29 SEP - 1 OCT 2026
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
2024 Agenda
Programme is subject to change.
Monday 30 September
Padel Tournament at Jumeirah Al Qasr J Club Tennis and Padel Court
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.
Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr J Club Tennis and Padel Court(https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJWds568BbwDBukR8)
Golf Tournament at Emirates Golf Club
Registration
Official Opening FHS World 2024

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
The Future Growth of Tourism in Dubai:
Harnessing Innovation, Sustainability, Accessibility and Leadership
Moderator: Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO, the bench

His Excellency Issam AbdulRahim Kazim
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM)

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Empowering Connections:
Networking Session

Naureen Ahmed
Founder
Inspiring Women in Hospitality
From Boom to Doom and Gloom – Overtourism’s Deja Woes

Aradhana Khowala
CEO & Founder
Aptamind Partners
Building the Future:
The Changing Face of Market and Investor Growth in The Maldives
Securing the Future of Hospitality and Tourism in The Maldives
Moderator

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

Eezan Shahul Hameed
Chief Commercial Officer
Maldives Fund Management Corporation

Tony Miki
Partner
Foster & Partners
TenX Leadership Talk:
Building Tomorrow's Foundation for the Future of Travel
Moderator

Nick van Marken
Managing Director
van Marken Limited
In conversation with

Paul Griffiths
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai Airports
India 2047:
Unlocking the Future of Hospitality in a Rising Global Power
Moderator

Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
HAMA MEA
In conversation with

Dr. Suruchi Mittar
Chief Industry Officer and Senior Vice President
Invest India
Building the Future:
The Changing Face of Market and Investor Growth in The Maldives
Investing in the Maldives: Past and Future
Moderator

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

Majd Hamamouchi
Corporate Business Development Director
TIME Hotels

Eezan Shahul Hameed
Chief Commercial Officer
Maldives Fund Management Corporation

Amman Shah
Executive Director
Dubai Holding Investments
Announcement #1
Innovations and Trends Shaping the Future of Mobility
Moderator

Yasmine Vanda Trofast
Founder & Owner
YVT Consulting
In conversation with

Dr. Martin Šoltés
Chief Executive Officer
EVUM Motors
Invest in Morocco:
Showcasing Unique Hospitality Projects

Younes Hajoui
Director of Investment Development
Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development SMIT

Nada Serhir
Tourism Investment Maketing Department Head
The Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT)
Masterplanning Hotels:
Driving Strategic Decisions through Sentiment Data

Gustavo De Hostos
Founder & Managing Partner
Forsite Creative
Annoucement #2
The World's First AI-Created Restaurant

James Hacon
Founding Partner
Think Hospitality
Sustainable Cook Off
Judges:
Lunch
Future-Proofing Hospitality:
The Evolution of People and Spaces

Alexis Marcoux Varvatsoulis
Chief Consulting Officer & Partner
Livit Consulting & Design
Welcome Remarks

Marina Franolic
Head of Investors Relations
The Bench
Welcome Remarks

Matthew Weihs
Group Managing Director
The Bench
UN Tourism Women in Tech Start Up Competition Semi Finals
Moderator

Son-Trang Nguyen
Production Manager
The Bench
In conversation with

Dr. Hanin Alsubaie
Chief Executive Officer
Darent

Maya Ayoub
Founder & CEO
District-Twelve

Luis Nicolas Barrios
Regional Manager Innovation Education and Investment
UN Tourism

Rana Batterjee
Co-Founder & COO
EduPloyment

Bell Beh
Co-Founder
BuzzAr

Lorelei Regragui
Founder & CEO
StayK

Jessica Scopacasa
Co-founder & CMO
Olive Gaea

Nisreen Shadad
CEO/ Cofounder
NetGreen

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench

Gwen Wunderlich
CEO & Founder
WKC Global
Your Path to Red Sea Global:
Exploring Projects and Partnership Opportunities

Ben Edwards
Group Head of Cost, Commercial, and Procurement
Red Sea Global

Mohammed Al Fardan
Head of Procurement
Red Sea Global
Spotlight European Hospitality:
2024, the Turning Point for Transactional Activity

Larissa Esser
Senior Director International Transactions
Colliers
Shaping Tomorrow:
What’s in the Pipeline for Africa's Booming Hospitality Market

Trevor Ward
Managing Director
W Hospitality Group
Master Planning for Transformative Hospitality and Destination Investments in Shifting Sands
Moderator

Zoe Stanford
Business Development Manager
Compass Project Consulting
In conversation with

Imad Barrakad
Chairman & CEO
The Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT)

Khawla Al Hashimi
Chief Projects Officer
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority - Shurooq

Wyatt Roy
Head of Innovation
NEOM

Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt
Chief Executive Officer
ASFAR
European Hospitality Revival:
Creating Investment Opportunities in Mature Markets
Moderator

