29 SEP - 1 OCT 2026
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
2025 Agenda
Programme is subject to change.
HAMA Cocktail Evening – Invitation Only
Ciel Dubai Marina
Monday 27 October
Padel Tournament at Mouratoglou Tennis Center - Madinat Jumeirah
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.
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.
Signings & Announcements
From First Timer to Power Player:
Making the Most of FHS World

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & Founder
The Bench

Daria Smith
Portfolio Director
The Bench
Speed Networking (Sponsored by FSK & Partners)

Matthew Weihs
Managing Director
The Bench
Networking Lunch
Themed Socials - Gateway to Growth:
Africa’s Hospitality Renaissance
Build meaningful connections with investors, operators, and developers exploring high-growth opportunities and pioneering projects across Africa’s hospitality sector.
Welcome to FHS World 2025

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & Founder
The Bench
Signings & Announcements
KeyNote:
The UAE’s Blueprint for Tourism, Innovation, and Economic Resilience

HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
Minister of Economy and Tourism
United Arab Emirates
Empowering Connections:
Networking Session

Frauke Aoun
General Manager, Affini, A Tribute Portfolio Residence
Business Unit Manage, Marriott International
Then and Now:
Two Decades of Hospitality Investment Evolution
Moderator

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & Founder
The Bench
In conversation with

Nasser Al Nowais
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation P.J.S.C

Gerald Lawless
Non Executive Board Member
Automating the Predictable, Humanizing the Exceptional:
Investing in People for the Moments that Matter
Moderator

Paul Griep
Founder, Sustainable Hospitality Challenge - Director Industry Relations and Alumni
Hotelschool the Hague
In conversation with

Hassan Ahdab
Chief Hospitality Operations Officer
TAIBA

Diego Carrete
Founder
Fit Life FZCO

Wesam Okasha
Head of Global Development
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts

Rosanna Wang
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Aristara
Redefining Tourism Leadership for a New World
Moderator

Richard Dean
Broadcaster, Journalist, Public speaker
In conversation with

HE Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais
Secretary-General Elect
UN Tourism
The Middle East Playbook:
How to Enter and Succeed in Hospitality Investment

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
Efficiency engine:
Automating operations for higher profit margins
Moderator

Patrick van der Wardt
Founder
The Hotel IT Guy
In conversation with

Rolf Arndt
Managing Director
Fairmas Services

Jack Bowcott
Chief Executive Officer
Goki

Zen Valli
Chief Revenue Officer
RMS Cloud
Serving the Next Wave of Visitors:
Meeting Mixed-Purpose Demand
Moderator

Philippe Najjar
Consulting Partner, Destinations
PwC Middle East
In conversation with

Abhay Bakaya
Chief Development Officer
Starwood Hotels

David Bonnet
Senior Vice President - Finance
Atlantis Dubai

Michael Grieve
Chief Brand Officer
Jumeirah

Stephan Schupbach
Partner / Owner and Chief Executive Officer
Chedi Hospitality
FHS Africa 2026:
Advisory Board Meeting

Roy Bannister
Head of Strategic Partnerships: Africa
The Bench
TECH Lightning Round

Maarten Edelman
VP International Sales
dailypoint

Thomas Niens
Vice President Sales
Adyen

Darren King
Chief Executive Officer
Roomnet
Hospitality Master Planning and Operational Strategy:
A Data-Driven Approach to Value Creation

Gustavo De Hostos
Founder and Managing Partner
FORSITE CREATIVE
The Human Touch, Enhanced:
Using AI to Personalize Every Step of the Hospitality Journey
Moderator

Jesko von den Steinen
Experience Consulting Innovation Lead
PwC Middle East
In conversation with

Asif Alidina
Co-Founder & CEO
Inntelo AI

Piergiorgio Schirru
Executive Vice President
Blastness

Fouad Talaat
Regional Manager MEA
Booking.com
Building Destinations Together:
The Impact of Public-Private Partnerships
Moderator

Michaela Guzy
Founder, CEO + Chief Content Creator
OhThePeopleYouMeet
In conversation with

