27-29 OCT 2025
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
2025 Agenda
Programme is subject to change.
Monday 27 October
07:00 - 08:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Padel Tournament at Mouratoglou Tennis Center - Madinat Jumeirah
Networking
Scheduled for a vibrant morning session, this activity promises not only a competitive edge but also a refreshing start to your day. Engaging in this fast-paced, fun-filled game will not only invigorate your body but also sharpen your mind, offering a unique opportunity to network and bond with fellow attendees. Embrace the spirit of hospitality through sport and kick-start your day with energy and inspiration.
Location: Mouratoglou Tennis Center - Madinat Jumeirah
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/29gHuA98BQowzyjC7)
08:30 - 13:00 4 hours 30 minutes
UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit
Ministry of Economy & Tourism partners with The Bench to host 'UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit' at FHS World 2025. The event will gather 250+ senior officials, investors, and tourism leaders from 53 African nations to drive partnerships and boost investment in hospitality, tourism, and related sectors.
Please note that this is an invitation-only event, with restricted access.
11:00 - 11:30 30 minutes
Centre Stage
Signings & Announcements
11:00 - 11:30 30 minutes
Workshop Room (Arena)
From First Timer to Power Player:
Making the Most of FHS World
Networking
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Daria Smith
Portfolio Director
The Bench
11:30 - 12:30 1 hour
Speed Networking
Networking
12:00 - 14:00 2 hours
Networking Luncheon
Networking
13:30 - 13:40 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome to FHS World 2025
Moderator
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
In conversation with
Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc․
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
13:30 - 14:00 30 minutes
Centre Stage
Signings & Announcements
13:40 - 14:00 20 minutes
Summit Stage
KeyNote:
The UAE’s Blueprint for Tourism, Innovation, and Economic Resilience
Global Outlook
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
Minister of Economy and Tourism
United Arab Emirates
13:45 - 14:30 45 minutes
Workshop Room (Arena)
Empowering Connections:
Networking Session
Networking
14:00 - 14:25 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Then and Now:
Two Decades of Hospitality Investment Evolution
Global Outlook
Moderator
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
In conversation with
Gerald Lawless
Ambassador
World Travel & Tourism Council
Naser Mohamed Ali Naser Alnuwais
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation P.J.S.C
14:00 - 14:30 30 minutes
Centre Stage
Automating the Predictable, Humanizing the Exceptional:
Investing in People for the Moments that Matter
NextGen
Moderator
Paul Keen
Partner
Deep Hospitality
In conversation with
Wesam Okasha
MD & Head of Global Development
TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts
Rosanna Wang
Chief Operating Officer
Aristara
14:25 - 14:45 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Redefining Tourism Leadership for a New World
Global Outlook
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais
Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation
Secretary-General Elect, UN Tourism
14:30 - 15:00 30 minutes
Centre Stage
When Machines Decide:
The Ethics and Economics of AI in Hospitality
Global Outlook
Nicolas Nasra
Head of Hotel Advisory
Colliers MENA
14:30 - 15:30 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
The Middle East Playbook:
How to Enter and Succeed in Hospitality Investment
Investment and Real Estate
Giuliano Gasparini, FRICS, CRE, HAMA, IoH, CHIA
Head of Hospitality Asset Management
WASL Group
Amr El Nady
Head of Hotels and Hospitality MEA and Managing Director, Global Hotel Desk
JLL
14:45 - 15:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Serving the Next Wave of Visitors:
Meeting Mixed-Purpose Demand
Investment and Real Estate
Philippe Najjar
Consulting Partner, Destinations
PwC Middle East
