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Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
FHS Saudi Arabia unveils programme, participants
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia has unveiled an action packed agenda, key participants and new event features for the 2025 summit, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, 11-13 May. Featuring everything from start-ups to staffing and innovation to investment, the FHS Saudi Arabia programme will address key challenges, opportunities and trends in hospitality and tourism, with leaders from government entities, hospitality companies, investment firms, developers and the education sector on the long and distinguished speaker list. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS Saudi Arabia, said: 'With FHS Saudi Arabia just a few short weeks away, our power-packed 2025 agenda is shaping up to be our most ambitious yet with over 130 speakers confirmed. Expect in-depth discussions, strong debate and deep insight from some of the Middle East's most respected, talented and experienced leaders; a wealth of topics and a host of special events, awards and features that celebrate Saudi's hospitality sector of today – and shape the industry of tomorrow.' Speakers FHS Saudi Arabia reveals its list of top 20 speakers for 2025: Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General of King Faisal Foundation (KFF) and Chairman of Al Khozama Investment Company Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments Nick Candy, Chief Executive Officer, Candy Capital Marloes Knippenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality Muhammad Bassrawi, Chief Domestic Tourism Officer, Saudi Tourism Authority Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group Gregory Djerejian, Group Chief Legal Officer, Red Sea Global Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Limited Maud Bailly, Chief Executive Officer, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems Steven Greenway, Chief Executive Officer, Flyadeal Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer, Al Khozama Investment Company Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President, Owner Relationship Management, Rotana Hossam Al-Basrawi, Chief Executive Officer, Alrajhi Capital Sean Hehir, President & CEO, Trinity Investments Amin Ismail, Managing Director, Certares Benoît-Etienne Domenget, Chief Executive Officer, Sommet Education Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, MINOR Hotels Michael Acton Smith, Co-founder, Calm Dr. Abeer Alamri, Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert On the agenda The FHS Saudi Arabia agenda has dozens of sessions across more than 12 tracks over three days. Here is the organisers' day-by-day must-attend list: Sunday, 11 May: How Can We Rebrand Hospitality Careers to Attract Saudi Youth? Rethinking Hospitality Schools: Education, Experience & Environment Monday, 12 May: Opening remarks from HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation (KFF) & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Al Khozama Safeguarding Hospitality Investments Amid Market Shifts: Is Saudi Arabia Still the Land of Opportunity? With input from Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer, Al Khozama; AlaaEldin Saleh, Chief Hotels Operating Officer, Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, and Cyril Piaia, Chief Executive Officer / Board Member at Confidential, moderated by Yousef Gamal El-Din, Former News-Anchor, Bloomberg Unveiling Market Trends: Insights into Branded Residences in the Kingdom, with insight from Daniel von Barloewen, Senior Vice President, Global Mixed-Use Development, Accor One Living; Julien Laloye, Director, Mixed-Use Development (EMEA), Marriott International, and Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development, Red Sea Global Inside the Mind of the Global Investor: What Draws Capital to Saudi Arabia, with confirmed speakers Christophe Beauvilain, managing Director, Pygmalion Capital and Amin Ismail, Managing Director, Certares Tuesday, 13 May How to Make a Brand Last? Featuring Maud Bailly,CEO, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems and member of Accor's Luxury & Lifestyle Executive Committee The Future Workforce: Empowering Talent, Leadership, and Inclusion, with Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO, Sommet Education; Muin Serhan, CEO, Amsa Hospitality; and Amir Golbarg, SVP – Middle East and Africa, MINOR Hotels There are also key Saudi-specific sessions covering mega-events, climate risk, sustainability, the future of tourism and wellness. Follow the FHS Saudi Arabia agenda for all details and updates. Special events and focus sessions Sunday and Monday: Exclusive Leadership Conversations: Shaping the Future of UN Tourism, featuring talks with two candidates for the UN Tourism Secretary-General posiiton: Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President, Owner Relationship Management at Rotana and Harry Theoharis, Member of Parliament, Hellenic Parliament & Candidate for UN Tourism Secretary-General. The candidates will share their visions for the future of global tourism, discuss the strategic priorities for UN Tourism, and reflect on the critical challenges and opportunities ahead. Sunday: Next Gen Investment Forum: Uniting top leaders to tackle the most pressing issues on education, training, and talent retention in KSA's hospitality industry. Monday: Start Up Den. One of the most popular, most anticipated annual events at FHS Saudi Arabia, the Start Up Den is a platform for entrepreneurs in the Saudi hospitality industry to present their business models to a panel of judges and investors. Participants gain exposure, potential mentorship, funding opportunities, and the chance to win prizes such as incubation support. Tuesday: Impact Leader Award: a first-of-its-kind initiative recognising the outstanding Saudi national women who are shaping the future of the industry. Net Positive Solution Labs powered by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. A dedicated platform for collaboration and innovation, focussing on advancing net positive strategies in hospitality, with a series of sessions exploring practical solutions for environmental and social impact.
