2026 Agenda
Programme is subject to change.
Tuesday 29 September
07:00 - 09:00 2 hours
Jumeirah Racquets - Al Qasr
Padel Tournament
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.
08:00 - 10:00 2 hours
Registration
Souk side entrance - Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre
09:30 - 10:00 30 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Newcomers Session:
How to Navigate FHS & Maximise ROI
10:00 - 11:00 1 hour
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Speed Networking
Sponsored by
11:00 - 11:15 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome to FHS World 2026
Moderator
Richard Dean
Journalist and Broadcaster
Roar Design & Media
In conversation with
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
Ali Shahid
Chief Executive Officer
The Bench
11:15 - 11:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
The UAE Growth Engine:
Tourism, Investment and the New Economy
Moderator
Richard Dean
Journalist and Broadcaster
Roar Design & Media
In conversation with
H․E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
Minister of Economy & Tourism
United Arab Emirates
11:30 - 11:50 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Beyond the Headlines:
Investing in a Changing Middle East
Moderator
Amit Nayak
Vice President
Hospitality Asset Managers Association Middle East and Africa
11:50 - 12:00 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Awards Ceremony
12:00 - 12:15 15 minutes
Summit Stage
The Global Economy in Transition:
What Every Hospitality Investor Needs to Know
12:00 - 13:00 1 hour
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Announcements & Signings
12:15 - 12:45 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Government & Developers' Roundtable:
Aligning Vision to Deliver the Region's Hospitality Future
Moderator
Mohammed Al Ahbabi
Director of Tourism Development Department
Ministry of Economy & Tourism, United Arab Emirates
In conversation with
Marc Dardenne
Chief Executive Officer
Modon Holding Hospitality
Abdulla Al Abdouli
Group CEO
Marjan
12:45 - 12:55 10 minutes
Summit Stage
The Challenge Begins:
The FHS World Hackathon
Andre Wiringa
Founder & CEO
Start Reverse BV
Nicolas Mayer
Global Industry Leader, Entertainment & Tourism, PwC
Managing Leader, PwC Global Center of Tourism
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:20 20 minutes
Summit Stage
FHS Intelligence Talk:
Global Hotel Performance & Market Outlook
Philip Wooller
Senior Director
STR
14:00 - 14:05 5 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Welcome to the Future Stage
Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc.
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
14:05 - 14:30 25 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Buy. Build. Transform. Institutional Capital Meets Entrepreneurial Investment
Moderator
Tea Ros
Managing Director
Strategic Hotel Consulting
In conversation with
Benjamin Habbel
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Limestone Capital
14:20 - 14:40 20 minutes
Summit Stage
From Data to Decisions:
Turning Hotel Performance into Investment Insight
Moderator
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
In conversation with
Hala Matar Choufany
President
HVS Middle East, Africa and South Asia
14:30 - 14:45 15 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Reading the Signals:
How Chinese Travel Trends Are Reshaping Global Hospitality Investment
Elaine Sun
Market Director - MEA & ROW Chain
Trip․com group
14:40 - 15:10 30 minutes
Summit Stage
The CEO Roundtable:
A Global Hospitality Outlook
Moderator
Richard Dean
Journalist and Broadcaster
Roar Design & Media
In conversation with
Philippe Zuber
Chief Executive Officer
Kerzner International Management
Barbara Muckermann
Group Chief Executive Officer
Kempinski Hotels
Artur Gerber
Chief Executive Officer
TUI Hotels & Resorts
14:45 - 15:10 25 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Africa's Hospitality Investment Story:
Where Capital Finds Opportunity
Moderator
Jeremy Maggs
Journalist
Radio Host and Television Presenter
In conversation with
Hamza Farooqui
Founder & CEO
Millat Group
Olivier Granet
Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management
15:10 - 15:25 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Winning the Owner:
How the Development Game Is Changing
15:10 - 15:35 25 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Investable Uganda:
The Policies, Partnerships and Capital Driving Hospitality Growth
Moderator
Jeremy Maggs
Journalist
Radio Host and Television Presenter
In conversation with
Robert Mukiza
Director General
Uganda Investment Authority
Jeanne Byamugisha
Chief Executive Officer
Uganda Hotel Owners Association
Juliana Kagwa
Chief Executive Officer
Uganda Tourism Board
15:25 - 15:45 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Vision in Motion:
Leading Hospitality in a Changing Region
Moderator
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
In conversation with
Marc Dardenne
Chief Executive Officer
Modon Holding Hospitality
15:35 - 16:00 25 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Egypt:
The Next Big Bet? Navigating Opportunity, Capital & Risk
15:45 - 16:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Building the UAE's Next Lifestyle Destination:
Investing in the Future of Place
Moderator
Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc.
