Content Library
Podcasts
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.
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.
Lars Geweyer, CEO of ADD Properties, joins the FHS Egypt Podcast to discuss Egypt’s hospitality growth story, the challenge of converting pipeline into delivered supply, the rise of branded residences, ADD Properties’ partnership with Hyatt and the growing potential of Cairo West. He also shares what is needed to unlock the next wave of hospitality investment across Egypt.
Press room
Dubai, UAE, 29 September 2026: Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2026 has officially opened in Dubai today, with an esteemed line up of speakers addressing 1,000 delegates from 50 countries across the globe on the first day of the Middle East’s most influential hospitality investment forum.
Radisson Hotel Group is highlighting a strong 12 months of development activity across the Middle East, and Northeast Africa, marked by new signings, openings, strategic conversions, and continued expansion across the region. The momentum reflects sustained owner confidence in the Group’s brands and operating platforms, as well as demand for hospitality products that respond to the region’s expanding business, leisure, religious tourism, and residential markets.
Garner Hotel Dubai Al Jaddaf and Garner Hotel Ras Al Khaimah Downtown are expected to open in 2026, introducing IHG’s fastest-scaling brand to the region
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