Content library
Podcasts
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.
In this episode, Richard Stevens, Director at Sectorlight, explores why strong hospitality brands are built through story, not just design, and how a clear brand narrative can shape everything from market positioning to guest perception. The discussion looks at what makes a hotel brand distinctive in an increasingly crowded market, how developers can create concepts that feel bold without losing commercial relevance, and why branding needs to be considered early in the development process. Richard also shares his perspective on the relationship between storytelling, place, design, and long-term brand value, and what it takes to create hospitality concepts that people remember.
In our latest FHS podcast, we sit down with Ayman Ezzeddine, Director of Development, Middle East at Radisson Hotel Group, as he walks us through the behind-the-scenes of hotel development. Our conversations ranged from resilience to what makes an opportunity worth pursuing. With hospitality across the Middle East evolving at remarkable speed, we explore the forces shaping the region’s next phase of growth, the markets catching developers’ attention, and what it takes to build partnerships that create long-term value for owners, operators, and destinations alike.
Video Insights
Team MERED sat down with us to share why the UAE market has continued to show strong resilience despite recent uncertainty. They explain that rather than MERED adapting to the situation, the market itself has adjusted, with projects now moving forward after an initial pause.
In this interview at FHS Saudi Arabia, Muin Sehran, chief executive officer of AMSA Hospitality with two decades of experience across Marriott, NEOM and AMSA, shared insights into how the company is scaling its hotel pipeline while investing in homegrown Saudi talent. The discussion explored AMSA's approach to talent development through the AMSA Academy, the realities of building franchise partnerships with international hospitality brands, and how Saudi hospitality culture shapes the guest experience across the company's growing portfolio.
In this interview at FHS World, Barry Lansburg, a branded residential development specialist with 25+ years of experience working with developers and brands globally, shared insights into how alignment between brands, developers and purchasers shapes successful projects. The discussion explored his approach to resolving conflicting interests before they escalate, the realities around disclosure and transparency in branded residences agreements, and whether bargaining power is shifting as developers and buyers mature in this space.
Press room
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy & Tourism, joins esteemed line up of government representatives and industry leaders at region’s leading hospitality investment event. The FHS World 2026 agenda covers everything from investment to innovation, sustainability to staffing, and technology to tourism trends, all in line with this year’s event theme, Reinvest in our Future. Delegates will experience three days of keynote speeches, panel discussions, presentations, and roundtable debates, as well as a plethora of events, networking sessions and receptions.
In the run up to FHS Living, co-located with FHS World, industry experts share their thoughts on the key factors driving this ever-growing asset class, how brands can differentiate themselves in the market, where the best investment opportunities are, and more.
Branded Residences Forum (BRF) is being rebranded to ‘FHS Living’, effective with the edition running alongside FHS World in Dubai this October.
Industry news
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.
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.
Advisory Board members offered a treasure trove of insights, recommendations, and strategic ideas aimed at shaping the upcoming event into an industry-defining gathering.
Reports
AI in hospitality is moving beyond the guest interface and into the way projects are designed, delivered, and operated.
The 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict has emerged as one of the most significant geopolitical disruptions to affect GCC hospitality since the COVID-19 period, creating immediate pressure on aviation, traveller confidence, hotel performance, and investment activity across the region. While the operational shock has begun to stabilise following the ceasefire announcement and easing airspace restrictions, investor sentiment remains cautious and increasingly selective.
Industry Pulse Report | April 2026 Compiled for Hospitality Leaders, C-Level Executives & Industry Stakeholders For the Industry, by the Industry