Latest news with #FutureHospitalitySummitSaudiArabia
Syyaha
14-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
FHS Saudi Arabia presents winners of the 2025 FHS Awards
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 13 May 2025: Earlier today, on stage at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh this week, the winners of the 2025 FHS Awards were announced. The recipient of the Future Leader Award is Lama AlQawasmi, Co-Founder and COO, Hospitality Talents. In partnership with Sommet Education, the Future Leader Award recognises young, ambitious talent shaping the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Based on three key criteria – innovation, impact and leadership – Lama was chosen as the winner by a jury consisting of Louis Nicolas Barrios, Regional Manager Innovation Education and Investment, UN Tourism; Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO, The Bench; Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Chief Executive Officer, Les Roches and Anouck Weiss, Sommet Education Chief Communication Officer, Co-founder and Executive Vice President of The Sommet Education Foundation. On the occasion, Anouck Weiss shared: 'Lama AlQawasmi embodies the empowering, people-centric leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep passion for hospitality that we strive to nurture at Sommet Education. She represents exactly the kind of leader the hospitality world needs – driven by purpose, committed to others, and unafraid to shape the future. As part of Lama's prize, she will get access to an exclusive scholarship opportunity within Sommet Education's portfolio of Master's, Executive Master's or part-time education at Glion Institute of Higher Education or Les Roches Global Hospitality in the UK, Switzerland, and Spain, access to Sommet Education's alumni networks, internships, and job placement opportunities. The winner of the Impact Leader Award by #FHSWomenPower is Narjes Fattalah, Revenue Manager, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel. The award celebrates Saudi-national women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, career growth, and industry impact. Narjes was chosen as the winner from a selection of candidates by a jury consisting of Dr. Abeer A. Alamri, Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert; Nikolina Angelkova, Former Minister Tourism, Bulgaria and Sarah Gasim, Senior Vice President, Head of Hotels KSA, JLL. 'Narjes Fallatah is one of the very few Saudi females in Revenue Management and she is dedicated to nurturing local talent, empowering women in hospitality, and driving commercial success through data-driven decisions. She has demonstrated a strong belief in and commitment to the industry, successfully paving the way for future careers,' said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS Saudi Arabia. 'By recognising these rising stars, we aim to empower and support the next generation of hospitality leaders who are already leading with impact, creativity, and purpose in the hospitality space. As part of our commitment to championing gender diversity and empowering women in hospitality, the #FHSWomenPower Impact Leader Award is the first of its kind, recognising outstanding Saudi national women shaping the future of the industry', Worsley added. FHS Saudi Arabia is taking place at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh from 11-13 May 2025, with the overarching theme of 'Where Vision Shapes Opportunity'. For more information, visit
Syyaha
14-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Sommet Education recognises emerging talent in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector in Partnership with Future Leader Award
Sommet Education, is a global leader in higher education for the hospitality and service industries providing world-class education through its prestigious institutions, including Les Roches, École Ducasse, and Glion Institute of Higher Education. Earlier today, on stage at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia (FHS) taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh this week, the winner of the 2025 FHS Future Leader Awards was year's Future Leader Award winner is Lama AlQawasmi, Co-Founder & COO of Hospitality talents, Vice President of Hospitality at Moqam Urban Development Co. Lama AlQawasmi stands as a remarkable example of young woman leadership in Saudi Arabia's hospitality Future Leader Award is an initiative from FHS organizer The Bench, powered by the Sommet Education Foundation, the non-for-profit organization of Sommet Education aiming at fostering inclusivity in the Hospitality Future Leader Award was open to individuals aged 18 to 35 who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and impact in the hospitality field. The jury included leaders from renowned hospitality and education institutions such as Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Chief Executive Officer of Les Roches, Anouck Weiss, Chief Communication Officer of Sommet Education, Co-founder & Executive Vice President of Sommet Education Foundation; Luis Nicolas Barrios, Regional Manager of Innovation Education and Investment at UN Tourism, and Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench.'Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry is undergoing a dynamic shift, and we believe the Future Leader Award is an important step in recognizing the young leaders who are driving that change. Through this award, we are proud to support the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by fostering talent and offering opportunities for growth and development to the next generation of hospitality leaders.' said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les has led strategic initiatives across multiple organizations—including founding a consultancy division, championing sustainability and innovation, and mentoring young professionals in the sector. She has already held influential roles at Moqam Urban Development, and the Elaf Group, where she's driven operational excellence and talent development. Lama's focus on collaboration, education, and social impact makes her not just a rising star—but a guiding light for the next generation of hospitality shared: 'Thank you so much I'm truly honoured to receive this award. This award isn't just about me, it's about the belief that talent exists everywhere and opportunities do as well. My mission is to fill this gap through hospitality, through education, and through purpose.''Lama AlQawasmi embodies the empowering, people-centric leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep passion for hospitality that we strive to nurture at Sommet Education. She represents exactly the kind of leader the hospitality world needs – driven by purpose, committed to others, and unafraid to shape the future,' said Anouck Weiss, Chief Communication Officer of Sommet Education, and Co-founder & Executive Vice President of Sommet Education Foundation. As part of Lama's prize, she will get access to an exclusive scholarship opportunity within Sommet Education's portfolio of Master's, Executive Master's or part-time education at Glion Institute of Higher Education or Les Roches Global Hospitality in the UK, Switzerland, and Spain as well as access to Sommet Education's alumni networks, internships, and job placement opportunities.
