Content Library
Podcasts
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.
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.
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.
Press room
Minor Hotels will introduce NH Hotels & Resorts to the Middle East with the opening of NH Riyadh Prime Square Hotel in 2030. Developed by Heyazah Real Estate Development, the 121-key hotel will form part of the Prime Square mixed-use destination in Riyadh’s King Fahad District, supporting the city’s continued growth as a major business, tourism and events hub.
UN Tourism and The Bench have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration to advance tourism investment, innovation, and education on a global scale.
Muin Serhan, CEO of Amsa Hospitality, has been named winner of the 2026 FHS Saudi Arabia Leadership Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the Kingdom’s hospitality sector. The award celebrates his role in driving company growth, supporting Saudi Vision 2030, mentoring industry talent, and advancing authentic Saudi hospitality through landmark projects across the country.
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.