Syyaha
24-04-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia unveils programme and participants for 2025 summit
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 24 April 2025: The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia has unveiled an action packed agenda, key participants and new event features for the 2025 summit, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, 11-13 May. Featuring everything from start-ups to staffing and innovation to investment, the FHS Saudi Arabia programme will address key challenges, opportunities and trends in hospitality and tourism, with leaders from government entities, hospitality companies, investment firms, developers and the education sector on the long and distinguished speaker list. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS Saudi Arabia, said: 'With FHS Saudi Arabia just a few short weeks away, our power-packed 2025 agenda is shaping up to be our most ambitious yet with over 130 speakers confirmed. Expect in-depth discussions, strong debate and deep insight from some of the Middle East's most respected, talented and experienced leaders; a wealth of topics and a host of special events, awards and features that celebrate Saudi's hospitality sector of today – and shape the industry of tomorrow.' Speakers FHS Saudi Arabia reveals its list of top 20 speakers for 2025: • HH Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General of King Faisal Foundation (KFF) and Chairman of Al Khozama Investment Company• Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments• Nick Candy, Chief Executive Officer, Candy Capital• Marloes Knippenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality• Muhammad Bassrawi, Chief Domestic Tourism Officer, Saudi Tourism Authority• Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group• Gregory Djerejian, Group Chief Legal Officer, Red Sea Global• Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Limited• Maud Bailly, Chief Executive Officer, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems• Steven Greenway, Chief Executive Officer, Flyadeal• Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer, Al Khozama Investment Company• Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President, Owner Relationship Management, Rotana• Hossam Al-Basrawi, Chief Executive Officer, Alrajhi Capital• Sean Hehir, President & CEO, Trinity Investments• Amin Ismail, Managing Director, Certares• Benoît-Etienne Domenget, Chief Executive Officer, Sommet Education• Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, MINOR Hotels• Michael Acton Smith, Co-founder, Calm • Dr. Abeer Alamri, Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert On the agenda The FHS Saudi Arabia agenda has dozens of sessions across more than 12 tracks over three days. Here is the organisers' day-by-day must-attend list: Sunday, 11 May: • How Can We Rebrand Hospitality Careers to Attract Saudi Youth? • Rethinking Hospitality Schools: Education, Experience & Environment Monday, 12 May: • Opening remarks from HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation (KFF) & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Al Khozama • Safeguarding Hospitality Investments Amid Market Shifts: Is Saudi Arabia Still the Land of Opportunity? With input from Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer, Al Khozama; AlaaEldin Saleh, Chief Hotels Operating Officer, Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, and Cyril Piaia, Chief Executive Officer / Board Member at Confidential, moderated by Yousef Gamal El-Din, Former News-Anchor, Bloomberg • Unveiling Market Trends: Insights into Branded Residences in the Kingdom, with insight from Daniel von Barloewen, Senior Vice President, Global Mixed-Use Development, Accor One Living; Julien Laloye, Director, Mixed-Use Development (EMEA), Marriott International, and Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development, Red Sea Global • Inside the Mind of the Global Investor: What Draws Capital to Saudi Arabia, with confirmed speakers Christophe Beauvilain, managing Director, Pygmalion Capital and Amin Ismail, Managing Director, Certares Tuesday, 13 May • How to Make a Brand Last? Featuring Maud Bailly,CEO, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems and member of Accor's Luxury & Lifestyle Executive Committee • The Future Workforce: Empowering Talent, Leadership, and Inclusion, with Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO, Sommet Education; Muin Serhan, CEO, Amsa Hospitality; and Amir Golbarg, SVP – Middle East and Africa, MINOR Hotels There are also key Saudi-specific sessions covering mega-events, climate risk, sustainability, the future of tourism and wellness. Follow the FHS Saudi Arabia agenda for all details and updates. Special events and focus sessions Sunday and Monday: • Exclusive Leadership Conversations: Shaping the Future of UN Tourism, featuring talks with two candidates