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Baraka and Kerten Hospitality partner to launch The House Residence at Al Salam District in Jeddah - Middle East Business News and Information
Riyadh, 13 May 2025 – In a strategic move to bring soulful, modern living to the forefront of Jeddah's urban landscape, Baraka for Real Estate Development and Investment Company Ltd has signed a milestone agreement with global lifestyle hospitality operator Kerten Hospitality to launch The House Residence Al Salam District in Jeddah. The announcement was made yesterday at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The House Residence is set within Al Salam District, Baraka's flagship mixed-use development spanning 45,000 square meters of land. This marks a pivotal step in realising the company's long-term vision of community-driven, culturally rich destinations that transform how people live, work, and connect. 'At Baraka, our purpose is to shape urban spaces that are deeply human, where design meets purpose, and where community and culture define the experience,' said Ebrahim Alqassab, Projects Director at Baraka. 'Al Salam District is not just a development; it is a statement of our belief in building vibrant, sustainable environments. The House Residence Al Salam District is a key expression of this vision and a major milestone in our journey toward redefining urban life in Saudi Arabia.' With a diverse offering of 38 one-bedroom apartments, 58 two-bedroom apartments, and 17 three-bedroom villas, The House Residence Al Salam District delivers a new dimension of integrated living and immersive hospitality that blends contemporary design with local heritage. The project reflects a shared philosophy between Baraka and Kerten Hospitality—one that values authenticity, lifestyle integration, and placemaking as central to hospitality. As a dynamic cultural centre, positioned to be the pulsating heart of Jeddah, Al Salam District features curated retail, home-grown dining, wellness and beauty experiences, collaborative workspaces, and walkable public realms that create a deep sense of belonging. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, commented, 'Our collaboration with Baraka reflects a powerful synergy rooted in shared values and a forward-thinking approach to hospitality. The House Residence Al Salam District offers a living ecosystem that brings people together through culture, creativity, and meaningful community engagement.' Baraka's current focus is firmly on Jeddah, with plans to expand its transformative development model and visionary projects into other major cities across the kingdom. With Al Salam District set to become a vibrant urban epicentre, the company continues to align its growth with Saudi Arabia's broader vision for a thriving, inclusive tourism and lifestyle economy. Together, Baraka and Kerten are laying the foundation for a next-generation destination – where innovation meets heritage, and where hospitality is redefined for the future.
Trade Arabia
06-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Hospitality education is key bridge skills gap in Saudi Arabia: experts
A brand new feature at Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia, the NextGen Investment Forum aims to inspire top leaders to come together and tackle the most pressing questions surrounding education, training, and talent retention in Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry. FHS Saudi Arabia takes place from May 11 to 13 at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. On the agenda of the first day of the summit, the NextGen Investment Forum aims to address the challenges of future hoteliers on several fronts by building a community of educators and industry experts, creating pathways to career growth, bridging the skills gap, empowering Saudi nationals, and fostering public-private collaboration. With 1 million new tourism jobs predicted by 2030, the Kingdom's hospitality sector is facing some critical challenges. First, notable skill gaps are evident in specialised areas like hospitality management, digital competencies, and vocational training in tourism. Second, only 8.1% employed in the Saudi tourism industry are women, and third, Saudi Arabia's youth unemployment rate remains around 16%, with limited vocational pathways in hospitality for young Saudis. We asked leaders from Amsa Hospitality, Baraka Real Estate Investment & Development, Riyadh School of Tourism & Hospitality, Red Sea Global, and Dr Abeer Atallah Alamri, skills development and talent optimisation expert for their insights into the challenges, purpose and approach behind investing in the next generation of hoteliers. How important is investment in hospitality education to develop the next generation of leaders? What challenges does the industry have to overcome to develop meaningful strategies and programmes in this regard? According to Dr Alamri, investment in hospitality education is crucial for cultivating future leaders by equipping them with essential skills, knowledge, and a professional mindset. Challenges include bridging the gap between academic curricula and real-world industry needs, attracting students amidst perceptions of long hours and lower pay, and securing adequate funding for quality programmes and resources. Dr Fabien Fresnel, CEO at The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality, said: 'There is no tourism strategy if there is no talent capability building strategy. Building programmes is not the issue. Making the industry aspirational is one: attracting. Delivering the proper training in the proper format and leveraging technology with relevant content: educating. Making sure the industry is providing career perspectives and sustaining the training and development effort throughout: retaining. Attracting, relevant training, retaining = tri-dimensional equation.' Layla Alamri, Senior Manager – Education at Red Sea Global, added: 'As the hospitality sector experiences rapid growth in Saudi Arabia, a key challenge is building a strong pipeline of talent. To address this, we have launched a series of training initiatives to empower young Saudis with the skills they need to thrive, with many graduates securing employment with the company. This includes educational, vocational and on-the-job training, with 1,995 students benefitting since 2019. Industry leaders sometimes struggle to pinpoint the real barriers to attracting and retaining next-generation talent. Ebrahim Al Qassab, Projects Director at Baraka Real Estate Investment & Development, believes that the struggle comes from viewing talent attraction as a recruitment issue rather than a cultural one. 