Tea Ros
Managing Director
Strategic Hotel Consulting
In conversation with

Dr. Peter Ebertz
Managing Director & Head of Hotels
Art-Invest Real Estate Management

Dr. Marinos Giannopoulos
Chief Executive Officer
Enterprise Greece

Benjamin Habbel
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Limestone Capital
Insights into Africa's Dynamic Investment Landscape
Moderator

Alain Debare
Partner – Head of Investments and Asset Management, Middle East and Africa
HVS
In conversation with

JS Anand
Founder & CEO
Leva Hotels

Hamza Farooqui
Chief Executive Officer
Millat Investment

Khalil Manji
Partner
CHIC
Building Tomorrow:
Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality Development
Moderator

Jules Ugo
Chief Executive Officer
LOTUS Arabia
In conversation with

Osama AlOthman
Chief Executive Officer
Aseer Investment Company
Guests' Quest for Unique Experiences:
The African Approach to Authentic Leisure
Moderator

Trevor Ward
Managing Director
W Hospitality Group
In conversation with

Wesam Okasha
Head of Global Development
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts

Jameel Verjee
Founder & CEO
CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group)
Decarbonisation and the Pathway to Net Zero – Start with the Data!
Best practice in Data Measurement

Richard Williamson
Chief Operating Officer
Considerate Group
Resilience Strategies:
Building Anti-Fragile Hospitality Investments in Resort Destinations
Moderator

Tea Ros
Managing Director
Strategic Hotel Consulting
In conversation with

Felicity Black-Roberts
Senior Vice President Development EAME
Hyatt

David Vely
Vice President Development, Middle East, Africa & India
Club Med
Net Positive Hospitality:
Can Hotels Achieve True Net Positive Hospitality or is it Just a Marketing Ploy
Moderator

Radhika Arapally
Founder
Sustainability Kiosk
In conversation with

Pascal Armoudom
Partner
Kearney

Inge Huijbrechts
Chief Sustainability & Security Officer
Radisson Hotel Group
Beyond the AI Hype - An Interactive Workshop with Practical Problem Solving Demos

Ali Shahid
Marketing Director
The Bench
From Nepal to the World:
A Journey of Strategic Investment, Development, and Asset Management
Moderator

Mark Dunford
Chief Executive Officer
Knight Frank
In conversation with

Rahul Chaudhary
Managing Director & Global CEO
CG Corp & CG Hospitality Holdings
Announcement #4
Coffee Break
Sustainable Hospitality Challenge
The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC), founded by Hotelschool The Hague, is the leading global student challenge that enforces true sustainable impact by means of collaboration.
Moderator: Paul Griep, Founder, Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, Director Industry Relations & Alumni, Hotelschool The Hague
Jury Members:
Announcement #5
Unveiling the Invisible:
Women and Implicit Bias in Leadership.

Dr. Sowon Kim
Professor
EHL Hospitality Business School
Announcement #6
Invest in India

Dr. Suruchi Mittar
Chief Industry Officer and Senior Vice President
Invest India
Speed Networking
Speed Networking is a great way to break the ice and ensure you go into FHS already knowing your fellow attendees. Meet over 30 new contacts before the conference has officially started! Don't forget to bring lots of business cards! Taking place prior to the Opening Reception.
Welcome Reception at Jumeirah Mina A'Salam
Fresh on Table will be supporting Jumeirah’s culinary team with many ingredients from local farms and producers, minimising the carbon footprint, while guests can indulge in decadent desserts made with honey sourced from local Abu Dhabi farms—a project of the Zayed Higher Organisation that supports equity and inclusion for people of determination. Every detail has been considered, from reusable cooking stations and props to the repurposing of plants and greenery throughout the hotel after the event, ensuring a waste-free experience. In keeping with Jumeirah’s commitment to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, there will be no single-use plastics, and all water will be provided by our onsite Nordaq water bottling plant.
Join us in making a positive impact on our environment and community!
Tuesday 01 October
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 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAhCXYVAymsZ5SAN9)
HIIT Session at J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – High Impact Studio
A dynamic 60-minute HIIT class designed for cardio boosting, fat burning, and muscle strengthening. This session not only elevates your routine and enhances endurance but also primes you for the rest of the day at the conference. You'll leave feeling invigorated, with increased energy and mental clarity to engage more effectively in upcoming activities and discussions.
LOCATION: J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – High Impact Studio (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAhCXYVAymsZ5SAN9)
Registration
Welcome Back
Moderator

Gemma Greenwood
Director
Content Inc
In conversation with

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
The Global Geopolitical Landscape and its Influence on the Hospitality Industry

Pat Thaker
Editorial Director, Middle East & Africa
The Economist
What Are the Numbers Telling Us? A Look at Hotel Performance From a Global Perspective