15:00 - 15:30 30 minutes
Centre Stage
The Human Touch, Enhanced:
Using AI to Personalize Every Step of the Hospitality Journey
Innovation and Technology
Moderator
Moussa Beidas
Partner and Ideation Lead
PwC Middle East
In conversation with
Asif Alidina
Co-Founder & CEO
Inntelo AI
Piergiorgio Schirru
Executive Vice President
Blastness
Marc-Antoine Simon
Industry Manager, Travel Global Business Solutions, MENA
TikTok
15:00 - 17:00 2 hours
Workshop Room (Murjaan)
FHS Africa 2026:
Advisory Board Meeting
Roy Bannister
Head of Strategic Partnership
The Bench
15:15 - 15:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Hospitality Master Planning and Operational Strategy:
A Data-Driven Approach to Value Creation
Investment and Real Estate
Gustavo De Hostos
Founder and Managing Partner
FORSITE CREATIVE
15:30 - 16:10 40 minutes
Summit Stage
Building Destinations Together:
The Impact of Public-Private Partnerships
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Michaela Guzy
Founder, CEO + Chief Content Creator
OhThePeopleYouMeet
In conversation with
Abdulla Rashed Al Abdouli
Chief Executive Officer
Marjan
Artur Gerber
Chief Executive Officer
TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts
Marinos Giannopoulos
Chief Executive Officer
Enterprise Greece
H․E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer
Chief Executive Officer
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
15:30 - 16:00 30 minutes
Centre Stage
Efficiency engine:
Automating operations for higher profit margins
Innovation and Technology
Siggi Schrot
VP Sales - EMEA
RMS Cloud
Jack Bowcott
Chief Executive Officer
Goki
Patrick van der Wardt
Founder
The Hotel IT Guy
Rolf Arndt
Managing Director
Fairmas Services
15:30 - 16:30 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
Where Tradition Meets Modernity:
Case Study for Developing Mega-Scale Infrastructure for Religious Tourism
16:00 - 16:10 10 minutes
Centre Stage
TECH Lightning Round
Technology & Innovation
16:10 - 17:00 50 minutes
Summit Stage
A GLOBAL PRESIDENTS FORUM:
The Bulls & Bears of Global Capital Markets
Global Outlook
Moderator
Theodor Kubak
Co-Founder, President Emeritus; Director of the Supervisory Board, HAMA Europe
Managing Partner, Arbireo Hospitality Invest
In conversation with
Rene Beil
Managing Director, Beaufort Global
Chairman, MAARAH HOLDINGS & HAMA President Middle East
Rastko Djordjevic
Managing Director - Global Lead Asset Management, JLL
President, HAMA Europe
Ken Iikeo
Founder & CEO, Flat Collaboration
President HAMA Japan
Sashi Rajan
Executive Vice President - Advisory & Asset Management, Hotels & Hospitality, JLL
President, HAMA APAC
Chad Sorensen
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, CHMWARRICK
HAMA President USA
Toa Zhou
Managing Director, Head of Greater China, Hotels & Hospitality, JLL CHINA
HAMA President China
16:10 - 16:30 20 minutes
Centre Stage
Smart Hospitality, Smarter Returns:
Measuring the ROI of Automation
Innovation and Technology
Moderator
Piergiorgio Schirru
Executive Vice President
Blastness
In conversation with
Jiri Konecny
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ELKO EP
Khalid Shiba
Chief Information Smart Officer
HDL Automation
16:30 - 17:00 30 minutes
Centre Stage
Signings & Announcements
17:00 - 18:00 1 hour
Networking Lounge
Happy Hour in the Arena - Sponsored by Danube Hospitality Solutions
Networking
18:30 - 20:30 2 hours
FHS Welcome Reception at Shimmers, Jumeirah
Networking
Kick off FHS World 2025 with sunset views, sea breeze, and authentic Greek flavours at Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam. Join us for a relaxed evening in one of Dubai’s most picturesque beachfront venues.
Tuesday 28 October
07:00 - 08:00 1 hour
Pilates Session at J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Wellness Studio
Networking
A 60-minute Pilates class offering a blend of core strengthening, flexibility enhancement, and total body toning. This low-impact session focuses on precise movements for posture, balance, and muscle definition. Suitable for all skill levels, it's a perfect way to stretch, strengthen, and rejuvenate both body and mind.