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
In conversation with
Alison Grinnell
Group COO & CEO, Marjan Hospitality
Marjan
16:00 - 17:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
The FHS World Hackathon
Andre Wiringa
Founder & CEO
Start Reverse BV
Nicolas Mayer
Global Industry Leader, Entertainment & Tourism, PwC
Managing Leader, PwC Global Center of Tourism
16:15 - 16:45 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Optimism as Strategy:
How Resilient Leaders Navigate Uncertainty
Moderator
Andre Wiringa
Founder & CEO
Start Reverse BV
In conversation with
Raki Phillips
Regional President - Middle East, Africa & Türkiye
ACCOR
Dimitris Manikis
President EMEA
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
16:45 - 17:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Hospitality REITs:
A New Investment Architecture for the Middle East
Moderator
Rene Beil
Managing Director, Beaufort Global
HAMA President Middle East
In conversation with
Abdalla Almannaee
MD & Head of Real Estate Sector
First Abu Dhabi Bank
David Xiaoou Chen
Chairman & CEO
Fields of Gold (F․O.G.) Capital & Asset Mgt Corp.
18:00 - 21:00 3 hours
Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
Networking Reception - Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
After a full first day of conference insights, discussions, and new ideas, unwind at the Welcome Reception at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam. This evening offers a relaxed opportunity to continue conversations from the day, connect with fellow attendees, and build new relationships in an informal setting.
Wednesday 30 September
07:00 - 08:00 1 hour
J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Beach Pilates
A 60-minute Pilates session by the beach using silent headphones to create a more immersive and elevated experience. The class offers 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.
08:30 - 10:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Registration
09:00 - 10:00 1 hour
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Executive Investor Breakfast – A Closed-Door Gathering
10:00 - 10:05 5 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome Back
Richard Dean
Journalist and Broadcaster
Roar Design & Media
10:00 - 10:45 45 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Announcements & Signings
10:00 - 10:05 5 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjan B)
Welcome Back
Gemma Greenwood
Director, Content Inc.
Moderator, Emcee, media training specialist, editor and communications consultant
10:05 - 10:30 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Food Under Pressure:
Securing Supply in an Uncertain World
Moderator
Richard Dean
Journalist and Broadcaster
Roar Design & Media
In conversation with
Atul Chopra
Founder & CEO
FreshOnTable
Hassan Halawy
Group CEO
Elite Agro Holding
10:05 - 10:50 45 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjan B)
Educating Tomorrow's Hospitality Leaders:
Rethinking Tourism Education for a Changing World
Georgette Davey
Managing Director
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches
10:30 - 10:45 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Building Resilience Together:
Public Vision, Private Investment in GCC Tourism
Samer Alkharashi
Director
UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East
10:45 - 11:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Reset to Returns:
Recalibrating Hospitality Investment in a Changing GCC
Moderator
Hamed Aljufairi
VP - Operations
Compass Project Consulting
In conversation with
Costas Livadaris
Hospitality & Leisure Lead - EMEA
Parsons
10:50 - 11:30 40 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjan B)
USALI 2026:
New Rules, New Insights, Better Owner Decisions
Moderator
Scott Antel
Founder & Owner
Scotts FZ LLE
In conversation with
Giuliano Gasparini, FRICS, CRE, HAMA, IoH, CHIA
Head of Hospitality Asset Management
Wasl