Abdulla Rashed Al Abdouli
Chief Executive Officer
Marjan

Marinos Giannopoulos
Chief Executive Officer
Enterprise Greece

HE Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer
Chief Executive Officer
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)

Wesam Okasha
Head of Global Development
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts
Where Tradition Meets Modernity:
Case Study by Jabal Omar Development Company

Samer Sabra
Chief Hospitality Officer
Jabal Omar Development Company

Saleh Alhabdan
Chief Executive Officer
Jabal Omar Development Co.
Tokenization & Digital Assets:
Transforming the Future of Real Estate with Blockchain
Moderator

Giuliano Gasparini, FRICS, CRE, HAMA, IoH, CHIA
Head of Hospitality Asset Management
WASL Group
In conversation with

Dilip Bahirwani
Director, Product and Technology
Cavendish Maxwell

Prasanth Kalangi
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Zoniqx

Daniel Radwansky
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
StegX
Shaping Tomorrow’s Icons:
The Power of Storytelling in Mega-Developments
Moderator

David Keen
Founder & CEO
QUO
In conversation with

Julien Renaud-Perret
Executive Director Hospitality
New Murabba Development Company
A GLOBAL PRESIDENTS FORUM:
The Bulls & Bears of Global Capital Markets
Moderator

Rene Beil
Managing Director, Beaufort Global
Chairman, MAARAH HOLDINGS & HAMA President Middle East
In conversation with

Theodor Kubak
Co-Founder, President Emeritus; Director of the Supervisory Board, HAMA Europe
Managing Partner, Arbireo Hospitality Invest

Michelle Russo
CEO & Founder
hotelAVE

A.J. Singh
Professor
UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship

David Xiaoou Chen
Chairman & CEO
Fields of Gold Capital and Asset Management Group
Smart Hospitality, Smarter Returns:
Measuring the ROI of Automation
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
Themed Socials - AI’s Role in Hospitality Investment
Connect with peers and industry leaders to explore how AI and data-driven solutions are reshaping investment strategies and unlocking new opportunities in hospitality.
Signings & Announcements
Happy Hour in the Arena - Sponsored by Danube Hospitality Solutions
Raise a glass and make meaningful connections! Enjoy drinks, conversations, and the chance to forge new connections with industry leaders and peers from around the world.
FHS Welcome Reception at Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam (Hosted by Jumeirah)
Kick off FHS World 2025 with breathtaking sunset views, a refreshing sea breeze, and authentic Greek flavours at Shimmers, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam.
Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s stunning beachfront, this relaxed evening will be elevated with live DJ beats, soulful violinists, and the smooth sounds of a saxophone, creating the perfect vibe for networking and unwinding.
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of FHS with an unforgettable night at one of Dubai’s most picturesque and lively venues - Shimmers at the Mina Al Salam.
Tuesday 28 October
Happy Hour
Pilates Session at J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Wellness Studio
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
Executive Investor Breakfast & Project Showcase – A Closed-Door Gathering
The impact of Geopolitics and your Business Outlook

Daniel Thorniley
President
DT-Global Business Consulting
Hospitality 2050:
The Long View from the Top
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
PitchPoint:
The FHS Investment Spotlight
Click here to watch online (1)
Click here to watch online (2)
Investor: Sheikh Muhammad, Founder & CEO, Pegasus Capital Investments
Investor: Andrea Monti, Chief Executive Officer, EHL Next
Lola Gamester, Founder, Rook AI & Mathias Upton-Hansen, Founder, Rook AI
Fahid Ali, Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer, Consoome Technologies
Gleb Mykhailov, Chief Executive Officer, Treema Tech Ltd & Inna Tsareva, Chief Operational Officer,Treema Tech Ltd
Prashant Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, Retvens
Fatimah-Zahra Sacranie, Founder, nywhr.com
Moderator

Ali Shahid
CEO
The Bench
Investors

Andrea Monti
Chief Executive Officer
EHL NEXT

Sheikh Muhammad Noman
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Pegasus Capital Investments
In conversation with

Fahid Ali
Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer
Consoome Technologies