Sarah Duignan
Director, Client Relationships
STR
Round Table:
Transforming Education for the Future of Hospitality

Jeff Strachan
AVP Business Operations
Dubai College of Tourism
Balancing Growth:
Integrating Tourism in Government Policy-Making to Tackle Overtourism and Other Key Challenges
Moderator

Lenah Hassaballah
Editor
CNN Business Arabic
In conversation with

Fatim-Zahra Ammor
Minister of Tourism, Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy
Kingdom of Morocco
A Global Perspective:
UN Tourism's Role in Addressing Sustainable Growth in Travel
Moderator

Lenah Hassaballah
Editor
CNN Business Arabic
In conversation with

Haitham Mattar
Special Advisor, UN Tourism
Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Saudi Vision 2030:
Reimagining Hospitality

David Keen
CEO & Founder
QUO

Stephen Ansell
Managing Director – Middle East and Africa
Hyatt

Tatiana Labaki
Director Innovation & Technology at Hotel Division
NEOM
Coffee Break
TenX Leadership Talk:
Insights of a CEO’s Journey
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Sébastien Bazin
Group Chairman & CEO
Accor
Leveraging Global Opportunities in Today’s Competitive Business World
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Tourism Council
United Arab Emirates
Capital Talks:
Global Investment and the Allure of the Hospitality Industry
Moderator

Alyshia Mangalji
Vice President - Europe & Africa
Westmont Hospitality
In conversation with

Adeeb Ahamed
Managing Director
Twenty14 Holdings

David Damiba
Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management

Lourie Kruger
Chief Financial Officer
Katara Hospitality

Andreas Löcher
Head of Investment Management Operational (Hotel / Retail)
Union Investment Real Estate
Announcement #7
Regenerative Tourism:
Innovating High-End Hospitality for Tomorrow

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
Announcement #8
TenX Leadership Talk:
People First for the Future of Hospitality

Satya Anand
President - Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Marriott International

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Sustainable Hospitality Challenge - The Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow Reimagining our Industry
Winner Presentation & Award Giving

Paul Griep
Founder, Sustainable Hospitality Challenge
Director Industry Relations & Alumni, Hotelschool The Hague

Satya Anand
President - Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Marriott International

Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer
Kerten Hospitality

Aseel Hussain Bondagjy
Hotel Talent Development Manager
NEOM
Sustainable Cook Off
Judges:
Lunch
Welcome Back

Francine Aclan
Young Leader
Welcome Back

Rahul Dahiya
Young Leader
Welcome Back

Marco Palamara
Young Leader
Leading with Purpose:
Commitment to People, Planet and Profit
Moderator

Dr John Blakey
Author - Force for Good
John Blakey Ltd
In conversation with

Maha Al Gargawi
Vice-President of Business Advocacy
Dubai Chambers

Philip Barnes
Chief Executive Officer
Rotana

Artur Gerber
Chief Executive Officer
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts

Guy Hutchinson
President, Middle East & Africa
Hilton

Duncan O’Rourke
Chief Executive Officer, Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific - Premium, Midscale & Economy
Accor
Beyond Borders:
Strategic Fund Structuring for Cross-Border Investments to transform the Global Hospitality Landscape
Moderator

Paula Naoufal
Senior Reporter
CNN Business Arabic
In conversation with

Thomas B. Meier
Chief Operating Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer
Jumeirah

Mohannad Mosly
Vice President
SEDCO Capital

Siegfried Nierhaus
Vice President/Head of Development Middle East, India, Africa
H World International
Consumer – what are the demands and preferences of the next generation traveler?

Pascal Armoudom
Partner
Kearney
UN Tourism Women in Tech Start Up Competition Semi Finals
Moderator

Son-Trang Nguyen
Production Manager
The Bench
In conversation with

Saria Alderhali
Founder
Bondai

Maya Ayoub
Founder & CEO
District-Twelve

Luis Nicolas Barrios
Regional Manager Innovation Education and Investment
UN Tourism

Nouran Farouk
Cofounder
Dosy Bikes

Doaa Abdel Hameed
Cofounder & CBO
Bonbell

Nurhan M. Rani
Growth Manager & Cofounder
ITHAKA

Duaa Suliman
Founder
Rifgaa

Gwen Wunderlich
CEO & Founder
WKC Global

Zeinab Zohny
Founder
Zenn-AI
Tourism 2.0:
Transforming Destination Investment into an Unmatched Opportunity
Moderator

Jules Ugo
Chief Executive Officer
LOTUS Arabia
In conversation with

Bhagya Mahavithanage
Deputy Director - Investor Relations Unit
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
Unveiling Global Affairs:
An Open Conversation With Pat Thaker, Editorial Director MEA, the Economist Intelligence Unit

