FHS Saudi Arabia is brought to you by The Bench
Our other events:FHS WorldGRIF Saudi ArabiaIDEEAAHIFAviaDevSAHIC

2024 Agenda

  • FHS - tracks covering hospitality investment, industry entrepreneurship, sustainable development and human capital
  • GRIF - tracks covering F&B investment & workshops
  • All times listed are in Saudi Arabia's GMT+3 timezone

Programme is subject to change.

Monday 29 April

09:00 - 09:15
Summit Stage

Global Restaurant Investment Forum - Welcome

GRIF

Jennifer Pettinger-Haines

Co-Founder, Global Restaurant Investment Forum
Partner, THINK Hospitality

09:15 - 09:45
Summit Stage

GRIF Intelligence – Understanding the Saudi Consumer - The New Codes of Luxury

GRIF

Harnessing the hospitality opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Martin Raymond

Co-Founder, The Future Laboratory
Editor-in-Chief, LS:N Global

Christopher Sanderson

Co-Founder
The Future Laboratory

09:45 - 10:15
Summit Stage

New Horizons in Food & Beverage:
Unlocking the Potential in a Transformational Marketplace

GRIF

Chris Sanderson is joined by Together Group Middle East CEO Ada Renedo and an esteemed panel to consider how KSA’s F&B sector continues to develop and address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Christopher Sanderson

Co-Founder
The Future Laboratory

Ada Renedo

Regional CEO, Middle East
Together Group

10:15 - 10:30
Summit Stage

The Changing F&B Landscape and What it means for the Future of Dining in KSA

GRIF

Simon Wright

Founder & Chairman
TGP International

10:30 - 11:00
Summit Stage

Are Saudi Born Concepts are the Future of the F&B market. What does it take to get it right and who is Excelling?

GRIF

Hashim Al-Attas

Chief Executive Officer
Leylaty Group

Simon Wright

Founder & Chairman
TGP International

11:00 - 11:15
Summit Stage

GRIF data report - Using Data to Competition Proof your Business

GRIF

Where you need to invest / getting understanding the crucial elements and costs to get right to ensure success.

Gustavo de Hostos

Founder & Managing Partner
Foresite Creative

11:15 - 11:45

Coffee Break

Networking
11:45 - 12:00
Summit Stage

GRIF Performance Report - How is F&B Performing within Hotels in Saudi?

GRIF

Kathrin Cockhill

Commercial Director
HotStats

12:00 - 12:15
Summit Stage

GRIF Case studies:
Utilising Independent F&B Operators to Revitalise an Asset

GRIF

Where are the opportunities to leverage F&B brands to enhance the footfall, ADR, revenue and the value of your property?

Rizwan Kassim

Founder & CEO
RIKAS Hospitality Group

12:15 - 12:45
Summit Stage

Leveraging Technology to Maximise your Bottom Line

GRIF

Ashish Tulsian

Co-founder & CEO
Restroworks

13:00 - 14:30

Lunch

Networking
14:30 - 17:00
Summit Stage

Welcome to the Intelligence Talks

FHS

Fritz Dickamp

Managing Director
Studio 49

Yanbu Breakout Room

USALI 11th Edition – Tips and Tricks

WorkshopFHS

Giuliano Gasparini

Head of Hospitality Asset Management
WASL / Dubai Real Estate Corporation

GRIF Culinary Tours

Culinary TourGRIF
14:40 - 14:55
Summit Stage

DataTalks:
Global Challenges and Market Resilience - KSA Vision & Government Initiatives

FHS
14:55 - 15:10
Summit Stage

Data Talks:
Setting the Scene for Hotel Performance in Saudi Arabia

FHS

Thomas Emanuel

Senior Director
STR

15:00 - 17:00
Al Omsiat A Breakout Room

Your Path to Red Sea Global:
Exploring Projects and Partnership Opportunities

WorkshopFHS

On Invitation Only

Ben Edwards

Group Head of Cost, Commercial, and Procurement
Red Sea Global

Mohammed Al Fardan

Head of Procurement
Red Sea Global

15:10 - 15:25
Summit Stage

Data Talks:
The Future of Wellness

FHS

Moderator: Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder, Aptamind Partners

Susie Ellis

Chair & CEO
Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit

Aradhana Khowala

CEO & Founder
Aptamind Partners

15:25 - 15:40
Summit Stage

Data Talks:
An Overview of Factors Impacting Hospitality Construction Costs in KSA