Lola Gamester
Founder
Rook AI

Prashant Mishra
Chief Executive Officer
Retvens

Gleb Mykhailov
Chief Executive Officer
Treema Tech Ltd

Daniel Reeves
Chief Commercial Officer
roomangel

Inna Tsareva
COO
Treema Tech Ltd

Mathias Upton-Hansen
Founder
Rook AI
Soundscapes of Hospitality:
Albania
Moderator

Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc.
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
In conversation with

Pablo Bofill
Chief Executive Officer
Bofill Taller de Arquitectura

Blendi Gonxhja
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports

Michael Jalbert
Chief Executive Officer
Forbes Global Properties

Adelajda Roka
General Director
Territorial Development Agency
Beyond the Peak:
What the Numbers Say About the Next Chapter in Hospitality

Sarah Duignan
Director, Client Relationships
STR, a CoStar Group company
A Wake-Up Call for Hospitality:
The Race for Talents is On the Rise

Dr Achim Schmitt
Dean
EHL Hospitality Business School
Owners Forum:
The Power Struggle – Owners vs. Operators (Invitation-Only)

Dinky Puri
Founding Partner
Eagle Wing

Elias Hayek
Shareholder, Co-Chair Hospitality Industry Group, Middle East and Europe
Greenberg Traurig
Mapping the Money:
Tracking Smart Capital in a Changing Hospitality Landscape
Moderator: Amit Nayak, CHA, Vice President, HAMA MEA
Moderator

Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
Hospitality Asset Managers Association Middle East and Africa
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

Sajid Siddique
Senior Vice President - Head - Real Estate Structuring & Advisory
Mashreq Bank

David Zisser
Founder and CEO
OMNAM GROUP
Rebuilding the Workforce:
Attracting and Retaining Talent in Hospitality
Moderator

Roland Hancock
Partner, Education and Skills Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer
PwC Middle East
In conversation with

Dimitris Manikis
President EMEA
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Professor Scott Richardson
Academic Dean
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy Les Roches

Eddy Tannous
Chief Operating Officer
Rotana

Markus Venzin
Chief Executive Officer
EHL Group
Signings & Announcements
Flying into the Future:
The Economic and Strategic Imperative of Advanced Air Mobility
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Former Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Paul Griffiths
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai Airports

Anthony Khoury
UAE General Manager
Joby Aviation
From Vision to Vocations:
Creating the Future Leaders of Saudi Hospitality

Fadi Alaseri
Senior Director Education and Capability Building
Red Sea Global
From Challenge to Solution:
Hospitality Workforce Sprint

Bertrand Audrin
Professor & Human Capital Specialist
EHL Hospitality Business School

Roland Hancock
Partner, Education and Skills Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer
PwC Middle East

Markus Venzin
Chief Executive Officer
EHL Group

Patrick Coodien
Director
QE2 Hospitality Academy
Negotiating with Operators:
Mastering Contract Structures for Maximizing Returns

Scott Antel
Partner & Owner
Scotts FZ LLE
From Local Roots to Global Reach:
Charting the Hospitality Expansion Journey
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Former Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Marc Dardenne
Chief Executive Officer
Modon Holding Hospitality
From Resilience to Growth:
The European Hospitality Investment Outlook
Moderator

Dirk Bakker
Head of EMEA Hotels | EMEA & Global Capital Markets
Colliers
In conversation with

Brian Betel
Global Head of Direct Assets
ASG Iberia

Jan-Patrick Kruger
Managing Director
Pandox AB
Building Tomorrow:
The Geographies and Segments Defining Growth
Moderator

Nicolas Mayer
Partner, Global Industry Leader Tourism
PwC Middle East
In conversation with

Felicity Black-Roberts
Senior Vice President Development EAME
Hyatt

Alexander Lee
Chief Growth Officer
Jumeirah

Serena Lim
Chief Growth Officer
The Ascott Limited

Suma Venkatesh
Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development
The Indian Hotels Company Limited
Beyond Paradise:
Discovering the Investment Potential of the Philippines
Moderator

Katrina Craig
Chief Executive Officer
Hotel Solutions Partnership
In conversation with

Cleofe Albiso
Managing Director
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

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
Capital, Coastlines & Control:
The Eastern Mediterranean Investment Map for Owners
Moderator

