Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Hospitality, discusses how hospitality is shifting from destination-led travel to experience-led stays, and introduces Afiniti, Modon’s new hospitality brand built around curated experiences including family, adults-only, adventure, urban resort and wellness concepts. He also shares plans for branded residences, expansion beyond Abu Dhabi, and the long-term ambition to build Afiniti into a recognised global hospitality brand.

Listen

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director of Tourism Development at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, joins us to discuss the UAE’s continued strength as a global tourism and investment hub. The conversation explores what is driving the country’s resilience, how the Ministry is supporting long-term tourism growth, and where the next opportunities are emerging across investment, destination development, infrastructure, talent and lifestyle.

Listen

In this episode, Dr. Moath Alyahya, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Economic City, explores how Madinah is evolving into a broader investment, hospitality and mixed-use destination. The conversation looks at KEC’s expansion strategy, major developments including Knowledge Gardens and the Islamic World District, changing demand beyond religious tourism, and how new partnerships and investment structures are helping shape the city’s next chapter under Vision 2030.

Listen

In this episode, Riyan Itani, Founder of Global Branded Residences Ltd., explores how branded residences are evolving at the intersection of luxury, real estate and investment. The conversation looks at what drives brand premiums, why standalone residences are gaining ground, how buyer expectations are changing, and why the Middle East has become one of the sector’s most dynamic growth markets.

Listen

Institutional capital keeps circling Africa but seldom lands. The hesitation is not about opportunity. It is about trust. Global investors still price African tourism and hospitality as if they are betting on volatility rather than performance.

Read more

Hotel revenues in the UAE surged past AED 26 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 6.3% increase year-on-year, with occupancy rates hitting 80.5%. Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri attributed the growth to strong public-private collaboration, aligned with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which targets a AED 450 billion contribution to GDP by the next decade. Preparations are also underway for the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit, part of FHS World 2025, which will bring together ministers and senior officials from 53 African nations.

Read more

Advisory Board members offered a treasure trove of insights, recommendations, and strategic ideas aimed at shaping the upcoming event into an industry-defining gathering.

Read

The recent Advisory Board meeting for the Future Hospitality Summit - FHS World 2025 offered a treasure trove of insights, recommendations, and strategic ideas aimed at shaping the upcoming event into an industry-defining gathering.

Read more