FHS

Waleed M. Abualnadi

Commercial Director
Saudi Icon Company

15:40 - 15:55
Summit Stage

Digital Talks:
Leveraging Digital Trends to Enhance Hospitality Operations

FHS

Sarah Gasim

Senior Vice President, Head of Hotels KSA
JLL

15:55 - 16:10
Summit Stage

Digital Talks:
Strategic Potential - Mastering Digital Platforms

FHS

Oli Thomas

Founder
Hatchin

16:10 - 16:25
Summit Stage

Digital Talks:
How AI and Digital can optimise end-to-end procurement

FHS
16:25 - 16:40
Summit Stage

Intelligence Talks:
The Hotel of the Future

FHS

Turab Saleem

Partner ‑ Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory ‑ MENA
Knight Frank

17:00 - 18:00

Speed Networking

NetworkingFHS
18:00 - 20:00

Welcome Reception - Hosted by Al Khozama

Networking

Join us at the opening reception of FHS Saudi Arabia, kindly hosted by our host sponsor Al Khozama, at the luxurious Al Faisaliah Hotel on the evening of April 29th.

Experience a night of elegance and sophistication as you take in the stunning views and opulent ambiance of the hotel, all while indulging in a delectable spread of cuisine and enjoying live music.

Tuesday 30 April

08:45 - 09:10
Summit Stage

Welcome Remarks

FHS

Moderator

Layan Abo Shkier

Women Editor & Research
Forbes Middle East

In conversation with

Jonathan Worsley

Chairman
The Bench

Desdemona (Desi)

Humanoid Robot
Lead Vocalist of the Desdemona Dream Band

09:10 - 09:15
Summit Stage

Official Welcome

FHS

HRH Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid Al Saud

Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation (KFF)
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Al Khozama Investment

09:15 - 09:30
Summit Stage

Unveiling the Future:
Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia's Hospitality Sector in Alignment with Vision 2030

FHS

Mahmoud Abdulhadi

Deputy Minister, Destination Enablement
Ministry Tourism of Saudi Arabia

09:30 - 09:45
Summit Stage

Setting the Scene for New Destination Development in Saudi Arabia

FHS

Thomas Emanuel

Senior Director
STR

09:45 - 10:20
Summit Stage

Investing in Saudi Arabia:
A Blueprint for Successful Market Entry and Investment

FHS

Moderator

Edie Rodriguez

Member of the Board of Directors
Saudi Tourism Authority

In conversation with

Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt

Chief Executive Officer
ASFAR

Haitham Mattar

Special Advisor, UN Tourism
Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Guy Hutchinson

President, Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Hilton

Qusai Al-Fakhri

Chief Executive Officer
Tourism Development Fund

10:20 - 10:50
Summit Stage

Case Study - Private and Public Sector Collaborate to Accelerate Lifestyle Developments and Promote New Destinations #Vision2030

FHS

Moderator

Mohammed Islam

Host & Founder
The Mo Show Podcast Saudi Arabia

In conversation with

Marloes Knippenberg

Chief Executive Officer
Kerten Hospitality

Osama AlOthman

Chief Executive Officer
Aseer Investment Company

Khalid Al Gahtani

Chairman
Rikaz Properties

10:50 - 11:05
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
How the Private Sector is Driving Growth Through Strategic Synergy

FHS

Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi

Chief Executive Officer
Taiba Investments

11:05 - 11:35
Summit Stage

Diversifying the Economy:
Strategies for Attracting Foreign Direct Investment and Achieving Vision 2030 Objectives through Innovative Funding Mechanisms

FHS

Moderator

Amr El Nady

Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA and Managing Director, Global Hotel Desk
JLL

In conversation with

Hossam Al-Basrawi

General Manager Corporate Banking Group
Alrajhi Bank

Coley Brenan

Partner, Head of Europe
KSL Capital Partners

11:35 - 12:15
Summit Stage

Crafting a Diverse Portfolio:
Maximizing Financial Resilience Through Multi-Asset Allocation

FHS

Moderator

Matthew Martin

Saudi Arabia Bureau Chief
Bloomberg LP

In conversation with

Siew Kim Beh

Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging
CapitaLand Investment Limited / The Ascott Limited

Khalid Saud Abu Haimed

Chief Executive Officer
Al Khozama Investment

Ahmed Bin Madhi

Chief Investment Officer
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company

12:15 - 12:30
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
Leveraging the Momentum of Developments in the Kingdom towards Vision 2030 Success

