Future Hospitality Summit Podcast

In this episode of the FHS Saudi Arabia podcast, Daria is joined by Mohamad Haj Hassan, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to explore the forces shaping hotel growth in one of the world's most closely watched hospitality markets. The conversation looks at what makes Saudi Arabia such a compelling opportunity for global hotel brands, how Wyndham's franchis...

In this episode, we speak with Dory Mouawad, Director of Operations KSA at Ewaa Hotel Group, about the changing face of Saudi Arabia's hospitality market and the rising importance of budget and mid-scale hotels. With more than 25 years of experience in Middle East hospitality, Dory shares his perspective on what it takes to build a scalable hotel brand in the Kingdom, the operational discipline be...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Anant Sharma, CEO of Matter Of Form, is joined by Muneeb Mushtaq, Chairman of Airzai, to explore the neuroscience of hospitality and the powerful role scent, sound and sensory design play in shaping how people feel, behave and remember a place. The conversation looks at how sensory design is moving from a finishing touch to a strategic part of brand building, he...

In this episode, we speak with Jalil Mekouar, Chief Executive Officer, Elaf Group, about what makes Saudi Arabia's hospitality opportunity unlike any other market in the world today. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, investment, operations, asset management, and technology, the conversation explores Elaf Group's transformation journey, the next phase of S...

In this episode, Muin Sehran, CEO of Amsa Hospitality, shares how the company is helping shape the next chapter of Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector, from building brands that reflect the Kingdom's identity to responding to the growing demand for authentic, locally rooted guest experiences. The conversation explores how Saudi hospitality is evolving beyond traditional hotel development, creating n...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Elie Milky, Vice President of Development Middle East, Cyprus, Greece & Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, shares why Saudi Arabia remains one of the most resilient and compelling hospitality markets in the region. Speaking amid a period of geopolitical turbulence, Elie discusses how Radisson Hotel Group views the current landscape through the lens of opportunity...

In this episode of the FHS podcast, Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer, Rotana Hotels, shares Rotana's expansion strategy in the Kingdom. From expansion into secondary cities to bringing the world to Saudi Arabia with events like the Expo and the World Cup, Saudi Arabia is planning the next chapter of global hospitality, and Rotana is spearheading this transformation.

In this episode, Fouad Awan, Partner & Managing Director, FSK & Partners, discusses the growing importance of ELV systems, building automation, and AI in modern hospitality development, and why these conversations need to happen from the earliest stages of a project. The discussion explores how technology infrastructure directly impacts guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term asset...

In this episode, we explore how global capital is being reshaped across hospitality and real estate, with a particular focus on the growing role of Chinese and Asian investors. From cross-border investment strategies to the development of REIT-style platforms in DIFC and ADGM, the conversation unpacks how firms like F.O.G Capital are working to bridge capital markets and unlock institutional inves...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Ronald Philip, VP - Investment and Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Dubai World Trade Centre, discusses how these districts are driving year-round footfall, creating vibrant community hubs, and unlocking new revenue streams for developers and operators alike. From adaptive space planning to experiential guest offerings, this conversation highlights how...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, we explore Qatar's maturing hospitality market post-World Cup with Wael Al Sharif, Area General Manager at The Torch Hospitality Group, diving into the sector's current sentiment, the transition from event-driven demand to sustained growth amid supply surges, and strategic shifts for managing iconic assets. We discuss Torch's expansion plans in Qatar and the GCC...

In this episode, David Thompson, from The First Group Hospitality, discusses the Kingdom's rapid transformation, evolving investor sentiment, the realities of delivering large-scale hospitality projects, and the opportunities emerging across both major and secondary destinations. The conversation also explores how operators and developers can create sustainable value in an increasingly competitive...

In this episode of FHS Podcast, we talk about the attention economy of hospitality; it's no longer enough to build beautiful spaces. The real challenge is creating moments that capture attention, spark emotion, and stay with people long after they leave. Joining us is Michael Cirino, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of House of Attention, an award-winning creative studio redefining what hospital...

Hospitality has evolved from a cyclical alternative into a stable, institutionalized asset class. In this FHS Podcast, Varun Kapur of Kapur and Partners breaks down where global capital is moving. Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead the Way: High government stability and massive infrastructure investment, such as AlUla, make this the hottest market globally. New freehold rules in Saudi Arabia are further ac...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Elie Milky, Chief Development Officer for the Middle East, Northeast Africa, Cyprus, and Greece at Radisson Hotel Group, talks about his journey with the company and how his role has evolved alongside Radisson's transformation over the years. He shares insights into the group's strategic shift toward more agile and diversified growth across his regions, explaini...

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO of Rotana for an insightful conversation on leadership, strategy, and the future of hospitality. He shares his personal journey through iconic global brands, the values that shape Rotana's culture, and how the company is aligning vision with long-term investment. We explore the trends influencing global hospitality, Rotana's competitive edge across diverse...

This episode brings together Knight Frank's MEA hospitality experts to explore how advisory, valuation, and capital markets teams work as one to guide hotel projects from concept to exit. We discuss investor appetite, emerging opportunities across the Middle East and Africa, and the key factors shaping successful hospitality developments in the region.

In this episode, we explore the dynamic transformation of the Middle East and Africa's hospitality landscape. Industry leaders share insights on new investment opportunities, innovative development models, and the rise of emerging destinations reshaping travel and tourism across the region. From visionary masterplans to evolving guest expectations, this conversation dives into what's driving the n...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with the visionary leader behind Aleph Hospitality to explore the journey of building one of the region's most successful independent hotel management companies. From the inspiration behind Aleph's founding to overcoming early challenges, the conversation delves into how the company has set itself apart from global hotel chains and rapidly expanded across Af...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Marco Rentsch, Partner at PwC Middle East, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of hospitality investment and advisory. He shares insights on emerging market trends, key challenges and opportunities for investors, and how strategic guidance is shaping successful hotel developments across the Middle East and globally. Tune in for expert perspectives on navi...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Dr. Achim Schmitt, Dean of EHL Hospitality Business School, joins us to explore how hospitality education is shaping the future of the industry. We discuss the evolving role of talent, innovation, and sustainability in global hospitality, and examine how visionary programs prepare the next generation of leaders. From emerging trends like AI, experiential travel,...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Daria Smith sits down with Arjan Pit, Managing Director Middle East at UNStudio, to explore how visionary architecture is shaping the future of hospitality and urban development in the region. From leading landmark projects such as Wasl Tower and Expo City Dubai to discussing the balance between creative design and commercial viability, Arjan shares how bold ide...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Eleonora Srugo, real estate broker at Douglas Elliman and star of Netflix's Selling the City , shares her perspective on the rise of branded residences and their global appeal. Drawing on her 16 years in New York's luxury market, she discusses why international investors trust brands, how markets like Dubai and Miami are reshaping the conversation, and the shift...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), joins Daria Smith to discuss how sustainability is becoming a key driver for hospitality investment. They explore the growing importance of GSTC certification for hotels and destinations, the tangible business benefits, and how investors are increasingly factoring in ESG criteria. Randy also sh...

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Jonathan Worsley speaks with Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, to unpack the group's dynamic growth strategy across the Middle East. Eddy shares how Rotana is scaling fast, especially in Saudi Arabia, where 13 hotels are in the pipeline, while maintaining a high-touch, owner-centric approach. The conversation dives into the practical challenges of...