Tuesday, November 26, 2024
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s premier hospitality investment conference, is set to return to the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh from April 14-16, 2025. Following a record-breaking 2024 edition that facilitated $1.1 billion in business opportunities and brought together over 1,400 industry leaders, the 2025 summit promises to build on its legacy of shaping the future of hospitality investment in Saudi Arabia.
Shaping the Future: “Where Vision Shapes Opportunity”
Under the theme “Where Vision Shapes Opportunity,” FHS Saudi Arabia will bring together hospitality leaders, investors, and decision-makers to discuss key topics including hotel performance, market trends, and the outlook for hospitality investment. The conference will provide actionable insights to address the dynamic growth of the hospitality industry, which has been a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation plan.
The event’s return comes as Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue their unprecedented growth. According to Knight Frank, the Kingdom’s travel and tourism GDP contribution is set to reach 12.3% of total GDP (498 billion SAR) in 2024 and is projected to increase to 15.9% (836 billion SAR) by 2034. Additionally, the industry is expected to create 2.67 million jobs by the end of 2024, rising to 3.63 million jobs by 2034.
With the total value of real estate and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia standing at $1.3 trillion, the country is witnessing rapid development in its hospitality sector, including 362,000 hotel keys currently under development.
A High-Caliber Advisory Board Steering FHS 2025
To ensure the success of FHS Saudi Arabia 2025, the Advisory Board, comprising some of the most prominent leaders in the industry, convened in Riyadh to shape the conference agenda. Notable members of the board include Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, CEO of Taiba Investments; Irfan Said, AGM of Corporate Finance and Institutional Banking at AlRajhi Bank; Philip Jones, SVP Operations, Middle East & Africa at Accor; Mae Al Mozaini, Founder & CEO of Nusf; and Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. Their expertise will help craft a program that addresses the evolving needs and opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, expressed enthusiasm about the board meeting, noting, “We were privileged to have some of the sharpest minds in the industry together to steer next year’s conference program.”
New Addition: Education Investment Forum
One of the key highlights of FHS Saudi Arabia 2025 will be the launch of the Education Investment Forum, a first-of-its-kind event co-located with the summit. This forum will focus on the importance of investment in hospitality education to develop future leaders in the industry. Discussions will explore the development of career pathways in luxury and high-end hospitality and the integration of design and innovation into hospitality education.
The Education Investment Forum aims to bridge the gap between academia and the hospitality industry, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals to sustain the sector’s growth.
Tripling Attendance Since 2022
Since its inception in 2020, the Future Hospitality Summit has grown exponentially. Launched in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s G20 Secretariat, FHS has tripled its attendance numbers since 2022, solidifying its position as one of the most anticipated events in the hospitality industry.
In 2024, the summit facilitated groundbreaking discussions and networking opportunities, resulting in over $1.1 billion in business deals. This growth reflects the increasing importance of Saudi Arabia as a global hub for hospitality investment.
The Kingdom’s Hospitality Boom
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has been a driving force behind the rapid development of the Kingdom’s hospitality sector. With over 1.3 trillion USD in real estate and infrastructure projects, the Kingdom is reshaping its urban landscape. Over 1,048,000 residential units are currently in the planning and development stages, alongside the 362,000 hotel keys under development.
These projects are not only transforming Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector but also contributing significantly to its economy. By 2034, the travel and tourism industry is expected to generate 15.9% of GDP, creating a robust foundation for continued growth.
Industry Leaders Backing FHS Saudi Arabia
FHS Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation is supported by key industry players. Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, CEO of Al Khozama Investment, shared his excitement about hosting the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome back what has become one of the most anticipated industry events in the region. We look forward to continuing our partnership with The Bench as Host Sponsors of FHS Saudi Arabia.”
The Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh will once again serve as the venue for this prestigious event, providing a fitting backdrop for discussions that will shape the future of hospitality investment in the Kingdom and beyond.
Looking Ahead to April 2025
With its comprehensive program, high-profile speakers, and groundbreaking initiatives like the Education Investment Forum, FHS Saudi Arabia 2025 is poised to be an unmissable event for hospitality professionals and investors. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the summit aims to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth in the industry.
For industry leaders and stakeholders, FHS Saudi Arabia 2025 will provide the insights, connections, and strategies needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.