FHS
12:30 - 13:00
Summit Stage

Sustainable Horizons:
Catalyzing Change Through Green Investments

FHS

Moderator

Richard Williamson

Chief Operating Officer
Considerate Group

In conversation with

Glenn Mandziuk

Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim

Chief Executive Officer
Millennium Hotels & Resorts & Lakhraim Group

13:00 - 14:00
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
An All-Inclusive Transformation of an Iconic Brand while Staying True to its Roots

FHS

Moderator

Rana Tabbara

Reporter
CNN Business Arabic

In conversation with

Henri Giscard D’Estaing

President
ClubMed - All-Inclusive beach and mountain Resorts

Lunch

Networking
14:00 - 15:30
Exhibition Stage

Start-Up Den

FHS
Al Omsiat A Breakout Room

Investing in Saudi Arabia:
Round Table Discussions

WorkshopFHS

Abdulrahman AlMalik

Investment Development Executive Director
ASFAR

14:15 - 14:30
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
The Longevity Revolution and what the 100-year Life means for You and the Future of Hospitality

FHS

Aradhana Khowala

CEO & Founder
Aptamind Partners

Future Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
The Future Normal - A People-First AI Strategy

FHS

Henry Coutinho-Mason

Author & Speaker, The Future Normal
Co-founder, 3Space

14:30 - 15:00
Summit Stage

Wellness:
On the Edge of Structural Transformation? Will it be led by the Kingdom?

FHS

Moderator: Susie Ellis, Chair & CEO, Global Wellness Institute

Dr. Hamad Abuhaimed

Chief Executive Officer
Shatha Company

HE Eng. Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Rumaih

Deputy Minister for Planning and Development
Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia

Susie Ellis

Chair & CEO
Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit

Ingo Schweder

Founder & CEO
GOCO Hospitality

Future Stage

Navigating Tomorrow's Hospitality:
The Evolutionary Intersection of AI, IT, and Human Touch for Unparalleled Guest Experiences

FHS

Moderator

Nicolas Nasra

Head of Hotel Advisory, Hospitality & Tourism | MENA Region
Colliers

In conversation with

Henry Coutinho-Mason

Author & Speaker, The Future Normal
Co-founder, 3Space

Janet Adams

Chief Operating Officer
SingularityNET

Tatiana Labaki

Head of Hotels and Tourism Advisory - PSU
Tonomus

15:00 - 15:20
Summit Stage

Travelling for Good:
Revolutionizing Luxury through Regenerative Tourism

FHS

Moderator

Ali Manzoor

Head of Hotels & Tourism
CBRE MENA

In conversation with

Sebastien Carre

Group Head of Hospitality
Red Sea Global

Rosanna Chopra

Executive Director – Destination Development
Red Sea Global

Future Stage

The Power of AI in Hospitality:
Practical Solutions for Investors

FHS

Ahmed Zeeshan

Technical Consultant
HPE Aruba Consulting Systems Engineer

15:20 - 15:35
Future Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
To the Metaverse with Hospitality

FHS

Joe Tabet

Managing Director
JT+Partners

15:30 - 16:00
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
Global Ambitions - Bridging Cultures and Markets

Networking

Oliver Bonke

Chief Executive Officer, H World International
Managing Director, Steigenberger Hotels GmbH

Exhibition Stage

Announcements & Signings

FHS
Yanbu Breakout Room

HAMA WORKSHOP

WorkshopFHS

Amit Nayak, CHA

Vice President
HAMA MEA

15:35 - 16:10
Future Stage

The Future of Hospitality Investments in Branded Residences, Co-Living, and Serviced Apartments in the Kingdom

FHS

Moderator

Scott Antel

Founder & Owner
Scotts FZ LLE

In conversation with

Serena Lim

Chief Growth Officer
The Ascott Limited

Julien Laloye

Director, Mixed-Use Development (EMEA)
Marriott International

Paul Bridger

Chief Operating Officer
Rove Hotels

15:45 - 16:15
Summit Stage

Transforming Palaces:
Embracing Heritage and Showcasing New Luxury

FHS

Moderator

Rana Tabbara

Reporter
CNN Business Arabic

In conversation with

Mark De Cocinis

Chief Executive Officer
Boutique Group

Suma Venkatesh

Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development
The Indian Hotels Company Limited

16:00 - 16:30
Exhibition Stage

Fireside Chat with Desdemona The Robot

FHS

Desdemona (Desi)

Humanoid Robot
Lead Vocalist of the Desdemona Dream Band

Janet Adams

Chief Operating Officer
SingularityNET

16:10 - 16:25
Future Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
Evaluating the Shift to Mid-Market Hotel Development in Saudi Arabia