LOCATION: J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Wellness Studio (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAhCXYVAymsZ5SAN9)
09:00 - 09:45 45 minutes
Executive Investor Breakfast & Project Showcase – A Closed-Door Gathering
Networking
09:30 - 09:40 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome Back
Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc․
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
09:40 - 10:00 20 minutes
Summit Stage
The impact of Geopolitics and your Business Outlook
Global Outlook
Daniel Thorniley
President
DT-Global Business Consulting
10:00 - 10:30 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Hospitality 2050:
The Long View from the Top
Global Outlook
Moderator
Stephen Sackur
Former Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with
Thomas B. Meier
Chief Executive Officer
Jumeirah
Philip Martin Barnes
Chief Executive Officer
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC
Haitham Mattar
Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotel & Resort
Special Advisor to Secretary General, UNWTO
10:00 - 10:20 20 minutes
Future Stage
A Wake-Up Call for Hospitality:
The Race for Talents is On the Rise
NextGen
Dr Achim Schmitt
Dean
EHL Hospitality Business School
10:00 - 11:00 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
PitchPoint:
The FHS Investment Spotlight
Innovation and Technology
Moderator
Roy Bannister
Head of Strategic Partnership
The Bench
In conversation with
Tugce Ergul
Founding Partner
Hypernova Capital
Sheikh Muhammad Noman
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Pegasus Capital Investments
10:05 - 11:00 55 minutes
Centre Stage
Soundscapes of Hospitality:
Albania
10:20 - 11:00 40 minutes
Future Stage
Rebuilding the Workforce:
Attracting and Retaining Talent in Hospitality
NextGen
Moderator
Roland Hancock
Partner, Education and Skills Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer
PwC Middle East
In conversation with
Professor Scott Richardson
Academic Dean
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy Les Roches
Eddy Tannous
Chief Operating Officer
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC
Markus Venzin
Chief Executive Officer
EHL Group
10:30 - 10:45 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Beyond the Peak:
What the Numbers Say About the Next Chapter in Hospitality
Investment and Real Estate
Philip Wooller
Area Director - Middle East and Africa
STR
10:30 - 11:30 1 hour
Workshop Room (Murjaan)
Owners Forum:
The Power Struggle – Owners vs. Operators (Invitation-Only)
Investment and Real Estate
Dinky Puri
Founding Partner
Eagle Wing
Elias Hayek
Shareholder, Co-Chair Hospitality Industry Group, Middle East and Europe
Greenberg Traurig
10:45 - 11:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Mapping the Money:
Tracking Smart Capital in a Changing Hospitality Landscape
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator: Amit Nayak, CHA, Vice President, HAMA MEA
Moderator
Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
HAMA MEA
In conversation with
Amr El Nady
Head of Hotels and Hospitality MEA and Managing Director, Global Hotel Desk
JLL
Olivier Granet
Managing Partner & Co-Chief Executive Officer
Kasada Capital Management
11:00 - 11:15 15 minutes
Future Stage
From Vision to Vocations:
Creating the Future Leaders of Saudi Hospitality
NextGen
Fadi Alaseri
Senior Director – Education and Capability Building
Red Sea Global
11:00 - 12:00 1 hour
Centre Stage
Signings & Announcements
11:00 - 12:00 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
Forming Culture to Build Brands
Lifestyle and Wellness
Catherine Edwards
Chief Growth Officer
QUO Global
11:15 - 11:35 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Deal or No Deal:
Where Banks and Equity See Opportunity
Investment and Real Estate
Sajid Siddique
Senior Vice President - Head - Real Estate Structuring & Advisory
Mashreq Bank
Giuliano Gasparini, FRICS, CRE, HAMA, IoH, CHIA
Head of Hospitality Asset Management
WASL Group
Tugce Ergul
Founding Partner
Hypernova Capital
11:30 - 13:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjaan)
From Challenge to Solution:
Hospitality Workforce Sprint
NextGen
Bertrand Audrin
Professor & Human Capital Specialist
EHL Hospitality Business School
Jeff Strachan
AVP Business Operations
Dubai College of Tourism
Roland Hancock
Partner, Education and Skills Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer
PwC Middle East
Dr Achim Schmitt
Dean
EHL Hospitality Business School
Markus Venzin
Chief Executive Officer
EHL Group
Patrick Coodien
Director
QE2 Hospitality Academy
11:35 - 11:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
From Local Roots to Global Reach:
Charting the Hospitality Expansion Journey
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Stephen Sackur
Former Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with
Marc Dardenne
Chief Executive Officer
Modon Holding Hospitality
11:40 - 11:45 5 minutes
Future Stage
TUI Raffle
11:50 - 12:25 35 minutes
Summit Stage
Building Tomorrow:
The Geographies and Segments Defining Growth
Global Outlook
Serena Lim
Chief Growth Officer
The Ascott Limited
Jerome Briet
Chief Development Officer EMEA
Marriott International
Suma Venkatesh
Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development
The Indian Hotels Company Limited
Nicolas Mayer
Partner, Global Industry Leader Tourism
PwC Middle East
Alexander Lee
Chief Growth Officer
Jumeirah
11:50 - 12:25 35 minutes
Future Stage
From Resilience to Growth:
The European Hospitality Investment Outlook
Global Outlook
Moderator
Dirk Bakker
Head of EMEA Hotels | EMEA & Global Capital Markets
Colliers
In conversation with
Alexander Rae
Head of M&A
Beaumier Hotels
12:00 - 13:00 1 hour
Centre Stage
Country Pavilion Showcase:
Philippines
Moderator
Katrina Craig
Chief Executive Officer
Hotel Solutions Partnership
In conversation with
Mariana Beatriz Zobel De Ayala
Senior Vice President, Head of Leasing & Hospitality
Ayala Land, Inc.