11:00 - 11:15 15 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Building the Next Generation of Hospitality Innovators
11:15 - 11:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Madinah's New Investment Story:
Building a Destination for the World
11:15 - 11:45 30 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Investing in Innovation:
The Technologies Reshaping Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
11:30 - 11:50 20 minutes
Summit Stage
The Reset:
How Hotel Partnerships Are Being Rewritten
Moderator
Alain Debare
Partner - Head of Investments and Asset Management
HVS
11:30 - 13:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjan B)
HAMA Workshop & Annual Briefing
Rene Beil
Managing Director, Beaufort Global
HAMA President Middle East
Amit Nayak
Vice President
Hospitality Asset Managers Association Middle East and Africa
11:45 - 13:30 1 hour 45 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Startup Den
Moderator
Ali Shahid
Chief Executive Officer
The Bench
In conversation with
Nisha Devadoss
Venture Investor
VU Venture Partners
Khalid Alsatti
Senior Innovation Specialist
UN Tourism
Capucine Dourdin Jeunet
Executive Director Sustainability
Jumeirah
Sabrine Chennaoui
Chief Executive Officer
MONSAPO
Andrej Gregus
Co-founder
Nettle AI
Satyaveer Paul
Founder & CEO
Majesty Experiences
Yehuda Knoch
CPO
SetLux OU
Bhrijesh Patel
Founder
Rayn
Sharan Bhinder
Chief Customer Officer
SparkleHaze Innovations
Safiatou Fomba
Co-Founder and CEO
Bilqis GreenTech
11:50 - 12:05 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Beyond the Traditional Model:
From Individual Outlets to Integrated Destinations
Gustavo Herman De Hostos Moreau
Managing Partner
Forsite Creative FZCO
12:05 - 12:45 40 minutes
Summit Stage
Skin in the Game:
The Future of Hospitality Operating Models
Moderator
Louisa Lynch
Shareholder & Co-Chair of the Middle East and European Hospitality Group
Greenberg Traurig
In conversation with
Stefan Dubbeling
Managing Director Development EMEA
BWH Hotels
Klaus Assmann
Chief Executive Officer - Middle East, India & Southeast Asia
United Hospitality Management (UHM)
Jad Shamseddin
Chief Operating Officer
Aleph Hospitality
Jean-Baptiste Recher
Chief Development Officer Luxury Brands MEAT
Accor
12:45 - 13:00 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Own Your Voice:
Leadership, Confidence and the Courage to Be Different
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:40 40 minutes
Summit Stage
From Pipeline to Partnership:
What Owners Really Need from Brands
Moderator
Margarita Naishtut
Senior Vice President - Hotels & Hospitality MEA
JLL
In conversation with
Maya Ziade
Chief Development Officer
Accor
Rohan Ranade
AVP, Real Estate & Development
The Indian Hotels Company Limited
Alexander Lee
Chief Growth Officer
Jumeirah International
14:00 - 14:15 15 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Announcements & Signings
14:00 - 14:50 50 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjan B)
Short-Term Rentals in Dubai:
Innovation, Regulation or Community Crisis?
Sarah Mahood
Shareholder & Co-Head, Regional Real Estate Practice
Greenberg Traurig
Stephen Kelly
Shareholder & Co-Head, Regional Real Estate Practice
Greenberg Traurig
14:15 - 14:35 20 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Technology for Humanity:
Using AI to Put People Back at the Heart of Hospitality
Fasie Malherbe
Chief Executive Officer
Smart Operator
14:35 - 15:15 40 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
You Can’t Lead on Empty:
The Human Side of High Performance
David Singleton
Founder and CEO
Oraculi
14:40 - 15:00 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Culture Creates Value:
How Leadership and Engagement Drive ROI, Brand Strength and Asset Performance
Moderator
David Keen
Founder & CEO
QUO
In conversation with
Carlos Diez de la Lastra
Chief Executive Officer
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
Saurabh Tiwari
Vice President - Operations (Middle East, Sri Lanka & Maldives)
