FHS
Content Library
Podcasts
Episode 121: Behind the Brand: Eleonora Srugo on the Rise of Branded Residences
Eleonora Srugo, real estate broker at Douglas Elliman and star of Netflix’s Selling the City, explores how branded residences are reshaping global real estate. She shares why investors value trusted brands, how markets like Dubai, Miami, and New York are driving demand, and the new collaborations, from fashion to wellness that are redefining luxury living.
Episode 120: Sustainability as Strategy: How GSTC Standards Are Shaping the Future of Hospitality Investment
Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, explores how sustainability is becoming a key factor in hospitality investment. They discuss the impact of GSTC certification, the business advantages of going green, and how the industry can overcome barriers to sustainability, particularly in fast-growing markets like Dubai.
Episode 119: Building for the Future - How Ascott Limited Is Tailoring Hospitality to Saudi’s Vision 2030
Serena Lim of Ascott Limited shares how the company is expanding in Saudi Arabia with a hybrid hospitality model, launching new brands like "lyf," and designing future-proof, community-driven spaces to align with Vision 2030.
Press room
Future Hospitality Summit launches PitchPoint – a new business-boosting platform dedicated to hospitality brands and tech start-ups
FHS World 2025 launches PitchPoint, a new platform connecting start-ups with investors to scale innovation in hospitality and tourism. From 27–29 October in Dubai, entrepreneurs can showcase solutions, secure deals, and access over US$1.7 billion in opportunities with dedicated start-up stands at discounted rates.
Ministry of Economy & Tourism and The Bench to Host ‘UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit’ at FHS World 2025, Driving Partnerships and Investment in Tourism
The UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism, in partnership with The Bench, will host the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit on 27 October 2025 in Dubai, as part of FHS World 2025. The invitation-only Summit will gather 250+ senior government officials, investors, and decision-makers from 53 African nations to strengthen partnerships and unlock investment opportunities across tourism, hospitality, and related sectors, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a trusted partner for Africa’s growth.
FHS World 2025: Celebrating 20 Years Of Shaping Global Hospitality Investment
This year marks a milestone for us at The Bench as we celebrate 20 years in the UAE. Over the past two decades, Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) has evolved into the region’s most influential hospitality and tourism investment event, serving as a vital platform for leaders, innovators, and investors to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of the industry.
Industry news
Hotel establishment revenues exceed Dhs26 billion in H1: Bin Touq
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.
Top Takeaways from the FHS World 2025 Advisory Board
Advisory Board members offered a treasure trove of insights, recommendations, and strategic ideas aimed at shaping the upcoming event into an industry-defining gathering.
FHS World 2025 Advisory Board Recap: Trends, Challenges, and Event Vision
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.
Reports
When Brands Become Homes: The Investment Case for Branded Residences
Branded residences have become one of the fastest-growing segments of global real estate. For first-time investors, their appeal lies not just in brand prestige but in the assurance of safeguarded value, consistent service, and long-term desirability.
Where's the Smart Money Going in Hospitality?
Amid geopolitical shocks and rising tariff tensions, investors are viewing the hospitality industry as a resilient outperformer. In 2024, global hotel demand reached 4.8 billion room nights, according to JLL’s Global Hotel Investment Outlook 2025.
DESTINATION SAUDI - Branded Residences in Focus with Knight Frank
A deep dive into expat demand reveals that 68% are likely to purchase a branded residence in Saudi Arabia, with Millennials showing the highest intent. Backed by a combined budget of SAR 630 million, expat buyers are looking for well-located, lifestyle-driven homes—primarily for family use or investment. Hotel-branded options remain the top choice, especially among younger high earners. Explore market trends, buyer preferences, and what’s driving growth in this evolving asset class.