Barun Jolly
Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager
Robinsons Land Corporation
Jason Paul Malajacan
Senior Vice President
Artstream Hospitality Management Group
12:00 - 13:00 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
Negotiating with Operators:
Mastering Contract Structures for Maximizing Returns
Investment and Real Estate
Scott Antel
Founder & Owner
Scott's FZ LLE
12:25 - 12:40 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Hospitality with Purpose:
Landmark Initiatives Reshaping Inclusion in Hospitality
NextGen
Moderator
Atul Chopra
Founder &CEO
FRESHONTABLE LLC
In conversation with
H․E. Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan
Director General
Zayed Authority for People of Determination
12:25 - 13:00 35 minutes
Future Stage
Capital, Coastlines & Control:
The Eastern Mediterranean Investment Map for Owners
Investment and Real Estate
Elie Milky
Chief Development Officer, The Middle East, Northeast Africa, Cyprus and Greece
Radisson Hotel Group
12:40 - 12:55 15 minutes
Summit Stage
FHS Lifetime Achievement Award
Award presenter: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group
Winner: Abdulla Ahmed AlMoosa, Founder & Chairman, A.A. ALmoosa Enterprises
Moderator
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
In conversation with
Abdullah Ahmed Al Moosa
Founder & Chairman
A. A. Al Moosa Enterprises | ARENCO Group
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Chairman and Chief Executive
Emirates Airline and Group
12:55 - 13:00 5 minutes
Summit Stage
FHS Awards
FHS Leadership Award 2025 - Supported by ISHC
Future Leader Award 2025 - Supported by EHL
#FHSWomenPower Impact Leader Award 2025
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Luncheon
Networking
14:00 - 14:20 20 minutes
Summit Stage
“Art of Creation” Redefining Hospitality
Global Outlook
Moderator
Louis Abi Abboud
Regional Head - Lifestyle Collective MEAIT
Ennismore
In conversation with
Alan Faena
Founder and President
Faena Group
14:00 - 14:45 45 minutes
Centre Stage
From Heritage to Growth:
New Hospitality Investment Hotspots in Italy
Global Outlook
Chiara Caruso
Director National Tourism Fund
CDP Real Asset SGr SpA
Alessandra Priante
President
ENIT SpA
Marco G Malacrida
Founder
Italia Hospitality
14:00 - 16:00 2 hours
Workshop Room (Murjaan)
The Future of Hotel Asset Management – HAMA Asset Management Workshop
Investment and Real Estate
Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
HAMA MEA
Rene Beil
Managing Director, Beaufort Global
Chairman, MAARAH HOLDINGS & HAMA President Middle East
14:00 - 15:00 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
Thinking Reverse to Go Beyond:
A Reverse Learning Experience
NextGen
Andre Wiringa
Founder & CEO
Start Reverse
Sinead Devlin
Regional Director EMEA & Head of Global Strategic Partnerships
Emergenetics International
14:15 - 15:00 45 minutes
Future Stage
A Global Perspective - From Asia to the Middle East
Investment and Real Estate
Larissa Esser
Senior Advisor, Representative to the GCC
Colliers
14:20 - 14:45 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Investors with Influence:
How Private Capital Shapes Hospitality Footprints
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Dirk Bakker
Head of EMEA Hotels | EMEA & Global Capital Markets
Colliers
In conversation with
Neil Benjelloun
Founder & Managing Partner
JL Equity Group
14:45 - 15:05 20 minutes
Summit Stage
De-Risking Africa:
Building Trust and Track Records for Institutional Investment
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Jeremy Maggs
Journalist, Radio Host and Television Presenter
In conversation with
Hamza Farooqui
Chief Executive Officer
Millat Global Holdings
14:45 - 15:15 30 minutes
Centre Stage
Signings & Announcements
15:00 - 15:30 30 minutes
Future Stage
The Future Is East:
Mapping the Mindset of Tomorrow’s Asian Tourist
Global Outlook
Moderator
Ben Baseley-Walker
Founder & Managing Partner
Andart Global
In conversation with
Dominique Backhouse
Managing Director
Companion Communications
Sean Fitzpatrick
Chief Experience Officer
Tatler Asia
Siegfried Nierhaus
Vice President & Head of Development Middle East, India and Africa
H World International
15:00 - 16:00 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
The Philippines Advantage:
Private Insights for Strategic Investors
Global Outlook
Barun Jolly
Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager
Robinsons Land Corporation
Jason Paul Malajacan
Senior Vice President
Artstream Hospitality Management Group
Mariana Beatriz Zobel De Ayala
Senior Vice President, Head of Leasing & Hospitality
Ayala Land, Inc.