The Indian Hotels Company Limited
15:00 - 15:25 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Living Longer, Living Better:
Why Longevity is the Ultimate Luxury
Chris Sanderson
Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
The Future Laboratory
15:00 - 15:50 50 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjan B)
Board Leverage:
Extracting Value when Operators own your Economics
Giuliano Gasparini, FRICS, CRE, HAMA, IoH, CHIA
Head of Hospitality Asset Management
Wasl
15:15 - 15:35 20 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Rebuilding Travel Demand:
How AI, Digital Marketing and the Open Internet Are Powering Tourism Recovery
15:25 - 15:45 20 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talk:
Building Health, Not Just Hotels
Moderator
Richard Dean
Journalist and Broadcaster
Roar Design & Media
In conversation with
Sonu Shivdasani
CEO and Founder
Sosei
15:35 - 16:15 40 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Profit Without Volume:
Winning the Revenue Game in a Demand Shock
Moderator
Judith Cartwright
CEO & Founder
Black Coral Consulting
15:45 - 16:05 20 minutes
Summit Stage
From Clinic to Community:
Translating Longevity Science into Real Estate, Hospitality and Scalable Living Models
Moderator
Kathryn Moore
Founder and Managing Director
Spa Connectors and co-op
In conversation with
Amit Arora
Chief Operating Officer
Arada Hospitality and Entertainment
Amer Kharbush
Chief Development Officer
Arada Developments
16:00 - 17:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Workshop Room (Murjan B)
The Retrofit Gap:
Where is Asset Value being lost in Existing Portfolios — and who's responsible for closing it? (Closed Door Workshop)
Moderator
Radhika Arapally
Senior Strategic Representative
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
16:15 - 16:40 25 minutes
Summit Stage
From Wellness to Living:
Building the Middle East’s Next Generation of Healthy Communities
Kathryn Moore
Founder and Managing Director
Spa Connectors and co-op
Gary Greene
Principal
GGD
16:15 - 16:45 30 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
AI ROI vs AI Hype:
The Verdict
16:40 - 17:15 35 minutes
Summit Stage
Nature as an Asset Class:
Building Sustainable Capital Through Regenerative Tourism
Moderator
Andrea Belfanti
Chief Executive Officer
International Society of Hospitality Consultants
In conversation with
David Vely
Vice President - Development
Club Med
Santiago Yñigo
Co-Founder & CEO
SALVA
Wesam Okasha
Head of Global Development
TUI Hotels & Resorts
18:00 - 21:00 3 hours
McGettigan's Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Networking Reception - McGettigan's
End day two with an evening of networking and conversation at McGettigan’s, located in the heart of Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Set against the charm of traditional Arabian architecture, winding waterways, and the vibrant atmosphere of the souk, the reception offers a distinctive setting to reconnect with industry peers and continue conversations from the Summit.
Thursday 01 October
07:00 - 08:00 1 hour
J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Breathwork & Meditation
J Club Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Wellness Studio
Start your day with this 60-minute guided breathwork and meditation session, designed for all levels. Meditation calms the mind, reduces stress, and improves focus. Breathwork enhances relaxation, oxygen flow, and emotional balance. Together, they boost mindfulness, recovery, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
09:00 - 10:00 1 hour
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Speed Networking
Sponsored by
10:00 - 10:05 5 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome Back
Richard Dean
Journalist and Broadcaster
Roar Design & Media
10:05 - 10:20 15 minutes
Summit Stage
When You’ve Seen It All:
What Does It Take to Impress the World’s Most Traveled People?