Pat Thaker
Editorial Director, Middle East & Africa
The Economist
Who’s Really in Charge? The Hidden Power of Third Party Management in Hospitality
Moderator

Nicolas Mayer
Global Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leader
PwC
In conversation with

Eng. Rawaf I. Bourisli
Vice Chairman
Action Hotels

Greg O'Stean
Chief Executive Officer
United Hospitality Management
Next-Gen Lifestyle Brands:
Leveraging International Branding to Integrate Local Art, Culture, and Destination Experiences

Gaurav Sinha
Chief Executive Officer
Insignia Worldwide
TenX Leadership Talk:
Mastering Growth with an Asset-Light Strategy
Moderator

Anthony Lagrabette
Director - Asset Management , Hotels & Tourism Middle East Region
CBRE
In conversation with

Kevin Goh
Chief Executive Officer
The Ascott Limited
Emerging Lifestyle Brands:
Bridging Luxury and Midscale Markets with Locally Inspired Experiences in New and Established Destinations
Moderator

Katerina Argyrou
Partner, Real Estate, Hospitality and Leisure
PwC
In conversation with

Charbel Boutros
VP Development MEA
IHG Hotels & Resorts

Carlos Khneisser
Vice President Development Middle East & Africa
Hilton

Elie Milky
Vice President Development
Radisson Hotel Group
The Future of Hospitality Management:
From White Label Operators, Franchising, to Traditional Management Agreements
Moderator

Marco Rentsch
Partner, Global Consulting Hospitality & Tourism Center of Excellence
PwC
In conversation with

Bani Haddad
Founder & Managing Director
Aleph Hospitality

Adil Jabrayilov
Development Director MENA
Louvre Hotels Group

Amith Khanna
Head of Franchise, IMEA
IHG Hotels & Resorts

Panos Loupasis
Market Managing Director Türkiye, Middle East & Africa
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Global Insights:
Aligning Growth Strategies for Asset Owner Success
Moderator

Anthony Lagrabette
Director - Asset Management , Hotels & Tourism Middle East Region
CBRE
In conversation with

Coley Brenan
Partner & Head of Europe
KSL Capital Partners

Vijay Raghavan
Director
Arenco
Global Expertise, Local Talent:
Hospitality's Balancing Act
Moderator

Georgette Davey
Managing Director
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy Les Roches
In conversation with

Werner Anzinger
General Manager & Area Vice President, Operations
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Aseem Kapoor
Founder & Chief Executive
ARK People Solutions

Shaikha Al Nowais
Corporate Vice President - Owner Relationship Management
Rotana
Forming Culture to Build Brands

David Keen
CEO & Founder
QUO
TenX Leadership Talk:
Leading with Purpose for Sustainable Success
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Elie Younes
Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer
Radisson Hotel Group
Commercially Driven Asset Management in Hospitality:
Strategies for Maximizing Returns
Moderator

Judith Cartwright
Founder & Managing Director
Black Coral Consulting
In conversation with

Aboudi Asali
Executive Vice President, Head of Hotels Advisory MENA
JLL

Dr. Naim Maadad
CEO & Founder
Gates Hospitality

Suma Venkatesh
Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development
The Indian Hotels Company Limited
Invest in Italy:
Showcasing Unique Hospitality Projects
Moderator

Jules Ugo
Chief Executive Officer
LOTUS Arabia
In conversation with

Paolo Barletta
Chief Executive Officer
Arsenale Spa

Chiara Caruso
Director National Tourism Fund
CDP Real Asset SGR SpA

Andrea Delfini
Founder & CEO
Blastness

Pier Ezhaya
General Manager, Tour Operating
Alpitour World
Ongoig Coffee Break
Visionary Leadership:
Driving Abu Dhabi’s Leisure and Entertainment Growth through Immersive Destinations
Moderator

Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
HAMA MEA
In conversation with

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi
Group Chief Executive Officer
Miral
Emergence of Real Estate Investment Trusts in the Middle East
Moderator

Paula Naoufal
Senior Reporter
CNN Business Arabic
In conversation with

Amr El Nady
Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA and Managing Director, Global Hotel Desk
JLL

Jamie Odgers
Director, Real Estate Advisory
Standard Chartered Bank

Asad Rahman
Senior Director
Mashreq Bank
Announcement #9
Signings & Announcements
Tech-Driven Tranquility:
Enhancing Wellness Through Robotics

Dennis Ledenkof
Chief Executive Office
RoboSculptor
The Hotel of the Future

Turab Saleem
Partner - Hospitality,Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services - MENA
Knight Frank
Purpose-Driven Leadership:
Practical Tools and Models for Thriving in a Purpose-Driven Agenda

Dr John Blakey
Author - Force for Good
John Blakey Ltd
Data-Driven Sustainability:
Transforming Hospitality with AI