'Many leaders focus on incentives but miss the deeper emotional and intellectual needs of today's generation. Young professionals aren't just looking for jobs - they're seeking purpose, ownership, and alignment with values. At Baraka, we redefined this challenge by embedding one of our core pillars: catering for the dreamers. We actively try to inject this spirit into Baraka's DNA by involving talent in shaping our workspaces and communities. When people see their identity and aspirations reflected in the environments they help create, they stay not out of obligation, but out of passion.' How can the industry attract – and retain – the talent that is needed to turn Vision 2030 into a reality? 'Attracting and retaining talent for Vision 2030 requires the industry to offer competitive compensation and benefits, foster a positive work culture with opportunities for growth and development, and promote the sector as a dynamic and rewarding career path. Highlighting the industry's contribution to national goals and offering specialised training programmes are also vital,' said Dr Alamri. Layla Alamri added: 'Attracting and retaining talent requires more than just competitive salaries. Employees need to feel a sense of ownership and purpose. In our case, this means ensuring that our employees are aware of the importance of their work to the future of the Kingdom, diversifying the economy and putting it firmly on the global tourism map.' Dr Fresnel believes that the industry has a critical role to play. 'It needs to trigger aspirations, deliver the proper messaging, manage youngster's expectations, and offer an entrepreneurial mindset in a corporate environment.' He went on to say, 'I think Saudi Arabia has the intelligence, the expertise and the financial means to implement a nationwide educational strategy to meet the kingdom's goals. It goes with building capabilities, and this can be done fast, delivering programmes and training efficiently. I don't see any roadblocks to do that if there is willingness and fire power.' Will strategic partnerships between private academies, government entities, and universities transform human capital development in Saudi Arabia's tourism and hospitality sectors? 'Since its launch, Amsa Hospitality Academy has signed agreements with some of the best universities and colleges across the kingdom. One notable collaboration is with King Khalid University which allows recent graduates to enrich their academic learning with real-world practical experience. The first cohort is currently undertaking training at the brand-new Mercure Khamis Mushait and has experienced the dynamic operations of a hotel pre-opening phase. Other agreements include those with Princess Noura University and King Saud University. Moreover, we recently welcomed the Deputy Governor for Training Policies and Quality to our premises for an overview of ongoing training programmes that endow students with the required knowledge to pursue successful career paths,' said Muin Serhan, CEO at Amsa Hospitality. Layla Alamri added: 'Strategic partnerships are vital for knowledge-sharing and innovation. Our scholarship programmes with the University of Prince Mugrin and École hôtelière de Lausanne are designed to equip young Saudis with international hospitality management skills. Drawing on the universities' technical and educational expertise, we are preparing future leaders to contribute directly to Vision 2030.' What is your organisation doing in terms of education investment, particularly when it comes to developing Saudi citizens for roles in hospitality and tourism? Dr Fresnel said: 'The purpose of The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality and its affiliates is to serve the country and the younger generations, help KSA pivot part of its economy towards tourism, deliver outstanding customer journeys to trigger repeat business, and overall ensure a bright future for millions of young Saudis whose pride will only be exacerbated as the industry grows.' Amsa Hospitality has its own vocational training academy, Amsa Hospitality Academy. 'We launched last year in collaboration with the globally recognised Luxury Hotelschool Paris. Our mission is to help aspiring Saudi hoteliers develop the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. The academy is open to everyone, not only prospective employees of properties managed by Amsa Hospitality, commented Serhan. 'Investing in people is key to our regenerative tourism vision. Our Elite Graduate Program - now in its sixth edition - enrols Saudi graduates into a comprehensive system of placements and training programmes. We have also established a number of vocational education programmes to equip local talent with the skills to support the growing Saudi tourism sector. Our goal is to empower Saudi men and women, so they excel and drive Vision 2030 forward,' said Layla Alamri. Meanwhile, Ebrahim Al Qassab commented: 'Industry leaders can create a culture where questioning traditional models of hospitality education and talent engagement is encouraged. Real innovation doesn't come from people who all think the same. It comes from open, honest conversations, especially between generations. I've learned to not just include young voices, but to let them help shape the way forward. Leaders need to welcome new ideas, encourage diverse skills, and mix different fields together. At Baraka, we often bring creatives, educators, and developers into one room and that's where fresh, relevant ideas are born. Challenging the system isn't about breaking it, it's how we grow and improve it.'
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