15:05 - 16:20 1 hour 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talk
15:15 - 15:45 30 minutes
Centre Stage
How Operators Drive Asset Value:
Leveraging Technology, Data & AI to Maximize Owner Returns
Innovation and Technology
Leo Barrit
Vice President of Sales
FLYR
Maarten Edelman
VP International Sales
dailypoint
Thomas Niens
Vice President Sales
Adyen
Li Hawkins
Partner and Managing Director
Insight Out
15:20 - 15:30 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Unlocking Capital Flows:
The Evolving Investment Landscape in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Investment and Real Estate
Nicholas Nahas
Partner
Arthur D Little
15:30 - 15:40 10 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talk
15:30 - 15:45 15 minutes
Future Stage
TenX Leadership Talk:
Driving Change Across a Continent
Global Outlook
Moderator
Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
In conversation with
Pelumi Nubi
Founder
Nubi Network
15:40 - 16:00 20 minutes
Summit Stage
From Reform to Investment:
Building Global Partnerships in KSA
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Camilla Bevilacqua
Partner - Tourisn and Hospitality
Arthur D Little
In conversation with
Sohail Alali
Investment Director
Rua Al Madinah Holding
15:45 - 16:00 15 minutes
Future Stage
FHS Africa Excellence Award
Moderator
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
In conversation with
Hala Matar Choufany
President - Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai
HVS
15:45 - 16:00 15 minutes
Centre Stage
TECH Lightning Round
Innovation and Technology
16:00 - 16:15 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Tokenization & Digital Assets:
Transforming the Future of Real Estate With Blockchain
Investment and Real Estate
16:00 - 16:30 30 minutes
Future Stage
Beyond the Game:
How Immersive Sports and Culture Drive Tourism Growth
Lifestyle and Wellness
Moderator
Peter Daire
Senior Executive Advisor, Sports Consulting
PwC Middle East
In conversation with
Mushtaq Al Waeli
Senior Executive Advisor, Sports Consulting
PwC Middle East
Sam Dawson
Managing Partner
GSIQ
Sophie Ryan
Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand
Dubai Racing Club
16:00 - 16:45 45 minutes
Centre Stage
Country Pavilion Showcase:
Egypt
16:00 - 17:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjaan)
Capital at a Crossroads:
How Sustainability is Rewriting the Rules of Hotel Investment
Investment and Real Estate
Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive Officer
Energy & Environment Alliance
16:00 - 17:00 1 hour
Workshop Room (Arena)
PitchPoint:
The FHS Investment Spotlight
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Marina Franolic
Head of Investor Relations
The Bench
In conversation with
Julio Corredor
Chief Executive Officer
Shaden Hospitality Company, KSA
Priyanka Vijayan
Director of Ventures
SEED Ventures
16:15 - 16:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Risk or Rhetoric:
Navigating Climate Risk, Regulation, and Reality in 2025
Investment and Real Estate
Professor Marc Lepere
Lead in ESG & Sustainability, Executive Education, Department of Banking & Finance
King’s Business School
16:30 - 16:50 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Mitigating Risk, Managing Costs:
Hospitality’s Climate-Resilient Playbook
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator: Lizzy Coates, Associate Director, Considerate Group
Moderator
Lizzy Coates
Associate Director
Considerate Group
In conversation with
Glenn Mandziuk
Chief Executive Officer
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
Alida Saleh
Head of Sustainability, Consulting - MEA
JLL
Jitesh Shetty
CEO & Co-founder
Credibl Innovations Inc
16:45 - 17:30 45 minutes
Centre Stage
Signings & Announcements
16:50 - 17:25 35 minutes
Summit Stage
Franchise Models:
A Barrier to Sustainable Hospitality—or a Catalyst for Change?