for the UN Tourism Secretary-General posiiton: Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President, Owner Relationship Management at Rotana and Harry Theoharis, Member of Parliament, Hellenic Parliament & Candidate for UN Tourism Secretary-General. The candidates will share their visions for the future of global tourism, discuss the strategic priorities for UN Tourism, and reflect on the critical challenges and opportunities ahead. Sunday: • Next Gen Investment Forum: Uniting top leaders to tackle the most pressing issues on education, training, and talent retention in KSA's hospitality industry. Monday: • Start Up Den. One of the most popular, most anticipated annual events at FHS Saudi Arabia, the Start Up Den is a platform for entrepreneurs in the Saudi hospitality industry to present their business models to a panel of judges and investors. Participants gain exposure, potential mentorship, funding opportunities, and the chance to win prizes such as incubation support. Tuesday: • Future Leader Award: celebrating young, ambitious talent shaping the future of hospitality, tourism, and gastronomy in Saudi Arabia • Impact Leader Award: a first-of-its-kind initiative recognising the outstanding Saudi national women who are shaping the future of the industry. • Net Positive Solution Labs powered by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. A dedicated platform for collaboration and innovation, focussing on advancing net positive strategies in hospitality, with a series of sessions exploring practical solutions for environmental and social impact. • Master Class: The Fundamentals of Branded Residences in Saudi Arabia FHS Saudi Arabia is at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, 11-13 May 2025, with the overarching theme of 'Where Vision Shapes Opportunity'. More than 1,400 delegates are expected to attend. For full details and to register, visit
Tourism Breaking News
22-04-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Over 300 investors expected at Future Hospitality Summit KSA
Post Views: 48 With just under a month to go before the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia gets under way, investors, developers, government decision makers and regional hospitality leaders are gearing up for three days of networking, learning, debate and deal making in Riyadh with TravTalkME as media partner. Nearly 300 investors – almost one in four of all delegates – attended last year's event, which created more than US$1.1 billion worth of business opportunities and saw 17 deals signed. With KSA's hospitality and tourism transformation in full swing in line with Vision 2030, the stage is set for a wealth of new partnerships, signings and collaborations at FHS Saudi Arabia 2025. In the run up to FHS Saudi Arabia, I spoke to leaders from Taiba Investments, Al Khozama Investment Company, Baraka and AlNahla Group for their take on investing in KSA. Read on for insight on where these investors are heading, the importance of hospitality projects to Saudi's overall real estate offering, how tourism targets can be met and what excites them most about KSA's future tourism offering. With unprecedented expansion in real estate, tourism and hospitality in KSA, the opportunities for investment are seemingly endless. What are investors focusing on in terms of location and asset class? Taiba Investments is looking to solidify its position in the hospitality and real state sectors and aiming for sustainable growth by expanding in key hubs like Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah to elevate KSA's status as a premier global destination. The company is looking to strategically expand its portfolio with several hotel openings, such as Rixos Obhur Jeddah, Makarem Burj Al Madinah, Crowne Plaza Takhassusi, Sheraton Madinah, Novotel Madinah and Riyadh Marriott Hotel Mursalat. Meanwhile, Al Khozama Investment Company says its expansion approach is selective and value driven. 'We invest in locations that allow to us to deliver distinction, whether through luxury hotels, fine dining or lifestyle assets. The goal is not just to grow, but to elevate the standard of hospitality wherever we operate,' said Khalid AbuHaimed, CEO, Al Khozama Investment Company. Developing transformative mixed-use destinations that integrate community, culture, and sustainability are at the centre of Baraka's investment strategy. Ebrahim Al Qassab, Projects Director, said: 'Our current focus is in Jeddah, with strategic plans to expand into other major cities across the Kingdom. We are committed to forging strong partnerships and launching new developments that align with Vision 2030, creating spaces that redefine the way people live, work, and connect.' AlNahla Group is heavily invested in KSA, with diversified investments in real estate, hospitality, banking and finance, automotive, trade, telecommunications. 