Jitesh Shetty
CEO/Founder
Credibl ESG Innovations
Greening Hospitality:
When ESG Law Compliance Impacts Your Hotel Real Estate Value
Moderator: Giuliano Gasparini, FRICS, CRE, HAMA, IoH, CHIA – Head of Hospitality Asset Management, WASL Group

Gergely Balint, MRICS RV
Associate Partner, Specialist Valuation
Cavendish Maxwell

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

Dale Qi Shen, MRICS
Vice President, Director - Real Estate Structuring & Advisory
Mashreq Bank
Journey to a Sustainable Tourism Future:
Paving the Way for Eco-Friendly Travel

Engy Naguib
Senior Engagement Manager - Tourism
Euromonitor International
TenX Leadership Talk:
Harmony in Health - Integrating Wellness, Medical Innovations, and Hospitality
Moderator

Kathryn Moore
Managing Director
Spa Connectors
In conversation with

Simone Gibertoni
Chief Executive Officer
Clinique La Prairie & Co-founder CLP Holistic Health
The BIG Project Pitch:
International Hospitality Projects Revealed
Moderator

David Singleton
Founder
Oraculi
In conversation with

Ines Abel
CEO & Founder
Luxury Hospitality

Coley Brenan
Partner & Head of Europe
KSL Capital Partners

Rabih Feghali
Board Member
HAMA

Marta Garcia De Alcaraz
Co-founder and Business Development Director
Salasia Group

Philipp Klohr
Senior Vice President
Mubadala

Louis Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
Nomadic Resorts

Ottar Zahl Jonassen
CEO & Founder
Marelius AS
India 2047:
The Future of Travel and Hospitality in India
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Puneet Chhatwal
Managing Director & CEO
Indian Hotels Company Limited
New Horizons Ahead:
Trends and Developments in Tomorrow’s Designs
Moderator

Yosor Al Suhaili
Principal & Head of Business Development
Andart Global
In conversation with

Elyza Falzon
Vice President - Architecture, Design & Construction ME & SSA
Hilton

Ana Lobo Martins
Director, Interior Design
ARC International Design Consultants

Tony Miki
Partner
Foster & Partners
The Future of Wellness:
Brand Challenges and Opportunities
Moderator

Catherine Edwards
Chief Strategy Officer
QUO
In conversation with

Sara Codner
Area Director Spa & Wellness
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Sammy Gharieni
CEO / Founder
Gharieni Group

Lindsay Madden-Nadeau
Senior Director - Wellness Strategy
Red Sea Global

Amanda Schmiege
Senior Director of Spa and Wellness
Four Seasons
Trailblazing Careers in Hospitality:
Leading the Way
Moderator

Lenah Hassaballah
Editor
CNN Business Arabic
In conversation with

Hala Matar Choufany
President, Middle East & Africa
HVS
Company Culture and Relationships as a Competitive Advantage
Moderator

Dr. Bertrand Audrin
Professor
EHL Hospitality Business School
In conversation with

Aseel Hussain Bondagjy
Hotel Talent Development Manager
NEOM

William-Harley Fleming
Chief Operating Officer
Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East & Africa

Paul Keen
Director of Project Management
QUO

Eddy Tannous
Chief Operating Officer
Rotana
The World's First AI-Created Restaurant In Action

James Hacon
Founding Partner
Think Hospitality
Evening Reception at Taj Dubai - Hosted by IHCL
Hosted by IHCL, the evening reception will be held at Miss Tess and Treehouse, offering guests the chance to experience two distinct yet equally captivating dining venues. Miss Tess, nestled on the third floor of the Taj Dubai, transports guests on a vibrant culinary journey through Asian flavors, from contemporary Chinese to traditional Japanese and Thai cuisine, with each dish presenting a modern interpretation of time-honored recipes. Meanwhile, Treehouse, located in the serene back garden of the Burj Khalifa, invites guests to a chic urban hideaway, where Mediterranean-inspired bites and soulful house tunes create an ambiance of relaxed sophistication. Together, these venues epitomize the fusion of culinary artistry and experiential dining, each promising unforgettable moments in Dubai's vibrant dining scene.
Wednesday 02 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 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAhCXYVAymsZ5SAN9)
Spinning Class at J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Spinning Studio
High-energy spinning class focused on improving cardio, burning calories, and strengthening legs. Ideal for all fitness levels, it boosts stamina and tones muscles. Post-class, you'll feel energized and focused, ready to tackle conference activities with renewed enthusiasm.
LOCATION: J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Spinning Studio (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAhCXYVAymsZ5SAN9)
Hospitality in Saudi Arabia:
Aligning with Vision 2030 for a Sustainable Future
Moderator

