Saudi Arabia is gearing up to dominate the stage at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2024 in Dubai, solidifying its position as a growing global power in tourism and hospitality. The Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to transform its economy through tourism, luxury development, and sustainability, will be front and centre at this prestigious event. With influential figures from Saudi megaprojects like NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Diriyah Company taking the spotlight, this year’s FHS World summit is poised to highlight the nation’s cutting-edge advancements in regenerative tourism, iconic urban developments, and luxury branded residences.
One of the most anticipated sessions at the summit, set to take place from 29 September to 2 October at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, “Saudi Vision 2030: Reimagining Hospitality,” will feature prominent industry figures such as Stephen Ansell, Managing Director for Hyatt in the Middle East and Africa; Maria Pichon, Brand Development Director at NEOM; and David Keen, CEO & Founder of QUO. This session will dive into how the Kingdom is integrating luxury lifestyle and sustainable tourism with world-class architecture, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform its hospitality landscape.
Another key panel, “Hospitality in Saudi Arabia: Aligning with Vision 2030 for a Sustainable Future,” will see speakers such as Hassan Ahdab (Chief Hospitality Operations Officer, Taiba Investments), Eng. Sultan Alshehri (Chief of Investment, Aseer Development Authority), and Amir Lababedi (Managing Director Development MENA, Hilton) discuss how Saudi Arabia is building a sustainable future for hospitality by incorporating innovative solutions in line with its Vision 2030 goals.
Beyond these discussions, Saudi Arabia’s presence is also significant in shaping the global discourse on sustainability and regenerative tourism. Colin Abercrombie, Strategy Director of the Hotel Division at NEOM, will address the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, sharing insights into how future leaders in the industry can reshape hospitality to align with sustainability goals. Likewise, Greg Djerejian, Group Head of Investment and Group Chief Legal Officer at Red Sea Global, will focus on regenerative tourism and high-end hospitality, exploring how Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects like NEOM and Red Sea Global are leading the way in sustainable tourism practices.
Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company, will present on Iconic Developments, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role in navigating the next wave of urban hospitality with its cutting-edge developments, particularly in the rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Further contributions include Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, who will delve into Master Planning for Transformative Hospitality, addressing how destination investments in the Kingdom are shifting in line with both cultural and environmental considerations.
Looking into the crystal ball @ FHS World 2024
Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking approach will also be explored in sessions like “Future Telling – What Shapes and Forms Will Branded Residences Take in Coming Years” led by Imran Changezi, Executive Director of Hospitality Development at Diriyah Company. This session will explore how branded residences are influencing luxury living and tourism in influencing luxury living and tourism in Saudi Arabia. The session will provide insights into how branded residences, a key growth area in the global luxury market, are being shaped to offer unique experiences tailored to the tastes of discerning travellers and investors alike. Imran Changezi will highlight the Kingdom’s strategic efforts, particularly in destinations like Diriyah, to redefine the concept of branded living spaces in the region and beyond.
Additionally, Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, will participate in multiple sessions at FHS World 2024, including the EAHM Leadership Series: CEO for the Day and Sustainable Hospitality Challenge. Knippenberg’s contributions will explore the changing dynamics of leadership in hospitality and the importance of driving sustainable initiatives within the industry.
Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, Senior Director of Wellness Strategy at Red Sea Global, will be speaking on The Future of Wellness, where she will discuss the evolving role of wellness in luxury hospitality and how brands can adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. As wellness becomes increasingly central to travel experiences, Madden-Nadeau will highlight the ways in which Red Sea Global is setting new benchmarks in integrating wellness with sustainability in the Kingdom’s tourism offerings.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s growing presence at the FHS World 2024 demonstrates its commitment to leading the future of global hospitality. Through transformative projects like NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Diriyah, the Kingdom is not only reimagining its own hospitality sector but is also positioning itself as a key player in the global industry, driven by innovation, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. As Vision 2030 continues to unfold, these discussions at FHS will offer valuable insights into how Saudi Arabia plans to shape the future of luxury travel and tourism on the world stage.
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Photo – top of page: Dubai skyline, by ZQ Lee / Unsplash