'With a considerable land bank, major real estate developments are underway, including mixed-use and specialised projects, residential, retail, hotels, branded apartments, F&B and offices. The main focus is Jeddah, with projects in Medina and Taif,' said Mounib Hammoud, Mega Project Consultant. According to the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), the country's real estate transformation is creating more than US$25 billion worth of investment opportunities in building and contractor services alone. This makes me wonder, how important are hospitality and tourism projects in relation to KSA's overall real estate investment offering? 'The country's real estate transformation has already positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification within the real estate industry. Hosting global events like EXPO 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup will play an instrumental role in shaping future of the hospitality market in Kingdom over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, developing hospitality and tourism projects is boosting tourism infrastructure, enhancing hospitality offerings, generating demand in other sectors and enhancing the overall quality of life,' said Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments. Luc Delafosse, Vice President of Hospitality Management at Al Khozama Investment Company, believes hospitality and tourism plays a crucial part in the real estate sector for residential in business and leisure markets. 'The hospitality industry offers various housing and holidaying concepts to suit every need, and Al Khozama is developing its offerings to meet the market needs for present and future requirements,' he said. Saudi Arabia welcomed 30 million foreign tourists last year and is on track to host 70 million international visitors annually by 2030, according to the Ministry of Tourism. I asked our contributors what factors must be taken into account to ensure these goals are achieved—and sustained? According to Baraka, a strong foundation in infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability and cultural integration is essential in ensuring sustainable tourism growth. Ebrahim Al Qassab commented: 'At Baraka, our developments are designed to foster community-driven urban planning, with a focus on sustainable practices that preserve Saudi's heritage and environment. We believe that integrating authentic cultural experiences with world-class amenities will not only attract visitors but also create long-lasting, impactful destinations that benefit both residents and tourists.' Mounib Hammoud at AlNahla Group added: 'The tourism infrastructure, regulation and communication are key to success and sustainability of the sector. There is a serious need for a diversified supply of hotels and the modernisation of the existing stock.' All agree that Saudi is ripe for investment, but what is the most exciting area of growth for the country's tourism and hospitality sector, according to our contributors? Taiba's Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, said: Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, particularly the hospitality sector, is expected to thrive in the coming years, as part of Saudi Vision 2030. Major projects in the country represent new global destinations for cultural, entertainment, and sports tourism. The country's religious tourism sector has shown remarkable recovery post-COVID. Taiba Investment has a strategic aim to develop integrated projects, leveraging government efforts to develop the infrastructure for projects in major cities to improve visitor experience and capacity. Alaa AlFarran, Director of Marketing & Communication at Al Khozama Investment Company, believes that most exciting growth lies in offering experiences that reflect who we are. The shift toward authentic, culturally rooted hospitality is where Saudi has a natural edge. As Saudis, we are known for our generosity. Hospitality is in our DNA. When we design spaces that feel sincere, welcoming, and meaningful, we're not just hosting visitors—we're building lasting emotional connections.' Meanwhile, AlNahla's Mounib Hammoud says each of the existing and planned tourism destinations offer a different proposition of quality and targets a certain type of tourist, local and international and from different walks of life. Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is entering a new era, according to Baraka. 'We see tremendous growth potential in eco-tourism, cultural heritage experiences, lifestyle communities, and branded residences. As part of our long-term strategy, we align closely with Vision 2030, ensuring our developments contribute to the Kingdom's evolving hospitality and tourism landscape. By creating immersive, sustainable, and culturally enriched destinations, we aim to enhance the global appeal of Saudi Arabia as a premier travel and investment hub,' said Ebrahim Al Qassab.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