Yousef Gamal El-Din
Anchor and Entrepreneur
Stagespring
In conversation with

Hassan Ahdab
Chief Hospitality Operations Officer
Taiba Investments

Eng. Sultan Alshehri
Chief of Investment
Aseer Development Authority

Samy Boukhaled
Vice President
Elaf Hotels

Amir Lababedi
Managing Director Development MENA
Hilton
HAMA Workshop & Annual Debriefing
Moderator

Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
HAMA MEA
In conversation with

Simon Hasdell
Vice President Asset Management Hospitality
IFA Hotels & Resorts
Back to Basics:
Addressing Key Bottlenecks in Hospitality Innovation Before Advancing to Advanced Technologies
Moderator

Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
In conversation with

Mohammed Altajir
Board Member
Tratok Holding

Tjalling van den Burger
Vice President Enterprise Sales
Adyen

Gavin Weaver
Regional Director
AtkinsRéalis
Driving strategic decisions making for hotels through bespoke F&B data

Gustavo De Hostos
Founder & Managing Partner
Forsite Creative
Unlocking F&B Success:
Boosting Hotel Real Estate Value with Effective Third-Party Outlet Agreements
Moderator

Jennifer Pettinger
Co-Founder, Global Restaurant Investment Forum, Partner,
THINK Hospitality
In conversation with

Sam Bakhshandehpour
Global Chief Executive Officer
José Andrés Group

Anil Bhardwaj
Director
The Arenco Group

Miguel Chillerón
Director of AI & Design
Livit Consulting & Design

Rizwan Kassim
Founder & Managing Partner
RIKAS Hospitality Group
Iconic Developments:
Navigating the Next Wave of Urban Hospitality
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Michael Dyke
Chief Executive Officer
New Murabba Development Company
The Rise of Luxury Hospitality:
Trends and Differentiators Shaping the Future of High-End Tourism
Moderator

Nicholas Nahas
Partner
Arthur D. Little
In conversation with

Amir Golbarg
Senior Vice President - Middle East, Africa & India
Minor Hotels

Mark Kirby
Chief Operating Officer - Head of Hospitality
Emaar Hospitality Group

Gregory Lanter
CEO Global Development Construction Property
Club Med - All-Inclusive Beach and Mountain Resorts

Agnès Roquefort
Global Chief Development Officer Luxury & Lifestyle
Accor
Cyber Resilience in Hospitality:
Future-proofing your Data
Moderator

Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
In conversation with

Shamsh Hadi
Founder & CEO
ZorroSign
The World's First AI-Created Restaurant Revealed

James Hacon
Founding Partner
Think Hospitality
Signings & Announcements
The New USALI 12th Edition:
What To Expect

Giuliano Gasparini, FRICS, CRE, HAMA, IoH, CHIA
Head of Hospitality Asset Management
WASL Group
From Search to Stay:
Enhancing Booking Tech for a Seamless Guest Journey
Moderator

Gemma Greenwood
Director
Content Inc
In conversation with

Piergiorgio Schirru
Executive Vice President
Blastness

Fouad Talaat
Regional Manager Middle East & Africa
Booking.com

Tariq Valani
Senior Vice President - Global Support Services
Accor
FHS Awards 2024
FHS Lifetime Achievement Award - Winner Presentation & Award Giving: Selim El Zyr, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder, Rotana
FHS Leadership Award (in partnership with Hospitality News Middle East) - Winner Presentation & Award Giving: Rizwan Kassim, Founder & Managing Partner, RIKAS Hospitality Group
Future Leader Award (in partnership with EHL Hospitality Business School) - Winner Presentation & Award Giving: Errikos Christodoulou, Hotel Operations Manager, MarBella Collection

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench

Selim El Zyr
Vice Chairman and Co-Founder
Rotana

Rizwan Kassim
Founder & Managing Partner
RIKAS Hospitality Group

Errikos Christodoulou
Hotel Operations Manager
MarBella Collection
Beyond the Plate:
Culinary Experiences as a Pillar of Destination Tourism
Moderator

Seymone Moodley
Editor In Chief
Hotel & Catering News Middle East
In conversation with

Sahar Parham Al Awadhi
Pastry Chef

Panchali Mahendra
Chief Executive Officer
Atelier House Hospitality

Neha Mishra
Founder
Kinoya Restaurant Dubai - Michelin Bib Gourmand
Coffee Break
Serviced Residences Reimagined:
A New Era of Accommodation

Serena Lim
Chief Growth Officer
The Ascott Limited
Capitalizing on the Alternative Accommodation Boom:
Unveiling Realities and Global Trends
Moderator

Adeline Phua
Managing Lyf Partner
The Ascott Limited
In conversation with

Amit Arora
Chief Operating Officer
Arada
RevoluationAIsing Tourism

Naiara Lopez Giner
Tourism Advisory Lead
Colliers MENA
Bridging the Gap:
Integrating SDGs into Core Business Strategies for Sustainable Success
Moderator