FHS

Falih Motasim Hajaj

Chief Executive Officer
Tashyid Urban Development

16:15 - 16:25
Summit Stage

Brand Dilemma:
Navigating the Pros and Cons of Launching New Brands – An unbiased Perspective

FHS

Moderator

David Keen

Founder & CEO
QUO

In conversation with

Hala Matar Choufany

President, Middle East, Africa & South Asia
HVS

16:25 - 17:00
Summit Stage

Brand Dilemma:
Navigating the Pros and Cons of Launching New Brands – A Strategic Exploration for Hospitality Decision-Makers

FHS

Moderator

David Keen

Founder & CEO
QUO

In conversation with

Hassan Ahdab

Chief Hospitality Operations Officer
Taiba Investments

Makram El Zyr

Corporate Vice President – Development
Rotana

Marco Franck

Chief Hospitality Officer
Boutique Group

Charbel Boutros

VP Development, Middle East & Africa
IHG Hotels & Resorts

Future Stage

Economic Resurgence:
The rise of Mid-Scale Hotels in Cities across the Kingdom

FHS

JS Anand

Founder & CEO
Leva Hotels

Panos Loupasis

Market Managing Director Türkiye, Middle East & Africa
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Adil Jabrayilov

Development Director MENA
Louvre Hotels Group

Amir Lababedi

Managing Director, Development, Middle East & North Africa
Hilton

16:30 - 17:30
Exhibition Stage

Speaker’s Corner:
From Setbacks to Triumphs

FHS

17:00 - 17:15
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
How Lifestyle Brands are disrupting the Future of Hospitality in the Kingdom

FHS

Moderator

Louis Abboud

CDO & Deputy Head of Middle East, Africa & Turkey
Ennismore

In conversation with

Christoph Hoffmann

CEO and Partner
25hours Hotels

17:15 - 17:55
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
Elevating Hospitality Education in the Kingdom

FHS

Fadi Alaseri

Senior Director - Education
Red Sea Global (RSG)

Future Stage

Splashes of Success:
Saudi Arabia's Thriving Leisure Landscape for the Changing Demographics

FHS

Moderator

Mike Rigby

General Manager & Regional Vice President – Middle East
WhiteWater

In conversation with

Gregory Lanter

Chief Development Officer & CEO Mountain Strategy
ClubMed - All-Inclusive beach and mountain Resorts

Olly Wood

Senior Director – Adventure & Sport
Red Sea Global

Bader Alherbish

Chief Strategy Officer
Tourism Development Fund

17:30 - 17:45
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
Redefining Priorities - Why are our People often an Afterthought when it comes to Accommodation?

FHS

Patrick Smith

Chief Operating Officer
Strive Services Group

17:45 - 18:30
Summit Stage

Shaping the Kingdom's Destiny:
Cultivating Excellence in Hospitality to Shaping Policies and Initiatives that Contribute to Making Hospitality a Great Industry to Work in

FHS

Moderator

Markus Schreyer

Chairman
META Foundation

In conversation with

Luis Nicolás Barrios

Regional Manager - Innovation, Education and Investments
UNWTO

Fawaz Moumina

Country Manager & Senior Director of Operations – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Hilton

Lars Eltvik

Senior Advisor – Education
Red Sea Global

Aseel Hussain Bondagjy

Hotel Talent Development Lead
NEOM

17:55 - 18:25
Future Stage

Exploring New Frontiers:
Pioneering the Future of Entertainment and Beach Clubs in the Kingdom

FHS

Stefan Breg

Managing Partner-Consulting
KEANE: Consult & Create

18:00 - 20:00

Networking Reception at Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel hosted by Radisson Hotel Group

Networking

At Mansard Riyadh, the delegates will experience the exceptional journey of the hotel and grandeur of French-inspired architecture combined with Arabian hospitality as they walk through the hotel's beautiful plaza, lined with Parisian-named buildings.

The reception will offer a variety of international and Arabic dishes, with food carts and beverage bars set up as street vendors. The live food stations will be styled as food carts or storefronts with a variety of offerings from the hotel's three international hotspots; Sadelle's, L'ami Dave and Carbone. Waiters will offer tray-passed welcome drinks, dates, and Saudi coffee upon arrival.