FHS Saudi Arabia offers key investments for Saudi Arabia's future
The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 is set to bring together investors, developers, government decision-makers, and regional hospitality leaders for three days of networking, learning, debate, and deal-making in Riyadh. Last year's event attracted nearly 300 investors, creating over $1.1 billion worth of business opportunities and signing 17 deals. With KSA's hospitality and tourism transformation in line with Vision 2030, the stage is set for new partnerships, signings, and collaborations at FHS Saudi Arabia 2025. Leaders from Taiba Investments, Al Khozama Investment Company, Baraka, and AlNahla Group have shared their insights on investing in KSA, the importance of hospitality projects in Saudi's overall real estate offering, how tourism targets can be met, and what excites them most about KSA's future tourism offering, according to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. Taiba Investments is focusing on solidifying its position in the hospitality and real state sectors, aiming for sustainable growth by expanding in key hubs like Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. The company is strategically expanding its portfolio with several hotel openings. Meanwhile, Al Khozama Investment Company says its expansion approach is selective and value driven. 'We invest in locations that allow to us to deliver distinction, whether through luxury hotels, fine dining or lifestyle assets. The goal is not just to grow, but to elevate the standard of hospitality wherever we operate,' said Khalid AbuHaimed, CEO, Al Khozama Investment Company. Developing transformative mixed-use destinations that integrate community, culture, and sustainability are at the centre of Baraka's investment strategy. Ebrahim Al Qassab, Projects Director, said: 'Our current focus is in Jeddah, with strategic plans to expand into other major cities across the Kingdom. We are committed to forging strong partnerships and launching new developments that align with Vision 2030, creating spaces that redefine the way people live, work, and connect.' AlNahla Group is heavily invested in KSA, with diversified investments in real estate, hospitality, banking and finance, automotive, trade, telecommunications. 'With a considerable land bank, major real estate developments are underway, including mixed-use and specialised projects, residential, retail, hotels, branded apartments, F&B and offices. The main focus is Jeddah, with projects in Medina and Taif,' said Mounib Hammoud, Mega Project Consultant. According to the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), the country's real estate transformation is creating more than US$25 billion worth of investment opportunities in building and contractor services alone. This makes me wonder, how important are hospitality and tourism projects in relation to KSA's overall real estate investment offering? 'The country's real estate transformation has already positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification within the real estate industry. Hosting global events like EXPO 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup will play an instrumental role in shaping future of the hospitality market in Kingdom over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, developing hospitality and tourism projects is boosting tourism infrastructure, enhancing hospitality offerings, generating demand in other sectors and enhancing the overall quality of life,' said Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments. Luc Delafosse, Vice President of Hospitality Management at Al Khozama Investment Company, believes hospitality and tourism plays a crucial part in the real estate sector for residential in business and leisure markets. 'The hospitality industry offers various housing and holidaying concepts to suit every need, and Al Khozama is developing its offerings to meet the market needs for present and future requirements,' he said. Saudi Arabia welcomed 30 million foreign tourists last year and is on track to host 70 million international visitors annually by 2030, according to the Ministry of Tourism. I asked our contributors what factors must be taken into account to ensure these goals are achieved—and sustained? According to Baraka, a strong foundation in infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability and cultural integration is essential in ensuring sustainable tourism growth. Ebrahim Al Qassab commented: 'At Baraka, our developments are designed to foster community-driven urban planning, with a focus on sustainable practices that preserve Saudi's heritage and environment. We believe that integrating authentic cultural experiences with world-class amenities will not only attract visitors but also create long-lasting, impactful destinations that benefit both residents