Content Library
Podcasts
In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Elie Milky, Vice President Development Middle East, Cyprus, Greece & Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, shares why Saudi Arabia remains one of the most resilient and compelling hospitality markets in the region. Speaking amid a period of geopolitical turbulence, Elie discusses how Radisson Hotel Group views the current landscape through the lens of opportunity rather than uncertainty. He also explores the group’s expansion strategy, its growing footprint across the Kingdom, and why Saudi Arabia continues to be a key market for Radisson’s future growth.
In this episode of the FHS podcast, Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer, Rotana Hotels, shares Rotana's expansion strategy in the Kingdom. From expansion into secondary cities to bringing the world to Saudi Arabia with events like the Expo and the World Cup, Saudi Arabia is planning the next chapter of global hospitality, and Rotana is spearheading this transformation.
In this episode, David Thompson, from The First Group Hospitality, discusses the Kingdom’s rapid transformation, evolving investor sentiment, the realities of delivering large-scale hospitality projects, and the opportunities emerging across both major and secondary destinations. The conversation also explores how operators and developers can create sustainable value in an increasingly competitive market, and why collaboration between capital, brands, and government vision will define the next chapter of Saudi hospitality.
Press room
Leading industry summit checks out the products and services that will transform KSA’s hospitality sector, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh, 22-24 June
Saudi Arabia is set to deliver 358,000 new hotel rooms to meet rising tourism demand and prepare for major upcoming global events, unleashing a wealth of hospitality investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
In a powerful demonstration of industry unity during turbulent times, The Bench recently hosted a special Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) luncheon at XU restaurant, hosted by RIKAS Hospitality Group.
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 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
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.