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Roi Ariel
General Manager
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
In conversation with
Yasser Ahmed
Chief Executive Officer
Action Hotels Limited
Klaus Assmann
Chief Operating Officer - Middle East, India & Southeast Asia
United Hospitality Management (UHM)
Bani Haddad
Founder & Managing Director
Aleph Hospitality
David Thomson
Senior Vice President Development
The First Group Hospitality
17:25 - 18:00 35 minutes
Summit Stage
The Second Act:
How Investors are Rewriting the Story of Hospitality Assets
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
James Wrenn
Partner - Head of Hotel & Leisure Capital Markets | Middle East & Africa
Knight Frank
In conversation with
Tugce Ergul
Founding Partner
Hypernova Capital
Oliver Hogg
Chief Executive Officer
Arzan Investment Management
Kapil Jobanputra
Managing Director
Elaeo Partners
Jan-Patrick Krüger
Managing Director
Pandox AB
Vijay Raghavan
Director
Golden Sands Hotel Co․ LLC.
18:30 - 20:30 2 hours
Evening Reception at Taj Exotica, The Palm
Networking
An idyllic island escape, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai is a distinctive beach resort nestled on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. FHS World delegates can network after a fast-paced Day Two against the sparkling Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s shimmering skyline.
Wednesday 29 October
00:10 - 00:30 20 minutes
Centre Stage
Next-Gen Leisure:
The Business of Competitive Socialising
NextGen
Moderator
Ben Baseley-Walker
Founder & Managing Partner
Andart Global
In conversation with
Zachary Pulman
Creative Director
Zachary Pulman Design Studio
07:00 - 08:00 1 hour
Yoga Session at J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Wellness Studio
Networking
Start your day with this 60 minutes yoga flow designed for all levels. Shake off sleepy vibes, wake up your muscles, and bring movement to your body. In this class, you’ll open your hips, legs, back, and shoulders and at the end, you’ll feel physically and mentally refreshed, ready to enjoy the day ahead.
LOCATION: J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Wellness Studio (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAhCXYVAymsZ5SAN9)
09:00 - 10:00 1 hour
Centre Stage
Signings & Announcements
Signings and announcements
09:30 - 09:50 20 minutes
Summit Stage
The New Reality:
Climate, Conflict and the hidden workforce opportunity in hospitality
Global Outlook
Moderator
Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive Officer
Energy & Environment Alliance
In conversation with
Dr Khaled Khalifa
Senior Advisor, Representative to the GCC
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
09:50 - 10:15 25 minutes
Summit Stage
“Hybrid Lives” – The Big Shift and Vision of Future Spaces
Investment and Real Estate
Guy Ivesha
Founder & CEO
Maslow's
Armand Steinmeyer
VP Business Development
The Ascott Limited
10:00 - 10:35 35 minutes
Future Stage
Beyond Yield:
The Emotional Architecture of Luxury Resort Brands
Lifestyle and Wellness
Moderator
Kevin Underwood
Head of Hospitality Design
DesignEQ
In conversation with
Shaun Killa
Design Director and Founder
Killa Design
Jean-Baptiste Recher
Chief Development Officer Luxury Brands Middle East, Africa and Turkiye
Accor
Joe Tabet
Managing Director
JT+Partners
10:00 - 10:20 20 minutes
Centre Stage
Welcome to Restaurant Investment Trends Transforming Hotels
F&B Experience
James Hacon
Founder & Partner
Think Hospitality
10:15 - 10:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Work. Live. Belong. Rethinking Hospitality for the Borderless Professional
Investment and Real Estate
Hans Meyer
Co Founder & Managing Director
Zoku
10:15 - 10:30 15 minutes
Centre Stage
Dining in the Future:
AI’s New Role in Gastronomy
F&B Experience
10:20 - 11:00 40 minutes
Centre Stage
25 Jump Street:
Shaping Dubai’s Next Culinary, Bar, Art & Culture Destination
F&B Experience
Moderators
Louis Abi Abboud
Regional Head - Lifestyle Collective MEAIT
Ennismore
Rabih Fakhreddine
Founder & Group CEO
7 Management
In conversation with
Kris Fade
Founder, Fade Fit