and tourists.' Mounib Hammoud at AlNahla Group added: 'The tourism infrastructure, regulation and communication are key to success and sustainability of the sector. There is a serious need for a diversified supply of hotels and the modernisation of the existing stock.' All agree that Saudi is ripe for investment, but what is the most exciting area of growth for the country's tourism and hospitality sector, according to our contributors? Taiba's Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, said: Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, particularly the hospitality sector, is expected to thrive in the coming years, as part of Saudi Vision 2030. Major projects in the country represent new global destinations for cultural, entertainment, and sports tourism. The country's religious tourism sector has shown remarkable recovery post-COVID. Taiba Investment has a strategic aim to develop integrated projects, leveraging government efforts to develop the infrastructure for projects in major cities to improve visitor experience and capacity. Alaa AlFarran, Director of Marketing & Communication at Al Khozama Investment Company, believes that most exciting growth lies in offering experiences that reflect who we are. The shift toward authentic, culturally rooted hospitality is where Saudi has a natural edge. As Saudis, we are known for our generosity. Hospitality is in our DNA. When we design spaces that feel sincere, welcoming, and meaningful, we're not just hosting visitors—we're building lasting emotional connections.' Meanwhile, AlNahla's Mounib Hammoud says each of the existing and planned tourism destinations offer a different proposition of quality and targets a certain type of tourist, local and international and from different walks of life. Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is entering a new era, according to Baraka. 'We see tremendous growth potential in eco-tourism, cultural heritage experiences, lifestyle communities, and branded residences. As part of our long-term strategy, we align closely with Vision 2030, ensuring our developments contribute to the Kingdom's evolving hospitality and tourism landscape. By creating immersive, sustainable, and culturally enriched destinations, we aim to enhance the global appeal of Saudi Arabia as a premier travel and investment hub,' said Ebrahim Al Qassab. FHS Saudi Arabia takes place 11-13 May at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
21-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
FHS Saudi Arabia offers key investments for KSA's future
The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 is set to bring together investors, developers, government decision-makers, and regional hospitality leaders for three days of networking, learning, debate, and deal-making in Riyadh. Last year's event attracted nearly 300 investors, creating over $1.1 billion worth of business opportunities and signing 17 deals. With KSA's hospitality and tourism transformation in line with Vision 2030, the stage is set for new partnerships, signings, and collaborations at FHS Saudi Arabia 2025. Leaders from Taiba Investments, Al Khozama Investment Company, Baraka, and AlNahla Group have shared their insights on investing in KSA, the importance of hospitality projects in Saudi's overall real estate offering, how tourism targets can be met, and what excites them most about KSA's future tourism offering, according to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. Taiba Investments is focusing on solidifying its position in the hospitality and real state sectors, aiming for sustainable growth by expanding in key hubs like Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. The company is strategically expanding its portfolio with several hotel openings. Meanwhile, Al Khozama Investment Company says its expansion approach is selective and value driven. 'We invest in locations that allow to us to deliver distinction, whether through luxury hotels, fine dining or lifestyle assets. The goal is not just to grow, but to elevate the standard of hospitality wherever we operate,' said Khalid AbuHaimed, CEO, Al Khozama Investment Company. Developing transformative mixed-use destinations that integrate community, culture, and sustainability are at the centre of Baraka's investment strategy. Ebrahim Al Qassab, Projects Director, said: 'Our current focus is in Jeddah, with strategic plans to expand into other major cities across the Kingdom. We are committed to forging strong partnerships and launching new developments that align with Vision 2030, creating spaces that redefine the way people live, work, and connect.' AlNahla Group is heavily invested in KSA, with diversified investments in real estate, hospitality, banking and finance, automotive, trade, telecommunications. 