Tag Archives: future hospitality summit

At the recent webinar conducted by Dave Goodger, Managing Director, Tourism Economics EMEA shared that the Middle East travel remains resilient, supported by strong domestic and regional demand. Domestic and intra-regional travel accounts for 68% of movements, providing a solid base while longer-haul international arrivals gradually return. He further reiterated that the region’s tourism infrastructure, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is well-positioned to welcome travellers safely and seamlessly. Local residents may also choose regional stays instead of outbound trips, further supporting the sector. Middle East airport hubs continue to serve as critical global transit points, ensuring connectivity and helping restore international travel flows. With careful management and focus on safe, attractive experiences, tourism is expected to regain momentum over the year. Despite short-term challenges, the fundamentals remain strong, and the sector is poised to continue its growth trajectory in the latter part of 2026. The special webinar was facilitated by the Bench, organisers of Future Hospitality Summit.

The Bench announced the launch of Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Egypt, taking place 10-11 November 2026 at Sofitel Downtown Cairo Nile. FHS Egypt joins The Bench’s expanding portfolio of hospitality investment summits, including FHS World (Dubai), FHS Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), FHS Africa (Kenya) and the Branded Residences Forum series across multiple regions. Under the theme ‘Where Heritage Inspires Investment’, FHS Egypt will convene owners, investors, operators, developers and government leaders to explore the next chapter of hospitality and real estate development in Egypt. Egypt’s hospitality story is moving fast, supported by infrastructure momentum, tourism incentives and policy reform, and backed by the national agenda of Egypt’s Vision 2030. With a record 19 million tourists welcomed in 2025 and forecasts valuing Egypt’s hospitality sector at $9B by 2034, the market has both demand and runway. A key driver of this momentum is the rapid rise of branded residences, as leading real estate developers increasingly partner with global hospitality brands to unlock new value across mixed-use and resort destinations, with 45% of high-net-worth investors interested in Egypt’s property market selecting branded residences as a key asset class. Reflecting this growing demand, branded residences will form a core focus of the FHS Egypt agenda, with dedicated content, expert insights and targeted networking opportunities designed to turn momentum into outcomes. The action-packed two-day agenda will feature a wide range of topics covering investment, development and operational performance, including sessions focused on Egypt’s investment outlook, mega projects and incentives, smart tourism and digital transformation, sustainability, capital flows and deal structures, and sector growth across lifestyle, leisure, wellness, restaurants and branded residences. “Egypt’s Vision 2030 is helping unlock a new era of opportunity across tourism and …

Modon Hospitality announced the launch of a luxury active lifestyle resort, the Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi. Modon Hospitality owns, operates and manages a select portfolio of hotels, restaurants, clubs and lifestyle destinations in the UAE, across the region and worldwide. With more than 28 assets and over 150 dining experiences across five countries, Modon Hospitality combines global expertise and versatility with Abu Dhabi’s vision to deliver memorable experiences fuelled by purpose, precision, and passion. Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi, the new sports and wellness offering, where movement meets relaxation, is designed for all and is set to redefine healthy living and performance-based hospitality on Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriyat Island, a destination owned and developed by Modon Holding, through active stays, recovery, movement, holistic wellness, healthy cuisine, leisure and relaxation. The innovative wellness facilities include the state-of-the-art Reboot Recovery Lounge, giving guests access to the very best in modern recovery science, including the health benefits of altitude training, traditionally used by elite athletes, and now accessible to all guests. The lounge features cutting-edge compression technology, next-generation biohacking tools, and tailored treatments that help accelerate recovery, boost circulation, and optimise overall performance. Benefits include improved heart and lung health, weight management, and better endurance. Olympia Resort Abu Dhabi’s pioneering design includes unique features such as inter-connecting family rooms, spa and wellness facilities, and a range of organic, nutrition-focused dining options. Selected guest rooms include hypoxic technology to aid athletic recovery and performance. Guests can also enjoy the unique benefits of the Olympia Recovery Mattress, crafted to support muscle repair, improve circulation, and enhance deep, restorative sleep. Designed with advanced foams, pocket springs, and cooling fabric, it helps the body recover overnight, so you wake …

The value of MENA’s hospitality market is set to grow from US$310 billion in 2025 to more than US$487 billion by 2032, according to data released ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, 27-29 October. The travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute US$367 billion to the Middle East economy and support 7.7 million jobs this year, says the World Travel and Tourism Council. International visitor spending is expected to reach nearly US$194 billion, up nearly a quarter from 2019, pre-pandemic levels, with domestic spending forecast to hit US$113 billion. As of Q2 2025, the Middle East’s hotel construction pipeline reached an all-time high of 650 projects with 161,574 rooms. At the end of June, 337 projects, with almost 86,500 rooms, were under construction, with 147 projects due to start by Q2 2026. Saudi Arabia tops the Middle Eastern hotel construction chart, with more than 92,000 rooms across 342 projects. Next is Egypt with 127 projects and a record-high room count of over 28,000, followed by the UAE with 100 projects (25,470 rooms); Oman with 27 projects (4,709 keys) and Qatar with 16 projects (nearly 3,500 rooms). The unprecedented hospitality, tourism and infrastructure expansion reinforces the region’s position as a global magnet for investment, say experts. Amr El Nady, Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA and Managing Director, Global Hotel Desk at Jones Lang Lasalle, said: “Saudi Arabia is targeting 150 million tourist arrivals annually by 2030, while Egypt aims for 30 million international visitors by 2028. Both nations are seeking to significantly increase tourism’s contribution to their GDP, with KSA targeting 10% and Egypt 15%. This strategic focus is driving substantial hospitality investment, …

Dubai will host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 on 27 October at Madinat Jumeirah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Part of FHS World 2025, the summit will bring together over 350 leaders, ministers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries to explore sustainable tourism development and investment  opportunities. Organised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and The Bench, the summit aims to strengthen UAE-Africa tourism ties and open avenues for investment in hospitality, infrastructure, and innovative tourism projects. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, will lead discussions focused on sustainable and digitally driven tourism growth. The agenda features six panel discussions highlighting investment opportunities, public-private collaboration, fintech integration, and enhanced logistical connectivity to boost cross-border travel. A high-level ministerial roundtable will also convene more than 20 African ministers to explore ways tourism can drive economic growth and sustainable development. With Africa’s tourism sector expanding over 13% annually and attracting more than 74 million international visitors, the summit underscores the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in fostering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact tourism investment across the continent.