Radio Personality, VIRGIN RADIO REGIONS
Rizwan Kassim
Chief Executive Officer
Rikas Hospitality
10:30 - 11:10 40 minutes
Summit Stage
Future of Hospitality Concepts and Operating Models
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Marco S․ Rentsch
Partner | Global Consulting Hospitality and Tourism Center of Excellence
PwC Middle East
In conversation with
Amir Ali Golbarg
Senior Vice President - India, Middle East & Africa
Minor Hotel Group Limited
Mark Kirby
President
One&Only Resorts Kerzner International
Stephan Schupbach
Chief Executive Officer
Chedi Hospitality
10:30 - 11:00 30 minutes
Centre Stage
The Business of Taste:
Leveraging F&B to Elevate Asset Value
F&B Experience
Rizwan Kassim
Chief Executive Officer
Rikas Hospitality
10:30 - 12:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Workshop Room (Arena)
AI in Action:
Practical Tools for Hospitality Leaders
NextGen
Jesko von den Steinen
Experience Consulting Innovation Lead
PwC Middle East
Moussa Beidas
Partner and Ideation Lead
PwC Middle East
10:35 - 10:50 15 minutes
Future Stage
Beyond the Tangible, Towards the Meaningful:
Reimagining Perceived Luxury
Lifestyle and Wellness
Arjan Pit
Managing Director
UNS United Network Studio
10:50 - 11:10 20 minutes
Future Stage
From Mass to Class:
The Upscale Shift in the All-Inclusive Hospitality Market
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Ali Manzoor
Senior Director Head of Hospitality, Hotels & Tourism
CBRE MENA
In conversation with
Gregory Lanter
Group Deputy CEO
Club Med
11:00 - 11:30 30 minutes
Centre Stage
From Neighbourhood Gems to Five-Star Plates:
How Local Chefs Are Transforming Hotel Dining
F&B Experience
Moderator
James Hacon
Founder & Partner
Think Hospitality
In conversation with
Elena Akopiyants
Director of F&B Operations
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
11:10 - 11:40 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Investing in Mixed-Use Real Estate:
Strategies for Maximizing Value in Modern Developments
Investment and Real Estate
Pedro Ribeiro
Chief Commercial Officer
Rua Al Madinah Holding
11:10 - 11:40 30 minutes
Future Stage
Wellbeing Ecosystems:
Building Destinations Around Health and Harmony
Lifestyle and Wellness
Enrico Manaresi
Press & Media Director
Technogym
Vickum Nawagamuwage
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Santani Wellness Resorts
Filippo Lodi Lodi
Director
UNStudio
11:25 - 11:40 15 minutes
Centre Stage
TenX Leadership Talk:
Crafting Flavorful Identities and Shaping the Culinary Scene
11:30 - 12:10 40 minutes
Centre Stage
From Day to Dusk:
How Beach Clubs Redefine F&B, Wellness & Exclusivity
Lifestyle and Wellness
Stephane Baghdassarian
SVP Development Hospitality
Groupe Barrière
11:40 - 11:55 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Smart Capital, Young Tenants:
The Investment Case for Student Accommodation
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Catherine Edwards
Chief Growth Officer
QUO Global
In conversation with
Amit Arora
Chief Operating Officer
Arada
11:40 - 12:20 40 minutes
Future Stage
Affordable, Scalable, In Demand:
The Midscale Hotel Evolution
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Oussama El Kadiri
Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services MENA
Knight Frank
In conversation with
Abdulrahman Almoayed
Chief Investment and Development Officer
Legacy Hotels Group / Louvre Hotels Group - MENA
Muin Serhan
Chief Executive Officer
Amsa Hospitality
Wytze Van Den Berg
Vice President EMEA
BWH Hotels
Maya Ziadeh
Chief Development Officer Luxury Brands Middle East, Africa and Turkiye
Accor
11:55 - 12:05 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Living the Brand:
How Branded Residences Drive Culture, Capital, and Communities
Lifestyle and Wellness
GIOVANNI DE NIEDERHÄUSERN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ARCHITECTURE & PRODUCT DESIGN
Pininfarina
12:05 - 12:25 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Property Meets Prime Time:
How Reality TV Fuels Hospitality-Driven Real Estate
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Stephen Sackur
Former Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with
