Content Library
Podcasts
Saudi Arabia’s luxury residential market is being built differently. In conversation with Sunita at FHS Saudi Arabia 2026, Hugues Jannet, Director - Residential Sales, Red Sea Global, shared how developments such as AMAALA are being created from a blank page, allowing the destination ecosystem, infrastructure, and residential components to be designed together from the very beginning. He highlighted the importance of credibility, long-term vision, and the role of Vision 2030 in giving buyers confidence in a new generation of luxury residential destinations. As Saudi Arabia continues to shape world-class destinations, the opportunity lies in creating places that are not only built, but believed in.
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.
Video Insights
Knowledge Economic City is positioning itself as a gateway to Madinah’s future, with one of the Kingdom’s largest mixed-use developments within the Haram boundaries. Speaking at FHS Saudi Arabia, Marko Vucinic, Executive Director, Investment and Asset Management, Knowledge Economic City, highlighted the scale of the project, which spans 6.8 million sqm of development land and includes residential units, hotel keys, commercial space, retail, schools, lifestyle districts, and major connectivity infrastructure.
In this FHS Saudi Arabia 2026 conversation, Joanna Kurowska, Vice President, MEA, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shares her perspective on what makes the Kingdom one of the region’s most exciting hospitality markets, how owner expectations are evolving across the Middle East and Africa, and why balancing international standards with local culture is key to long-term success.
At FHS Saudi Arabia 2026, Suita spoke with Wytze Van den Berg, Vice President EMEA, BWH Hotels, about what makes the Kingdom’s hospitality market so distinctive. He highlighted the impact of Vision 2030, the clear structure and support from the government, the rapid development of infrastructure, and the strong interest from investors and developers looking to build and fund hospitality projects across the Kingdom. Compared to other growth markets in Africa and Asia, Saudi Arabia’s combination of ambition, planning, and industry support is creating a uniquely powerful environment for hotel development.
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.
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.