Parisa Chum
Head of Sustainability Communications
Flint Culture
In conversation with

Atul Chopra
Founder & CEO
FreshOnTable

Edward Hamod
Founder & CEO
Switch Foods

Bryanne Tait
Group Senior Director Sustainability
Jumeirah

Kelly Timmins
Executive Director, Sustainability & Marine Animal Operations
Atlantis Dubai
Luxury Fashion Brands in Real Estate:
Crafting Spaces of Elegance
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Pier Paolo Righi
CEO & President
Karl Lagerfeld
Disrupting the Market:
How AI in the Hospitality Industry Is Changing the Game?
Moderator

Nicolas Nasra
Director - Head of Hotel Advisory
Colliers MENA
In conversation with

Peter Heneghan
Futurist and Founder of AI & Communications agency
The Future Communicator

Klaus Kohlmayr
Chief Evangelist & Development Officer
IDeaS Revenue Solutions

Jens Schramm
CEO & Member of the Executive Board
Robosculptor
Unveiling Market Trends:
Insights into Branded Residences

Zhann Jochinke
Director of Market Intelligence and Research
Cavendish Maxwell
Branded Residences:
A New Era in Real Estate Investment
Moderator

Andrew Sangster
Editorial Director and Owner
Hotel Analyst
In conversation with

Paul Bridger
Chief Operating Officer
Rove Hotels

Ali Ghaleb Jaber
Chief Executive Officer
GJ Properties Investments LLC

Eezan Shahul Hameed
Chief Commercial Officer
Maldives Fund Management Corporation

Stephen Rossouw
Director Development
New Murabba Development Company
Hoteliers Are From Mars, Restauranters Are From Venus:
Why Hoteliers Can’t Run Restaurants?
Moderator

James Hacon
Founding Partner
Think Hospitality
In conversation with

Josh Craddock
Group Director Marketing
EatX

Christian Gradnitzer
VP Business Development
RIKAS Hospitality Group
Digital Transformation - The Future of Design and Customer Experience

Markus Schreyer
Chairman
META Foundation

Joe Tabet
Founder & Managing Director
JT+Partners

Sissi Johnson
President
Berlin Fashion Film Festival

Laurent Cartier
Chief Research & Development Officer
Amsa Hospitality
Closing Remarks
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Welcome to the Branded Residences Forum

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Setting the Stage - Introduction to the Branded Residences Forum, Industry Overview, Key Insights, Concepts & Trends

Jeff Tisdall
Chief Business Officer, Accor One Living
Global Head of Mixed-Use, Accor
Unpacking the Benefits of Branded Residences for Investors
Moderator

Louis Abboud
Chief Development Officer, Deputy Head MEAT & Global Head F&B Development
Ennismore
In conversation with

George Azar
Chairman & CEO
Sotheby's International Realty

Husni Al Bayari
Chairman & Founder
Bayari Investments

Sudhin Siva
Chief Asset Management Officer
Shamal Holding

Charlie Walsh
Head of Sales & Marketing
The OWO Residences by Raffles
EAHM Leadership Series:
CEO for the Day
Moderators

Khushi Kumar
Students
Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

Raghuveer Swamy
Student
Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
In conversation with

Naureen Ahmed
Founder
Inspiring Women in Hospitality

JS Anand
Founder & CEO
Leva Hotels

Hala Matar Choufany
President, Middle East & Africa
HVS

Bani Haddad
Founder & Managing Director
Aleph Hospitality

David Keen
CEO & Founder
QUO

Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer
Kerten Hospitality

Tiffany McGrath
Director Sustainable Hospitality
Sustainability Kiosk

Markus Schreyer
Chairman
META Foundation

Jeff Strachan
AVP Business Operations
Dubai College of Tourism

Eddy Tannous
Chief Operating Officer
Rotana
Site Tours
Smart Grow Farms
Smart Grow Farms is a technology-driven, ISO-certified indoor vertical farm in Dubai, founded by agri-tech entrepreneur and former banker Ganthi Palvannasundaram. With a mission to revolutionize food production and distribution, the farm uses soilless agriculture methods and advanced automation to monitor and control the growing environment for salad greens, herbs, and vegetables. This innovative approach enhances productivity, improves crop quality, and reduces the need for harmful pesticides, ensuring that the produce is free from bacteria like E.coli, Salmonella, and Legionella. Ganthi’s passion for gardening, nurtured since childhood, led her to leave a successful 14-year banking career to establish Smart Grow Farms, where fresh, local harvests are now a reality. We are delighted to welcome you to our indoor vertical farm to witness the future of agriculture.
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future in Dubai is an architectural and engineering marvel. It confidently straddles the past and the future, applying advanced technology to traditional artforms. The museum ‘speaks Arabic’: its facade is a canvas for the poetry of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum rendered in the calligraphy of Mattar bin Lahej. The Museum of the Future welcomes people of all ages to see, touch, and shape our shared future. Go on a journey through possible futures and bring hope and knowledge back to the present.
From London to Dubai - Perspectives from a Pioneering Developer on the Future of Branded Living in the World's most Dynamic Market for Branded Real Estate
Moderator