Judith Cartwright
Founder & Managing Director
Black Coral Consultancy FZ LLE
In conversation with

Dimitris Manikis
President EMEA
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Elie Milky
Chief Development Officer, Middle East, Northeast Africa, Cyprus and Greece
Radisson Hotel Group
Hospitality with Purpose:
Landmark Initiatives Reshaping Inclusion in Hospitality
Moderator

Atul Chopra
Founder &CEO
FRESHONTABLE LLC
In conversation with

HE Abdulla AbdulAlee Al humaidan
Director General
Zayed Authority for People of Determination
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 & Founder
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
TenX Leadership Talk:
Driving Change Across a Continent
Moderator

Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
In conversation with

Pelumi Nubi
Founder
Nubi Network
FHS Awards
FHS Leadership Award 2025 - Supported by ISHC
Award Winner: Fadi Alaseri, Senior Director Education and Capability Building, Red Sea Global
Future Leader Award 2025 - Supported by EHL
Award Winner: Veronica Asthana, Managing Director, miniMAX Hospitality
FHSWomenPower Impact Leader Award 2025
Award Winner: Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown
Moderator

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & Founder
The Bench
In conversation with

Dr. Carole Ackermann
Chairwoman of the Board President of EHL Board of Trustees
EHL Hospitality Business School

Fadi Alaseri
Senior Director Education and Capability Building
Red Sea Global

Veronica Asthana
Managing Director
miniMAX Hospitality

Laura Eggleton
General Manager
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown

Maya Ziadeh
Chief Development Officer, Premium Midscale & Economy Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Accor
Accor
Networking Lunch
“Art of Creation” Redefining Hospitality
Moderator

Louis Abi Abboud
Regional Head - Lifestyle Collective MEAIT
Ennismore
In conversation with

Alan Faena
Founder and President
Faena Group
HAMA Asset Management Workshop - The Future of Hotel Asset Management
Opening of the Workshop & HAMA MEA Milestones

Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
Hospitality Asset Managers Association Middle East and Africa

Rene Beil
Managing Director, Beaufort Global
Chairman, MAARAH HOLDINGS & HAMA President Middle East
Thinking Reverse to Go Beyond:
A Reverse Learning Experience

Andre Wiringa
Founder and CEO
Start Reverse BV
From Heritage to Growth:
New Hospitality Investment Hotspots in Italy
Moderator

Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc.
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
In conversation with

VALERIO SOLDANI
TRADE COMMISSIONER TO THE UAE AND OMAN
ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION
A Global Perspective - From Asia to the Middle East
Moderator

Larissa Esser
Senior Advisor, Representative to the GCC
Colliers
In conversation with

Ashank Ashok Kothari
Managing Director
Brookfield Advisors India Pvt Ltd

Dr. Aron Hari Harilela
Chairman & CEO
Harilela Hotels Ltd

David Xiaoou Chen
Chairman & CEO
Fields of Gold Capital and Asset Management Group
From Heritage to Growth:
New Hospitality Investment Hotspots in Italy
Moderator

Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc.
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
In conversation with

Marco G Malacrida
Founder
Italia Hospitality

Chiara Gibertini
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿
Pininfarina SpA

Alessandra Priante
President
ENIT SpA
HAMA Asset Management Workshop - The Future of Hotel Asset Management
The Luxury Train Experience: KPIs from Luxury Trains around the World

Filip Boyen
Director
Filip Boyen ltd
Investors with Influence:
How Private Capital Shapes Hospitality Footprints
Moderator

Dirk Bakker
Head of EMEA Hotels | EMEA & Global Capital Markets
Colliers
In conversation with

Neil Benjelloun
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
JL Equity Group

Selim El Zein
VP - Head of Asset Management
Deyaar PJSC
Signings & Announcements
HAMA Asset Management Workshop - The Future of Hotel Asset Management
AI Throughout the Guest Journey: Enhancing Service, Efficiency, and Profitability. The Impact of AI on Hotel Experience and Financial Appeal for Operating Platforms

Geri Cupi
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Hotelworld AI
De-Risking Africa:
Building Trust and Track Records for Institutional Investment
Moderator

