FHS World 2025 Day 1 Review
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World) is the world’s leading hospitality investment conference, bringing together global investors, operators, developers, and government officials to shape the future of the industry.
Taking place 27-29 October 2025, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the summit is a premier platform for networking, deal-making, and exploring investment opportunities across the hospitality sector worldwide.
A Milestone Anniversary Begins
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench, opened the landmark 20th anniversary edition of the summit, welcoming global hospitality leaders for three days of connection, investment discussions, and industry shaping conversations.
A Dynamic Day of Engagement
Day one buzzed with energy, learning, and meaningful connections. The morning kicked off with an energetic padel match before transitioning to the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit, where African leaders and ministerial delegations gathered to shape the future of tourism and investment across the continent.
The momentum carried throughout the day with inspiring keynotes, high-impact panel discussions, Speed Networking sessions, Happy Hour, and the newly introduced Themed Socials, all creating countless opportunities for global investors, operators, and developers to connect.
Key Discussions – FHS World 2025 Dubai
Jonathan Worsley, The Bench sat down with two industry icons, Nasser Al Nowais, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC and Gerald Lawless to reflect on how hospitality investment has transformed over the last 20 years, and where the next wave of opportunities lies.
Richard Dean led a thought-provoking conversation with HE Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect of UN Tourism, on the future of global tourism leadership and how vision and collaboration can shape a more resilient industry.
This significant dialogue set the tone for understanding tourism’s evolving role on the world stage.
The Summit Stage also featured a keynote address from HE Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, who shared the nation’s strategic blueprint for tourism development, innovation, and economic resilience.
This global outlook from the UAE reinforced an ambitious vision for the future of hospitality and investment at the anniversary edition.
Day 1 Is a Wrap
The first day wrapped up with a spectacular evening reception at Shimmers, graciously hosted by Jumeirah. The celebration honoured 20 years of bringing the global hospitality investment community together at the Future Hospitality Summit, marking both the event’s legacy and its continued relevance in the industry.
It was only the beginning of what promised to be three transformative days of learning, networking, and deal-making at FHS World 2025.
Learn more about the speakers and agenda for days 2 and 3 at FHS World 2025
The Branded Residences Forum– Held adjacently with FHS World, is an exclusive one-day forum that explores the thriving sector of Branded Residences.
