In this episode of the FHS Saudi Arabia podcast, Daria is joined by Mohamad Haj Hassan, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to explore the forces shaping hotel growth in one of the world’s most closely watched hospitality markets. The conversation looks at what makes Saudi Arabia such a compelling opportunity for global hotel brands, how Wyndham’s franchising model supports the Kingdom’s current phase of development, and what local investors and owners now expect from their brand partners.

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In this episode, we explore Aina’s evolving investment strategy as the group moves beyond its legacy European upscale-luxury portfolio and expands into ultra-luxury hospitality and Saudi Arabia. The conversation examines what drives Aina’s investment decisions beyond location and brand recognition, the ambitions behind its MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund, and the potential introduction of Relais & Châteaux properties to the Kingdom. We also discuss the lessons learned from Hyde London City and Baccarat Hotel Rome, the types of opportunities Aina is looking to pursue next, and how FHS Saudi Arabia supports the partnerships, market intelligence and deal flow needed to advance its regional ambitions.

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At FHS Saudi Arabia 2026, Ali Shahid, Chief Executive Officer, The Bench, was in conversation with Omar Al-Abdullatif, Chief Executive Officer, Blacksand, following the announcement of Blacksand’s SR5 billion ($1.33 billion) agreement with Marriott International to develop 10 hotels across Saudi Arabia.

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In this episode, we speak with Dory Mouawad, Director of Operations KSA at Ewaa Hotel Group, about the changing face of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality market and the rising importance of budget and mid-scale hotels. With more than 25 years of experience in Middle East hospitality, Dory shares his perspective on what it takes to build a scalable hotel brand in the Kingdom, the operational discipline behind Ewaa Express, and how guest expectations are evolving as Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape expands. The conversation explores why consistency, profitability, service quality, and simplicity are becoming critical to long-term growth — and why the next phase of Saudi hospitality will need hotel products that are practical, accessible, and built for scale.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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