotels in terms of size and staffing, indicating that the current portfolio in the Kingdom employs around 2,000 people.

He said that between eight and nine hotels are under development and set to open within the next two to three years, and the firm has “a number of others coming.”

Barnes expressed his desire to expand the company’s presence in various parts of Saudi Arabia, not just in the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah.

Reflecting on the increase in workforce needed,  he said: “I think you’d be looking at 4,000 to 5,000 people by the time we get to that 15 hotel. 

“It ranges between 200 to 300 people per property as we go forward depending on the size of the property.”  

Rotana is seeking opportunities across a broader range of locations within Saudi Arabia, and Barnes believes that being a UAE-based company gives it an insight into the tourism landscape that other firms may lack.

“We see ourselves as being able to come into the Kingdom in a way that others can’t because we are recognized as that brand that is from the region. We can go into destinations that maybe aren’t the premier destinations as other people see them, everybody wants to be in Riyadh, everybody wants to be in Jeddah,” Barnes said. 

He added: “We have a lot of things happening, but we have further developments coming online in Egypt over the course of the next two years. We’ve got more coming on board in Qatar.” 

He also stated that the company is also exploring new territories, with recent moves into Pakistan, which Rotana views as a promising and emerging market 

Additionally, he further explained the group’s plans for expansion by exploring opportunities in Eastern Europe, though not on a large scale. Turkiye is also a focus, with two hotels opened in the past year and more development expected. 

“We’re also opening two hotels in London, not in central London. We’re opening one hotel in Kingston, which is a suburb of London, 20 minutes from downtown,” Barnes said. 

He continued: “I personally am hoping that that will then be a springboard into six or seven or eight other Centros around the UK in places like Liverpool or Leeds or, Manchester etc. because I see it as being a brand that has tremendous legs, and we've already got a number of those properties here in this part of the world.”

Topics: FHS24

Marriott International reveals that majority of its guests in Saudi Arabia are local 

Updated 01 May 2024
Reina Takla
REEM WALID 
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Marriott International reveals that majority of its guests in Saudi Arabia are local 

Updated 01 May 2024
Reina Takla REEM WALID 

RIYADH: Marriott International has revealed that the majority of the hotel’s guests in Saudi Arabia are local, indicating the importance of internal tourism in the Kingdom.

Speaking in an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Hospitality Summit, taking place in Riyadh from April 29 to May 1, Chadi Hauch, the hotel’s regional vice president of development, explained that the local market has driven leisure tourism in Saudi Arabia.

“At this stage right now, obviously the majority of the guests are local, but you have to take into consideration as well that, in Saudi, tourism has been majorly local,” Hauch said. 

He underscored that COVID-19 was a significant experience that opened the eyes of the Ministry of Tourism and the local Saudi market. 

“During COVID-19, when the whole country closed down, the Saudis were super excited to visit their own countries. They were pushed within their own country because they needed to get out of the cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah and they started visiting secondary cities like Abha,” the VP said. 

Consequently, Hauch added that this was when they noticed the nation had much more to offer. 

“But obviously as the destination grows and obviously this is this is what the government is pushing for, we will definitely start seeing international travelers trying to visit these destinations that is trying to position itself kind of like a Maldives destination,” he said. 

Hauch also explained that Marriott International currently has 38 open properties operating in the Kingdom and is planning for 40 more.

During the interview, the VP tackled how Marriott International Inc. and Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of BinDawood Trading, signed an agreement to bring the JW Marriott brand to Jeddah.  

Located on the Jeddah Corniche, the hotel is expected to become a prime destination for luxury-seeking travelers who desire a waterfront escape, he underlined. 

“The beauty about this project is that it’s a mixed-use project that will have office space and will have retail. So, it’s quite a sizable project that will take a little bit of time. We expect hopefully to open in the next five to six years, depending on how fast the construction goes,” Hauch disclosed. 

The VP also highlighted the announcement a few days earlier that the company had signed an agreement with NEOM to open its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia.     

The hotel will be located in Trojena, a year-round mountain destination situated in the country’s northwest region.   

The resort is expected to feature 60 expansive one- to four-bedroom villas. Plans also include a spa, swimming pools, and multiple culinary venues.  

Additionally, Hauch discussed how Marriott has two different main operating models. 

“We either do management agreements or we do franchisee agreements. Usually when we do operate these hotels in these models, we don’t get involved in the investment of the hotel. Usually, it is the owner who develops the hotel, and it depends on the location and, positioning of the hotel. These construction costs vary; they vary quite a lot between a five-star, a three-star, four-star or the luxury positioning,” the VP emphasized.  

More than 1,200 global investors are expected to have attended the FHS. The event, held at Al Faisaliah Hotel, focused on sustainable tourism and technology-driven hospitality under the theme, “Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together.”   

