The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
ABU DHABI / WAM
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) and 19th edition of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) is gearing up to check in to Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island for three days of discussion, debate and dealmaking at the region’s leading tourism and hospitality summit, taking place from September 25-27.
As the Middle East and Africa’s hospitality industry continues its exponential growth and expansion, more than 1,000 industry leaders will gather to discuss the sector’s hottest topics, including investment opportunities, Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), pioneering new ventures and artificial intelligence, all under the theme, ‘Focus on Investment’.
Organised by The Bench and supported by host sponsors Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Miral, and Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, FHS features everything from seminars to site visits and events to entrepreneurship, with more than 100 speakers across three conference tracks, networking receptions, awards ceremonies, business start-ups, site visits to world-class attractions, and fitness and wellness sessions.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “After a hugely successful FHS Saudi Arabia where we deliberated – and celebrated – KSA’s hospitality investment landscape, we’re moving to Abu Dhabi, where the focus will shift to a broader range of topics that affect all aspects of the industry across the region. Key subjects in September include the influence of ESG on the industry, the impact of the prevailing geopolitical landscape on investment prospects and the integration of technology in the hospitality sector, all illustrated by real-world examples and successful case studies from the UAE.
“FHS Abu Dhabi will unite hundreds of top-flight government and industry leaders, investors, owners developers from the Middle East and Africa. We look forward to welcoming back a wealth of familiar faces – and delegates attending this highly influential industry platform for the first time – to celebrate this ever-growing sector, identify key factors affecting the industry, and discuss the seemingly endless, opportunities for growth.”
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director, Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, said: “Bringing the Future Hospitality Summit to Yas Island serves as a powerful testament to Miral’s ongoing efforts in expanding and developing the island, all while establishing Abu Dhabi as the premier global destination for both business and leisure. We eagerly anticipate the Summit’s action-packed agenda, which will delve into the pivotal trends shaping the future of the hospitality industry. As industry leaders gather, we invite them to immerse themselves in the world-class assets and unparalleled experiences that Yas Island proudly provides. It is an exceptional opportunity to witness first-hand the remarkable offerings and extraordinary potential that make Yas Island a true gem in the realm of hospitality and leisure.”
After an official opening by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Miral, the FHS agenda kicks into action, with leaders from some of the world’s top hospitality brands taking to the stage to discuss the current – and future – state of the region’s hospitality sector.
The event begins on September 25 with a morning session dedicated to the food and beverage investment scene from the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) with a focus on hotel F&B, followed by an F&B Concept Tour at Yas Bay Waterfront hosted by Miral.
Technology will once again be at the forefront of the FHS 2023 programme with leaders discussing the future of the hospitality and travel tech stack. FHS will also feature special sessions highlighting investment opportunities outside of the Middle East, including India and Africa.
Once again, FHS will act as a springboard for entrepreneurship with the Start-Up Den, where new ventures built on innovative, sustainable business models pitch their ideas to a senior panel of judges. FHS will also feature the finals of the 2023 Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, a global competition for students to turn their ideas for innovation and sustainability into a reality, taking on the summit main stage.