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Podcasts
In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Ronald Philip, VP - Investment and Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Dubai World Trade Centre, discusses how these districts are driving year-round footfall, creating vibrant community hubs, and unlocking new revenue streams for developers and operators alike. From adaptive space planning to experiential guest offerings, this conversation highlights how the convergence of business and leisure is redefining the future of hospitality.
In this episode of the FHS Podcast, we explore Qatar's maturing hospitality market post-World Cup with Wael Al Sharif, Area General Manager at The Torch Hospitality Group, diving into the sector's current sentiment, the transition from event-driven demand to sustained growth amid supply surges, and strategic shifts for managing iconic assets. We discuss Torch's expansion plans in Qatar and the GCC, how it differentiates beyond architecture through sustainability and smart operations, and what will define success for operators over the next 3–5 year.
Hospitality has evolved from a cyclical alternative into a stable, institutionalized asset class. In this FHS Podcast, Varun Kapur of Kapur and Partners breaks down where global capital is moving. Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead the Way: High government stability and massive infrastructure investment, such as AlUla, make this the hottest market globally. New freehold rules in Saudi Arabia are further accelerating FDI. While Tier-1 cities like London and Paris remain strong, smart money is moving into up-and-coming European hubs like Prague and Milan, alongside the booming domestic tourism market in India.
Press room
Dubai, UAE. 19 February 2026. Over 50 senior hospitality leaders gathered in Dubai last week for the annual FHS World Advisory Board meeting to shape the programme for the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
World-leaders in hospitality and tourism take centre stage at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh, 20-22 April
The Bench has announced a leadership restructure as it enters its next phase of global growth. The updated structure strengthens strategic alignment across growth, investor engagement, and operational delivery, reinforcing the company’s focus on high-impact, in-person platforms that support deal-making and long-term industry relationships.
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
The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 was marked by a rich array of discussions that delved into the evolving landscape of the hospitality sector within Saudi Arabia and globally.
The FHS World 2025 covered a broad range of topics within the hospitality industry, highlighting significant trends, challenges, and opportunities.
At the Future Hospitality Summit, a group of passionate experts and rising talent gathered to debate the challenges and deliver solutions. This report highlights the key takeaways.