Jeremy Maggs
Journalist, Radio Host and Television Presenter
iAfrica
In conversation with

Hamza Farooqui
Chief Executive Officer
Millat Global
The Future Is East:
Mapping the Mindset of Tomorrow’s Asian Tourist
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
PitchPoint:
The FHS Investment Spotlight
Investor: Priyanka Vijayan, Director, SEED Ventures
Investor: Julio Corredor, Chief Executive Officer, Shaden Hospitality
Rayan Hanna, Chief Executive Officer, Next House
Masa Abu Qura, Co-Founder & Creative Director, SUKNAYE
Ahmed Alruwaithi, Founder & Group CEO, RG
Sam Payrovi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Ark Companies
Moderator

Ali Shahid
CEO
The Bench
Investors

Julio Corredor
Chief Executive Officer
Shaden Hospitality Company, KSA

Priyanka Vijayan
Director of Ventures
SEED Ventures
In conversation with

Ahmed Alruwaithi
Founder & Group CEO
Riviera Gateway

Rayan Hanna
Chief Executive Officer
Next'House

Sam Payrovi
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
The Ark Companies

Masa Abu Qura
Co-Founder and Creative Director
SUKNAYE
Unlocking Capital Flows:
The Evolving Investment Landscape in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Nicholas Nahas
Partner
Arthur D Little
Egypt’s North Coast:
From Seasonal Escape to Year-Round Destination
Moderator

Heba El Dessouky
Hospitality Development Director
City Edge Developments
In conversation with

Dr․ Eng. Abdelkhalek Ibrahim
Senior technical assistant to the minister
Ministry of housing, utilities and urban communities
From Reform to Investment:
Building Global Partnerships in KSA
Moderator

Camilla Bevilacqua
Partner - Tourism and Hospitality
Arthur D Little
In conversation with

Sohail Alali
Investment Director
Rua Al Madinah Holding

Rami Bissat
VP Investments and Business Development
TAIBA

Tarek Elkady
Vice President Investments
Osoolre

Samer Sabra
Chief Hospitality Officer
Jabal Omar Development Company
FHS Africa Excellence Award
Moderator

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & Founder
The Bench
In conversation with

Hala Matar Choufany
President - Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai
HVS
HAMA Asset Management Workshop - The Future of Hotel Asset Management
EEA Financial Sustainability Reporting for Hospitality

Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive Officer
Energy & environment Alliance
Themed Socials - Future of Branded Residences
Meet developers, investors, and operators to discuss the evolving landscape of branded residences and the trends shaping tomorrow’s luxury and lifestyle projects.
Driving New Experiences:
The Evolution of an Automotive Luxury Brand into Hospitality
Moderator

David Keen
Founder & CEO
QUO
In conversation with

Stefano Saporetti
Director of Brand Diversification
Aston Martin
Health Meets Hospitality:
Creating Value for People and Planet
Moderator

Anne Biging
CEO/Founder
Healing Hotels of the World
In conversation with

Faizal Kottikollon
Founder Chairman
KEF Holdings | Tulah Clinical Wellness
Beyond the Game:
How Immersive Sports and Culture Drive Tourism Growth
Moderator

Peter Daire
Senior Executive Advisor, Sports Consulting
PwC Middle East
In conversation with

Sam Dawson
Managing Partner
GSIQ

Sophie Ryan
Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand
Dubai Racing Club
How Operators Drive Asset Value:
Leveraging Technology, Data & AI to Maximize Owner Returns
Moderator

Li Hawkins
Partner and Managing Director
Insight Out
In conversation with

Leo Barrit
Vice President of Sales
FLYR

Maarten Edelman
VP International Sales
dailypoint

Thomas Niens
Vice President Sales
Adyen
Risk or Rhetoric:
Navigating Climate Risk, Regulation, and Reality in 2025

Professor Marc Lepere
Lead in ESG & Sustainability, Executive Education, Department of Banking & Finance
King’s Business School
Capital at a Crossroads:
How Sustainability is Rewriting the Rules of Hotel Investment

Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive Officer
Energy & environment Alliance

Professor Marc Lepere
Lead in ESG & Sustainability, Executive Education, Department of Banking & Finance
King’s Business School
The Philippines Advantage:
Private Insights for Strategic Investors
Moderator

Katrina Craig
Chief Executive Officer
Hotel Solutions Partnership
In conversation with

Cleofe Albiso
Managing Director
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

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

Maria Margarita M. Nograles
Chief Operating Officer
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

Roshan Nandwani
Head of Marketing and Consumer Engagement
Ayala Land Hospitality Inc.