'With a considerable land bank, major real estate developments are underway, including mixed-use and specialised projects, residential, retail, hotels, branded apartments, F&B and offices. The main focus is Jeddah, with projects in Medina and Taif,' said Mounib Hammoud, Mega Project Consultant. According to the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), the country's real estate transformation is creating more than US$25 billion worth of investment opportunities in building and contractor services alone. This makes me wonder, how important are hospitality and tourism projects in relation to KSA's overall real estate investment offering? 'The country's real estate transformation has already positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification within the real estate industry. Hosting global events like EXPO 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup will play an instrumental role in shaping future of the hospitality market in Kingdom over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, developing hospitality and tourism projects is boosting tourism infrastructure, enhancing hospitality offerings, generating demand in other sectors and enhancing the overall quality of life,' said Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments. Luc Delafosse, Vice President of Hospitality Management at Al Khozama Investment Company, believes hospitality and tourism plays a crucial part in the real estate sector for residential in business and leisure markets. 'The hospitality industry offers various housing and holidaying concepts to suit every need, and Al Khozama is developing its offerings to meet the market needs for present and future requirements,' he said. Saudi Arabia welcomed 30 million foreign tourists last year and is on track to host 70 million international visitors annually by 2030, according to the Ministry of Tourism. I asked our contributors what factors must be taken into account to ensure these goals are achieved—and sustained? According to Baraka, a strong foundation in infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability and cultural integration is essential in ensuring sustainable tourism growth. Ebrahim Al Qassab commented: 'At Baraka, our developments are designed to foster community-driven urban planning, with a focus on sustainable practices that preserve Saudi's heritage and environment. We believe that integrating authentic cultural experiences with world-class amenities will not only attract visitors but also create long-lasting, impactful destinations that benefit both residents and tourists.' Mounib Hammoud at AlNahla Group added: 'The tourism infrastructure, regulation and communication are key to success and sustainability of the sector. There is a serious need for a diversified supply of hotels and the modernisation of the existing stock.' All agree that Saudi is ripe for investment, but what is the most exciting area of growth for the country's tourism and hospitality sector, according to our contributors? Taiba's Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, said: Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, particularly the hospitality sector, is expected to thrive in the coming years, as part of Saudi Vision 2030. Major projects in the country represent new global destinations for cultural, entertainment, and sports tourism. The country's religious tourism sector has shown remarkable recovery post-COVID. Taiba Investment has a strategic aim to develop integrated projects, leveraging government efforts to develop the infrastructure for projects in major cities to improve visitor experience and capacity. Alaa AlFarran, Director of Marketing & Communication at Al Khozama Investment Company, believes that most exciting growth lies in offering experiences that reflect who we are. The shift toward authentic, culturally rooted hospitality is where Saudi has a natural edge. As Saudis, we are known for our generosity. Hospitality is in our DNA. When we design spaces that feel sincere, welcoming, and meaningful, we're not just hosting visitors—we're building lasting emotional connections.' Meanwhile, AlNahla's Mounib Hammoud says each of the existing and planned tourism destinations offer a different proposition of quality and targets a certain type of tourist, local and international and from different walks of life. Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is entering a new era, according to Baraka. 'We see tremendous growth potential in eco-tourism, cultural heritage experiences, lifestyle communities, and branded residences. As part of our long-term strategy, we align closely with Vision 2030, ensuring our developments contribute to the Kingdom's evolving hospitality and tourism landscape. By creating immersive, sustainable, and culturally enriched destinations, we aim to enhance the global appeal of Saudi Arabia as a premier travel and investment hub,' said Ebrahim Al Qassab. FHS Saudi Arabia takes place 11-13 May at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.