Wednesday 01 May

09:00 - 09:30
Summit Stage

Creating and Reinventing Destinations:
From Conception to Cultivation

FHS

Moderator

Edie Rodriguez

Member of the Board of Directors
Saudi Tourism Authority

In conversation with

Ana Lobo Martins

Director, Interior Design
ARC International Design Consultants

Mario Ferraro

CEO
Smeralda Holding Group

Future Stage

Embracing Nature:
Gateway to Next-Gen Hospitality Investments

FHS
09:30 - 10:00
Summit Stage

Yanbu Unveiled:
Turning Saudi Towns into Exciting Destinations

FHS

Moderator

Edie Rodriguez

Member of the Board of Directors
Saudi Tourism Authority

In conversation with

Abdulrahman Albassam

Board Member
Baheej Tourism Development Company

Future Stage

How the changing City Dynamic influences Hospitality Offerings and the Consumer

FHS
Al Omsiat A Breakout Room

The Next Generation:
How do we get Education & Training right, right from the start?

WorkshopFHS

Invitation Only

Lars Eltvik

Senior Advisor – Education
Red Sea Global

10:00 - 11:30
Summit Stage

10x Leadership Talks:
Embracing Holistic Living

FHS
Future Stage

Domestic Tourism in Secondary Cities:
How Major Hotel Operators can Help to Unlock New Opportunities?

FHS

Tariq Yousef Dowidar

Vice President Saudi Arabia
Aleph Hospitality

Maher Abou Nasr

Vice President Operations Saudi Arabia
IHG Hotels & Resorts

Elie Milky

Vice President Development
Radisson Hotel Group

Exhibition Stage

Destination Tomorrow

FHS

10:15 - 10:45
Summit Stage

Navigating Regulatory Shifts:
Legal Dynamics Reshaping Hospitality Real Estate in the Region and their Impact on Tourism Offerings

FHS

Elie Milky

Vice President Development
Radisson Hotel Group

10:30 - 11:00
Al Omsiat A Breakout Room

Beyond the Hype - A Practical Insight into AI and the Future of Business

WorkshopFHS

Ali Shahid

Marketing Director
The Bench

Coffee Break

Networking
10:40 - 10:55
Future Stage

Emergence of Third-Party Operators in Saudi Arabia's Dynamic Market and The Prospects for Growth in Saudi Arabia?

FHS

Tapan Piplani

Chief Operating Officer
Valor Hospitality Partners- Middle East & CIS

10:45 - 11:20
Summit Stage

The Key to Successful Hospitality Project Development in Saudi Arabia

FHS

Moderator

Turab Saleem

Partner ‑ Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory ‑ MENA
Knight Frank

In conversation with

Abdullah Azhari

Chief Executive Officer
Saudi Icon Company

Ramine Behnam

Vice President Development - EMEA
Minor Hotels

Hitesh Gandhi

Senior Director Development – KSA and Kuwait
Marriott International

Dr. Adel Ezzat

Chief Executive Officer
Elaf Group

10:55 - 11:30
Future Stage

Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future:
Women in Tourism & Hospitality Leadership

FHS

Moderator

Layan Abo Shkier

Women Editor & Research
Forbes Middle East

In conversation with

Shaikha Al Nowais

Corporate Vice President - Owner Relationship Management
Rotana

11:30 - 12:00
Future Stage

Why Gen Z are turning to Sustainable Businesses as their Future Employer

FHS

Exhibition Stage

FHS Announcements & Signings

FHS
11:35 - 11:45
Summit Stage

FHS Awards - Winner Announcement

FHS

Jonathan Worsley

Chairman
The Bench

11:45 - 12:20
Summit Stage

Building Tomorrow:
The Impact of Sustainable Construction on Evolving Demand Trends

FHS

Moderator

Hiba Araji

Regional Design & Project Development Manager - Middle East & CIS
Valor Hospitality Partners

In conversation with

Nicholas Clark

Program Director
Compass Project Consulting

Waleed M. Abualnadi

Commercial Director
Saudi Icon Company

Iyad Tammas

International Business Development Director
DAR Engineering

12:20 - 13:00
Summit Stage

ENSURING THE LONG-TERM VIABILITY OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM

FHS

Moderator

Bilal Ambikapathy

Founding Partner
Wisefields

In conversation with

Shaji Abu Salih

Vice President - Business Development & Growth
Shaza Hotels

Khalid Al-Amoudi

Chief Executive Officer
Jabal Omar Development Company

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

Networking
14:00 - 18:00

Site Tours

Experiences

The conference may have ended but you can continue networking by choosing from the following tours:

1. Diriyah Visit: At Turaif District & Bujairi Terrace

2. The Saudi National Museum, Al Masmak Palace (outside visit only) & Souk Al-Zal

*Registrations for these tours will be live soon.