Stephen Sackur
Presenter
HARDTalk
In conversation with

Nick Candy
Chief Executive Officer
Candy Capital
Operator Perspective - A Look at How Leading Operators of Branded Residences View their Relationship With Development Partners and Homeowner Communities
Moderator

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

Daniel von Barloewen
Regional Vice President, Accor One Living
Head of Mixed-Use (EMEA), Global Development Lead, Accor
Barry Landsberg
Principal
Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.

Jonathan Tomlinson
Global Head and SVP Private Homes and Branded Residential
Kerzner International

Adelina Wong Ettelson
Global Head of Residential Marketing
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Coffee Break
Marketing Case Studies - Short Presentations by Leading Marketing Professionals Who Have Helped Drive the Success of Branded Residence Projects
Moderator

Curtis Tischler
CEO & Founder
SagePoint Real Estate Company, INC.
In conversation with

Sally Maier-Yip
Founder & Managing Director
11K Consulting

Sudhin Siva
Chief Asset Management Officer
Shamal Holding

Richard Stevens
Group Chief Executive Officer
Sectorlight

Adrian Strittmatter
Chief Executive Officer
Saentys

Adelina Wong Ettelson
Global Head of Residential Marketing
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Legal Structures:
Protecting Interests of Investors, Purchasers & Brands
Moderator

Lara Y. Barrett
Senior Vice President Legal - Luxury & Lifestyle, Special Projects & Global Legal Lead for Accor One Living
Accor
In conversation with

Scott Antel
Founder & Owner
Scotts FZ LLE

Richard Bursby
Partner
Taylor Wessing LLP

Khaled A. Kaawar
Chief Executive Officer
Strata Global Holdings

Moustafa Said
Founding Partner
Wisefields
The Leading Edge of Global Residential Markets - Examining The Role of Innovation, Architecture and Design in Branded Residence Projects
Moderator

Andy Hawkins
Head of Global Residential Development Sales
Savills
In conversation with

Mark Eacott
Global VP Design
Ennismore

Philip S. Gillard
Managing Director
Arquitectonica

Federica Grignolo
Associate
Studio Carter

Wissal Jarjour
Interior Designer
Dubai Holding Investments
Structuring Rentals Programs to Appeal to Buyers, While Protecting the Interests of Hotel Owners & Developers
Moderator

Rico Picenoni
Head of Global Residential Development Consultancy
Savills
In conversation with

Daniel von Barloewen
Regional Vice President, Accor One Living
Head of Mixed-Use (EMEA), Global Development Lead, Accor
Barry Landsberg
Principal
Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.

Carlos Leal
Executive Chairman and Board Member
United Hospitality Management (UHM)
Making Standalones Work - Bringing the Brand to Life in the Absence of a Co-Located Hotel
Moderator

Peter Bazeli
Principal and Managing Director
Weitzman
In conversation with

Mitra Ghamsari
Chief Executive Officer
Persepolis Investments

Rosa Piro
Senior Business Development Director
Arada

Jean-Baptiste Recher
Regional VP Development Luxury Brands MEAT
Accor
Strategies to Drive the Development and Operation of Sustainable Homeowner Communities that Deliver on Health and Wellbeing Objectives
Moderator

Paul Rands
Managing Director
Future of Hospitality Institute
In conversation with

Emlyn Brown
Senior Vice President - Well-Being
Accor

Ricardo Moreira
Managing Director
XCO2

Nicolas Roux
Founder and CEO
Rive Gauche London

Ashley Scott
Global Practice Principal, Planning + Landscape
WATG
Shared Ownership in Dubai and Across Region. Is the Promise of Vacation Ownership, Fractional and Private Residence Clubs about to be Realized?

Barry Robinson
President and Managing Director International Operations
Travel and Leisure Co

Jeff Tisdall
Chief Business Officer, Accor One Living
Global Head of Mixed-Use, Accor
Future Telling – What Shapes and Forms will Branded Residences Take in Coming Years
Moderator

Riyan Itani
Founder
Global Branded Residences
In conversation with

Imran A Changezi
Executive Director Hospitality Development
Diriyah Company

Bernardo Fort-Brescia
Founder & Principal
Arquitectonica

Peter Heneghan
Futurist and Founder of AI & Communications agency
The Future Communicator

Pier Paolo Righi
CEO & President
Karl Lagerfeld