Jason Paul Malajacan
Senior Vice President
Artstream Hospitality Management Group
Mitigating Risk, Managing Costs:
Hospitality’s Climate-Resilient Playbook
Moderator

Lizzy Coates
Associate Director
Considerate Group
In conversation with

Fred Barnachawy
Chief Investment Officer
DeshCap

Helena Egan
Senior Director of Global Industry Relations
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Dimitrios Kolaxis
Senior Vice President Hospitality
Dubai Holdings

Jitesh Shetty
CEO & Co-founder
Credibl Innovations Inc
TECH Lightning Round

Zen Valli
Chief Revenue Officer
RMS Cloud

Leo Barrit
Vice President of Sales
FLYR

Jack Bowcott
Chief Executive Officer
Goki
Signings & Announcements
Franchise Models:
A Barrier to Sustainable Hospitality—or a Catalyst for Change?
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 & Co-CEO
Aleph Hospitality

David Thomson
Senior Vice President Development
The First Group Hospitality
The Second Act:
How Investors are Rewriting the Story of Hospitality Assets
Moderator

James Wrenn
Partner - Head of Hotel & Leisure Capital Markets | Middle East & Africa
Knight Frank
In conversation with

Oliver Hogg
Chief Executive Officer
Arzan Investment Management

Jamie Odgers
Vice President
Elaeo Partners

Vijay Raghavan
Director
Golden Sands Hotel Co. LLC.
Evening Reception at Taj Exotica, The Palm (Hosted by IHCL)
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
Yoga Session at J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Wellness Studio
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
Signings & Announcements
Empowering Communities Through Livelihood Opportunities in the Hospitality Sector
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
“Hybrid Lives” – The Big Shift and Vision of Future Spaces
Moderator

Rabih Feghali
Hospitality Visionary
Parsli
In conversation with

Saurabh Bakshi
Chief Operating Officer
Azizi Developments

Guy Ivesha
Founder & CEO
Maslow's

Armand Steinmeyer
VP Business Development
The Ascott Limited
Beyond Yield:
The Emotional Architecture of Luxury Resort Brands
Moderator

Kevin Underwood
Head of Hospitality Design
DesignEQ
In conversation with

Shady Hassan
Vice President Development - North Africa
Marriott International

Shaun Killa
Design Director and Founder
Killa Design

Jean- Baptiste Recher
Chief Development Officer Luxury Brands, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye
Accor

Joe Tabet
CEO & Managing Director
JT&Partners
Welcome to Restaurant Investment Trends Transforming Hotels

James Hacon
Founder & Partner
Think Hospitality
25 Jump Street:
Shaping Dubai’s Next Culinary, Bar, Art & Culture Destination
Moderator

Louis Abi Abboud
Regional Head - Lifestyle Collective MEAIT
Ennismore
In conversation with

Kris Fade
Founder, Fade Fit
Radio and TV Personality, Entrepreneur

Rabih Fakhreddine
Founder & Group CEO
7 Management

Rizwan Kassim
Founder and CEO
Rikas Hospitality Group

Ronald Philip
Vice President - Investment & Corporate Development
Dubai World Trade Centre
Work. Live. Belong. Rethinking Hospitality for the Borderless Professional

Hans Meyer
Co Founder & Managing Director
Zoku
Future of Hospitality Concepts and Operating Models
Moderator

Marco S. Rentsch
Partner | Global Consulting Hospitality & Tourism Center of Excellence
PwC Middle East
In conversation with

Omar Faisal Issa
Vice President Strategy
TAIBA

Markus Lehnert
Senior Vice President International Hotel Development
Marriott International

Julien Renaud-Perret
Executive Director Hospitality
New Murabba Development Company