Topics: FHS24 Marriott International Trojena

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Valor Hospitality ventures into Saudi Arabia with luxury hotel in Abha

Valor Hospitality ventures into Saudi Arabia with luxury hotel in Abha

Updated 01 May 2024
Reina Takla
MANAL AL-BARAKATI
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Valor Hospitality ventures into Saudi Arabia with luxury hotel in Abha

Updated 01 May 2024
Reina Takla MANAL AL-BARAKATI

RIYADH: Abha, a city in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, is poised to welcome its first luxury lifestyle hotel through an upcoming deal with American operator Valor Hospitality. 

The company, which has overseen a portfolio of major brand hotels including Intercontinental, Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, Wyndham, and Hyatt, also aims to enter secondary and tertiary markets. While major brands concentrate on large-scale developments, Valor aims to cater to “outer regions.” 

Speaking to Arab News at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, Julien Bergue, the co-founder and managing partner of the company, highlighted that Valor has signed a deal to break ground on a “very different” upscale property in Abha, with details to be announced within a month. 

Bergue said: “Saudi Arabia is a very specific market. We’re very excited about Saudi Arabia. We’ve been excited about it for five years. We’re watching, we’re learning. We signed our first property in Abha in the Asir region. I’m very proud of it. But we will make it public in about a month’s time; it is the first lifestyle hotel in Abha.” 

Expressing excitement about the deal, he called it a “great asset, with a very great owner as well.”

“We’re excited about it. Our plans in Saudi Arabia is to tackle secondary and tertiary regions at the moment. While all the big brands are very focused on mega developments, we are helping now the outer region,” he added.  

The company’s future plans in the Kingdom also include collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Investment Fund to “see how we can position better investment throughout the secondary tertiary region.” 

This includes rolling out a training academy for young Saudis in the sector, the executive said, with plans to launch within the next year and a half. 

The academy will leverage the operator’s expertise to bridge the gap between the upcoming surge in the hospitality industry and the human capital needed to fulfill those goals. 

“In a year and a half, we should be ready to roll out the academy here with a much deeper structure behind it. This is super important for the ecosystem of our own business in Saudi Arabia and for the other players in the space. So, it's a very good initiative,” he said. 

The executive revealed that they are planning to implement shorter programs. “So we are not aiming toward management training. We are going to really aim toward technical training skills, such as housekeeping and other core stuff required for running operations.” 

This training program aims to enroll a thousand participants every month through an “aggressive short-term program.” 

By 2030, Valor’s ultimate goal is to manage properties with 6,000 to 7,000 keys under their management. 

Topics: FHS24

Saudi airports awarded customer experience accreditation, elevating travel services

Updated 01 May 2024
Arab News
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Saudi airports awarded customer experience accreditation, elevating travel services

Updated 01 May 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: Customer service offerings at 16 Saudi airports have been recognized with a prestigious global award.

The Airports Council International’s Customer Experience Accreditation for 2024 has recognized facilities operated by the Kingdom’s Cluster2 Airports Co., which include Abha International Airport, Al-Jouf Airport, and Al-Qurayyat Airport.  

Additionally, they consist of Bisha Airport, Dawadmi Airport, and Hail International Airport, as well as King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport, and Najran Airport. 

“This accomplishment is not merely a testament to the quality and efficiency that we deliver; it also underscores our persistent dedication to enhancing the journey of each customer who passes through our gates,” the company said in an X post.

The ACEA program assists airports in enhancing customer experience management by guiding them through a comprehensive review and training process, which emphasizes stakeholder and employee engagement, as well as staff development, according to its website.

Other airports to receive this accreditation include Prince Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Airport, and Rafha Airport.

Moreover, they include Sharurah Airport, Taif International Airport, Turaif Airport, and Wadi Al-Dawasir Airport.

The achievement of these airbases is a testament to the robust support and consistent oversight provided by the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the company, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

These airports have been acknowledged by ACI for their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional services for travelers. 

Ali Masrahi, CEO of Cluster2 Airports Co., expressed his satisfaction with this achievement, emphasizing the company’s focus on three key areas: understanding customer needs, strategic planning tailored to traveler requirements, and continuous improvement through monitoring key performance indicators across all aspects of the passenger.

Masrahi emphasized his company’s dedication to excellence and improving the airport travel experience.

The company added in its post that three of its airports received the same accreditation in 2023: “Today, we are proud to witness this number grow to encompass more of our airports, marking a remarkable achievement that underscores the progress and development we aim to accomplish.”

The firm further explained that obtaining accreditations from the ACI is the outcome of the team’s persistent efforts and unwavering dedication to ensuring an unforgettable travel experience.

ACI’s first Asia-Pacific and Middle East office was inaugurated in Riyadh in September 2023. Saudi Arabia’s Transport Minister and General Authority of Civil Aviation Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser, dignitaries and top officials from 49 countries attended the event.

ACI is an organization of airport authorities that aims to unite industry practices for airport standards by working with governments, regional members, experts, and international groups.

Topics: International Airport Council Cluster2 Airports Co Saudi aviation

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