Eleonora Srugo
Licensed Associated Real Estate Broker, Douglas Elliman
Star of Netflix’s Selling the City
12:20 - 12:50 30 minutes
Future Stage
From Groundbreaking to Grand Opening:
Aligning Project Delivery with Operational Success
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Barry O’Reilly
Head of Project Management UAE, Project & Development Services
JLL
In conversation with
Eoghan Devlin
Project Quantity Surveyor
Compass Project Consulting
Costas Livadaris
Technical Director - Hotels & Hospitality
Parsons
12:25 - 12:55 30 minutes
Summit Stage
From Iconic Design to Strategic Returns:
Inside the Mind of a Global Real Estate Visionary
Investment and Real Estate
Moderator
Stephen Sackur
Former Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with
Nick Candy
Chief Executive Officer
Candy Capital
Marc Socker
Chief Executive Officer
Maybourne
12:30 - 12:45 15 minutes
Centre Stage
Closing Plenary
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Luncheon
Networking
14:00 - 14:05 5 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome to the Branded Residences Forum at FHS World 2025
Branded Residences Forum
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Barry Landsberg
Principal
Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.
14:05 - 14:20 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talk - State of the Industry
Branded Residences Forum
Jeff Tisdall
Chief Business Officer, Global Head of Mixed-Use
Accor One Living
14:20 - 14:35 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Branded Residences Uncovered:
Global Performance Review & Insights
Branded Residences Forum
Riyan Itani
Founder
Global Branded Residences Ltd.
14:35 - 15:05 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Maximizing Returns, Minimizing Risk:
How to Optimize and Protect Value for Investors
Branded Residences Forum
Moderator
Peter Bazeli
Principal and Managing Director
Weitzman Associates, LLC
In conversation with
George Azar
Chairman & CEO
Sotheby's International Realty
Daniel von Barloewen
Senior Vice President, Global Mixed-Use Development
Accor One Living
15:20 - 15:30 10 minutes
Summit Stage
World Branded Residences Awards
Branded Residences Forum
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
16:00 - 16:40 40 minutes
Summit Stage
The Perfect Fit:
Selecting the Right Brand for Residential Success
Branded Residences Forum
Jaidev Menezes
RVP Mixed Use Development EMEA
Marriott International
Stefano Saporetti
Director of Brand Diversification
Aston Martin
Rosa Piro
Chief Investment Officer
Arada
Ali Manzoor
Senior Director Head of Hospitality, Hotels & Tourism
CBRE MENA
16:45 - 17:10 25 minutes
Summit Stage
The Real Deal:
Unpacking the Financial Realities
Branded Residences Forum
Riyan Itani
Founder
Global Branded Residences Ltd.
16:45 - 17:00 15 minutes
Future Stage
Decoding the Data:
What Guest & User Trends Tell Us
Branded Residences Forum
Rahul Salgia
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
DigiValet
17:00 - 17:30 30 minutes
Summit Stage
The Misconception Myth:
Why Branded Residences Aren’t Just Hotels with Keys
Moderator
Chris Graham
Managing Director
Graham Associates
In conversation with
Dean Main,
Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer
Rhodium Residence Management
Govind Mundra
Head of Development – Middle East & Africa
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Melisa Pezuk
Head of Development at AMAALA
Red Sea Global
17:10 - 17:30 20 minutes
Future Stage
Legal Structures:
Protecting Interests of Investors, Purchasers & Brands
Branded Residences Forum
Paul Saba
Vice President and Senior Counsel - EMEA
Marriott International
Lada Shelkovnikova
Partner Hotels & Hospitality
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
17:30 - 17:45 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talk
Christoph Hoffmann
Founder and Co-CEO
25hours Hotels
17:45 - 18:00 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Closing Remarks
Global Outlook
19:00 - 21:00 2 hours
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
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