Benjamin Sinclair
Chief Brand Development Officer
Faena Hotels & Residences
Beyond the Tangible, Towards the Meaningful:
Reimagining Perceived Luxury

Arjan Pit
Managing Director
UNS United Network Studio
From Mass to Class:
The Upscale Shift in the All-Inclusive Hospitality Market
Moderator

Catherine Edwards
Chief Growth Officer
QUO Global
In conversation with

Grégory Lanter
Group Deputy CEO
CLUB MED
From Neighbourhood Gems to Five-Star Plates:
How Local Concepts Are Transforming Hotel Dining
Moderator

Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
In conversation with

Elena Akopiyants
Director of F&B Operations
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)

Mariam Almansoori
Entrepreneur
Montauk holding group
Wellbeing Ecosystems:
Building Destinations Around Health and Harmony
Moderator

Filippo Lodi
Director
UNS United Network Studio
In conversation with

Angelo Goggioli
Global Key Account Director Hospitality & Residential
Technogym

Lindsay Madden-Nadeau
Senior Director
Red Sea Global

Vickum Nawagamuwage
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Santani Wellness Resorts

Shafi Syed
Global Head, Hotel Development & Acquisitions
Equinox Hotels
Investing in Mixed-Use Real Estate:
Strategies for Maximizing Value in Modern Developments
Moderator

Nicolas Nasra
Head of Hotel Advisory
Colliers MENA
In conversation with

Ayman Ezzeddine
Senior Director Development
Radisson Hotel Group

Ronald Philip
Vice President - Investment & Corporate Development
Dubai World Trade Centre

Pedro Ribeiro
Chief Commercial Officer
Rua Al Madinah Holding
From Day to Dusk:
How Beach Clubs Redefine F&B, Wellness & Exclusivity
Moderator

Jennifer Pettinger-Haines
Partner, Think Hospitality
Founder, The GRIF Collective
In conversation with

Philippe Bassoul
Development Director - Hotels and F&B
Barrière Hotels & Resorts

Olivier Eynard
Chief Operating Officer
RIKAS Hospitality Group

Ryan Hattingh
Group CEO
Agon Capital

Carolyn Turnbull
Chief Executive Officer
Nammos Hotels & Resorts
Smart Capital, Young Tenants:
The Investment Case for Student Accommodation
Moderator

Catherine Edwards
Chief Growth Officer
QUO Global
In conversation with

Amit Arora
Chief Operating Officer
Arada
Affordable, Scalable, In Demand:
The Midscale Hotel Evolution
Moderator

Oussama El Kadiri
Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Advisory
Knight Frank
In conversation with

Abdulrahman Almoayed
Chief Investment & Development Officer
Legacy Hotels Holding

Muin Serhan
Chief Executive Officer
Amsa Hospitality

Wytze Van Den Berg
Vice President EMEA
BWH Hotels

Maya Ziadeh
Chief Development Officer, Premium Midscale & Economy Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Accor
Accor
Themed Socials - Wellness & Wellbeing Trends in Hospitality
Network with innovators and decision-makers driving wellness, wellbeing, and holistic guest experiences across hospitality and lifestyle properties.
Next-Gen Leisure:
The Business of Competitive Socialising
Moderator

Ben Baseley-Walker
Founder & Managing Partner
Andart Global
In conversation with

Jennifer Pettinger-Haines
Partner, Think Hospitality
Founder, The GRIF Collective

Zachary Pulman
Creative Director
Zachary Pulman Design Studio
Living the Brand:
How Branded Residences Drive Culture, Capital, and Communities

Giovanni de Niederhäusern
Senior Vice President of Architecture & Product Design
Pininfarina
Design, Legacy & Returns:
How Visionary Leaders Shape the Future of Luxury Real Estate
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Former Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Nick Candy
Chief Executive Officer
Candy Capital

Marc Socker
Chief Executive Officer
Maybourne
Deal Dynamics:
Finding the Sweet Spot Between Ownership Vision and Investor Value
Moderator

