Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia (FHS) where the world-leaders in hospitality and tourism take centre stage, first wave of expert speakers announced.
- Major hospitality investment event returns to Saudi – Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia returns at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh from 20-22 April 2026, bringing together over 1,100 global investors, developers, operators and decision-makers.
- First wave of speakers announced – FHS has revealed an initial lineup of world-leading hospitality and tourism experts who will take centre stage, with more high-profile names to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
- Focus on capital and opportunity – The summit operates under the theme ‘Where Opportunity Meets Capital’, designed to accelerate cross-border partnerships, facilitate deal-making and convert conversations into tangible transactions through curated networking and an exclusive Investor Lounge.
- Comprehensive content programme – Attendees can expect dozens of presentations, panel debates and interviews across six key tracks: Investment & Real Estate, Technology & Innovation, Talent & Education, Wellness & Lifestyle, F&B and Experiences, plus a dedicated Branded Residences Forum.
- Proven track record of success – The 2025 edition generated US$1.6 billion in business opportunities and facilitated 11 major signings and announcements, positioning the summit as a crucial platform for shaping Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.
Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia announces first speakers for 2026 edition
World-leaders in hospitality and tourism take centre stage at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh, 20-22 April 2026
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia – KSA’s most influential hospitality investment conference and deal-making forum – announces a stellar line up of the first confirmed speakers for the 2026 edition, taking place at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, 20-22 April.
FHS Saudi Arabia brings together Saudi and international owners, developers, operators, brands and investors to accelerate cross-border partnerships and capital flows in hospitality.
The platform spotlights investment opportunities across the full breadth of the Kingdom, working closely with partners like Al Rajhi Capital with a focus on the private sector and opportunities in secondary cities, as well as with the giga projects who have partnered with FHS since its launch in Saudi Arabia over nine years ago.
In addition, the Summit’s investor-led networking, including the Investor Lounge built for curated, private meetings, is designed to turn conversations into mandates, partnerships and transactions.
An esteemed collection of highly respected, experienced and knowledgeable hospitality and tourism leaders will take to the stage at FHS Saudi Arabia 2026, where more than 1,100 global hospitality investors, innovators and decision-makers will gather to shape the future of hospitality in the Kingdom.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Khalid Saud Abuhaimed, Chief Executive Officer, Al Khozama Investments
- Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments
- Jaume Tapies Ibern, Founder & Co-Chairman, Aina Hospitality
- Muin Sherhan, Chief Executive Officer, Asma Hospitality
- Sarmad Zok, Chief Executive Officer, Kingdom Hotels
- Samer Sabra, Chief Hospitality Officer, Jabal Omar Development Company
- Dr. Sultan Altowaim, Head of Research, Al Rajhi Capital
- Tarek Elkady, Vice President Investments, Osoolre
- Mounib Hammoud, Mega Project Consultant, AlNahla Group
- Elie Milky, Chief Development Officer Middle East, Cyprus and Greece, Radisson Hotel Group
- Spencer Coles, Chief Executive Officer, Sommet Education
- David Thomson, Senior Vice President, Development, The First Group Hospitality
- Dr. Aradhana Khowala, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Aptamind
- Anant Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Matter of Form
- Philip Wooller, Senior Director Middle East & Africa, STR
- Kholoud Almanea, Development Manager, Ennismore
- Joe Tabet, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, JT Partners
- Victor Abou-Ghanem, Chief Executive Officer, Story Hospitality
Held under the overarching theme ‘Where Opportunity Meets Capital’, FHS Saudi Arabiawill host dozens of presentations, panel debates and one-on-one interviews across six key content tracks: Investment & Real Estate, Technology & Innovation, Talent & Education, Wellness & Lifestyle, F&B and Experiences and the dedicated Branded Residences Forum.
FHS Saudi Arabia Ambassadors
FHS organiser, The Bench, also proudly names five carefully selected FHS Saudi Arabia Ambassadors for 2026: Rabih Feghali, Board Member, HAMA EMEA; Haifaa Al Zahrani, Head of Hospitality Asset Management & Partnerships, Thakher Development; Fahad Al Fawaz, Board Member and Board Committee Member, Tabuk Investment Co, Jenan Real Estate Co and Gulf Liting Financing Co; seasoned hospitality expert, Turab Saleem and Mohammed Al Nashwan, Chief Executive Officer, Hartt Consulting
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “We are delighted to reveal the first industry leaders on our ever-growing list of speakers and look forward to announcing more high-profile names in the run up to the event. We also thank our 2026 Ambassadors, whose unwavering dedication and support is crucial to the success of the event.
With US$1.6 billion in business opportunities, 1,100 delegates, and 11 high-profile signings and announcements at FHS Saudi Arabia last year, and with Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 drawing near, this is a great opportunity for investors to be part of the country’s transformation. FHS Saudi Arabia is honoured to play a role in forging new connections, facilitating those opportunities and helping to shape the KSA of tomorrow.
For more information about the 2026 edition of the Future Hospitality Summit, please visit https://www.futurehospitality.com/
Learn more about upcoming premier hospitality, investment and branded residences events
About The Bench
The Bench has built a legacy as a global curator of opportunity, designing transformative forums and summits that empower the hospitality and travel industries to connect, innovate, and thrive. With over two decades of expertise, The Bench creates platforms that go beyond transactions to inspire collaboration and drive meaningful change.
Each event brings together government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel associations, leading hospitality brands, hotel owners and investors, airlines, destination developers, and more.
From flagship gatherings like FHS World (formerly AHIC) and FHS Saudi Arabia, to FHS Africa (formerly AHIF) and AviaDev, The Bench creates events where ideas spark, relationships deepen, and investments take flight.
The Bench thrives on fostering dynamic and forward-looking dialogues, uniting industry pioneers to address challenges, seize opportunities, and co-create the future.
Each event is crafted to deliver more than just connections – it’s about transforming ideas into action and building a better tomorrow.
Discover more at thebench.com
About BRESI
BRESI is the world’s first marketplace and news media company dedicated exclusively to the branded residences industry.
Launched in May 2024, BRESI is the premier branded real estate digital destination global hub for high-net-worth buyers, investors, developers, hotel groups, industry professionals and real estate agents.
The platform offers a a global marketplace for off-plan branded developments directly from developers, resales, and long-term rentals through approved agencies. With subscription-based advertising and zero commissions.
The BRESI news and media platform delivers daily updates including, project launches, market trends, exclusive interviews, and press release publications.