Moderator
Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
In conversation with
Luis Amaral
Community leader and Innovator
Most Traveled People (MTP)
10:20 - 10:55 35 minutes
Summit Stage
The New Hospitality Map:
Defining the Hospitality Asset Classes
Michael Aldridge
Founder & CEO
KOFISI
Elie Milky
Chief Development Officer for the Middle East, Northeast Africa, Greece, and Cyprus
Radisson Hotel Group
Adeline Phua
Managing Director, Lyf, & Vice President of Business Development
The Ascott Limited
Adil Jabrayilov
Development Director
Legacy Hotels Holding
10:30 - 10:45 15 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
The View from 2030:
Forces Reshaping Hotel F&B
James Hacon
Managing Partner
Think Hospitality Consulting
10:45 - 11:15 30 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
From Concept to Platform:
F&B as the Placemaking Engine
Moderator
Jennifer Pettinger
Partner
Think Hospitality
In conversation with
Philippe Bassoul
Development Director - Hotels and F&B
Barrière Hotels & Resorts
Kent Daniels
Chief Operating Officer
Vision Hospitality/McGettigan Group
10:55 - 11:30 35 minutes
Summit Stage
The Anchor Asset:
Why Hotels Matter in Mixed-Use
Moderator
Oussama El Kadiri
Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory - MENA
Knight Frank
In conversation with
Amir Ali Golbarg
Chief Operating Officer - Middle East & Africa
Minor Hotel Group
Eddy Tannous
Chief Operating Officer
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC
Selim El Zein
Vice President - Head of Asset Management & Investments
Deyaar Development PJSC
11:15 - 11:45 30 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
The Revolution in All-Day Dining:
Beyond the Buffet
Moderator
James Hacon
Managing Partner
Think Hospitality Consulting
11:30 - 11:50 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Beyond the Hotel:
How Lifestyle Brands Are Redefining Hospitality Through Living, Mobility and New Asset Classes
Gilda Perez-Alvarado
Chief Executive Officer, Orient Express
Group Chief Strategy Officer, Accor
11:45 - 13:00 1 hour 15 minutes
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Building What’s Next:
The FHS World Hackathon Finals
Andre Wiringa
Founder & CEO
Start Reverse BV
Nicolas Mayer
Global Industry Leader, Entertainment & Tourism, PwC
Managing Leader, PwC Global Center of Tourism
11:50 - 12:05 15 minutes
Summit Stage
The Rise of Hospitality-Driven Workspaces:
Why the Best Offices Now Feel Like Hotels
Michael Aldridge
Founder & CEO
KOFISI
12:05 - 12:25 20 minutes
Summit Stage
The New Living Economy:
Investing Beyond Traditional Hotels
Moderator
Tea Ros
Managing Director
Strategic Hotel Consulting
In conversation with
Oliver Hogg
Chief Executive Officer
Arzan Investment Management
12:25 - 12:50 25 minutes
Summit Stage
The Hospitality Effect:
Transforming Residential into Lifestyle Destinations
Sameh Muhtadi
Chief Executive Officer
RAK Properties
Miltos Bosinis
Chief Executive Officer
H&H
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:20 20 minutes
Summit Stage
The State of the Global Branded Residences Market
Jeff Tisdall
Chief Business Officer, Global Head of Mixed-Use
Accor One Living
14:00 - 16:00 2 hours
Future Stage (Murjan A)
Pathways for Future Leaders:
Insights from Hospitality's Best
14:20 - 14:35 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Branded Residences Uncovered:
Global Performance Review & Insights
Riyan Itani
Founder
Global Branded Residences Ltd.
14:35 - 15:05 30 minutes
Summit Stage
From Concept to Exit:
The Branded Residence Playbook
Moderator
Richard Stevens
Group CEO
Sectorlight
In conversation with
Daniel von Barloewen
Senior Vice President, Global Mixed-Use Development - Accor One Living
Accor
15:05 - 15:20 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Beyond the Handover:
How Smart Technology Protects and Enhances Branded Residence Value
Rahul Salgia
Founder & CEO
DigiValet
15:20 - 15:45 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Terms, Tensions & Trade-Offs:
Getting the Branded Residence Deal Done
Elias Hayek
Shareholder & Co-Chair of the Middle East and European Hospitality Group
Greenberg Traurig
15:45 - 16:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Financing the Branded Residence Boom:
Who Lends, Who Qualifies, Who Buys?
16:15 - 16:40 25 minutes
Summit Stage
The Next Chapter:
Can Dubai Sustain Its Branded Residence Momentum?
Moderator
Piers Brown
Chief Executive Officer
International Hospitality Media Limited
In conversation with
Alice Targett
Director - Marketing & Brand Advisory Services, EMEA, Accor One Living
Accor
16:40 - 17:15 35 minutes
Summit Stage
Hospitality Brands, Fashion Houses & Automakers:
Does the Brand Matter as Much as the Business Model?
Moderator
Riyan Itani
Founder
Global Branded Residences Ltd.
17:15 - 17:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
FHS World 2026:
What We Built, What We Learned, What Comes Next
Ali Shahid
Chief Executive Officer
The Bench