James Hacon
Founder & Partner
Think Hospitality
In conversation with

Tony Habre
Founder
AlphaMind Group

Sanjay Nandi
Group CEO
ADMO Lifestyle Holding
From Groundbreaking to Grand Opening:
Aligning Project Delivery with Operational Success
Moderator

Barry O’Reilly
Head of Project Management UAE, Project & Development Services
JLL
In conversation with

Eoghan Devlin
Project Quantity Surveyor
Compass Project Consulting

Graham Hallett
Chief Development Officer
Marjan

Costas Livadaris
Technical Director - Hotels & Hospitality
Parsons

Henk Meyknecht
Chief Hospitality Officer
Private Equity, Assets & Entities
Closing Remarks
Networking Lunch
Welcome to the Branded Residences Forum at FHS World 2025

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & Founder
The Bench

Barry Landsberg
Principal
Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.
TenX Leadership Talk - State of the Industry

Jeff Tisdall
Chief Business Officer, Global Head of Mixed-Use
Accor One Living
Branded Residences Uncovered:
Global Performance Review & Insights

Riyan Itani
Founder
Global Branded Residences Ltd.
Maximizing Returns, Minimizing Risk:
How to Optimize and Protect Value for Investors
Moderator

Peter Bazeli
Principal and Managing Director
Weitzman Associates, LLC
In conversation with

Safiyya Akoojee
Director
Thomson Wilks Inc․

George Azar
Chairman & CEO
Sotheby's International Realty

Daniel von Barloewen
Senior Vice President, Global Mixed-Use Development
Accor One Living

Rabih Elie Karam
Group Chief Executive Officer
Al Ain Asset Management
TenX Leadership Talk:
Where Lifestyle Meets Living
Moderator

Gaurav Sinha
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Insignia Worldwide
In conversation with

Christoph Hoffmann
Founder and Co-CEO
25hours Hotels
The Perfect Fit:
Selecting the Right Brand for Residential Success
Moderator

Ali Manzoor
Senior Director Head of Hospitality, Hotels & Tourism
CBRE MENA
In conversation with

Jaidev Menezes
RVP Mixed Use Development EMEA
Marriott International

Rosa Piro
Chief Investment Officer
Arada

Steve Rossouw
Senior Development Director - Mukaab Residential & Mixed-use Assets
New Murabba

Zayan Salih
Chief Executive Officer
MDC Developers
Decoding the Data:
What Guest & User Trends Tell Us

Rahul Salgia
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
DigiValet
The Real Deal:
Unpacking the Financial Realities
Moderator

Riyan Itani
Founder
Global Branded Residences Ltd.
In conversation with

Roger A. Allen
Group Chief Executive Officer
RLA Global

Yadhu Mittal
Senior Vice President – Strategy and Compliance
BNW Developments

Federico Rota
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Al Ain Asset Management
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
Legal Structures:
Protecting Interests of Investors, Purchasers & Brands
Moderator

Barry Landsberg
Principal
Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.
In conversation with

Paul Saba
Vice President and Senior Counsel - EMEA
Marriott International

Lada Shelkovnikova
Partner Hotels & Hospitality
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
The Next Chapter of Real Estate:
Regeneration Over Preservation
Moderator

Alida Saleh
Head of Sustainability, Consulting - MEA
JLL
In conversation with

Alex Zagrebelny
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
R.Evolution Real Estate Developer
Iconic by Design:
Crafting The Next Wave of Luxury Living
Moderator

Lindsay McGinn
Global Vice President, Residential Marketing,
Accor One Living
In conversation with

Saif Desouky
Project Director
Anax Developments

Adrian Strittmatter
Chief Executive Officer
Saentys

Joe Tabet
CEO & Managing Director
JT&Partners
Closing Remarks
BRF Cocktail Reception at Mama Shelter (Hosted by Accor)
LIMITED ACCESS - INVITATION ONLY FOR BRF DELEGATES & PREMIUM PASS HOLDERS
Mama Shelter Dubai offers a dynamic, eclectic atmosphere with bold design and quirky decor, making it the perfect venue for a relaxed networking session after a long day of insightful discussions and deal-making at the Branded Residences Forum 2025. Enjoy a cocktail reception in this vibrant space, where you can relax, connect, and engage in meaningful conversations.