Register Now
29 April - 01 May 2024
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
2024 Agenda
- FHS - tracks covering hospitality investment, industry entrepreneurship, sustainable development and human capital
- Restaurant Invest (GRIF) - tracks covering F&B investment & workshops
- Floor Plan
- All times listed are in Saudi Arabia's GMT+3 timezone
Programme is subject to change.
Monday 29 April
08:00 - 12:30 4 hours 30 minutes
Registration
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
09:00 - 09:10 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Global Restaurant Investment Forum - Welcome
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines
Co-Founder, Global Restaurant Investment Forum
Partner, THINK Hospitality
09:10 - 09:40 30 minutes
Summit Stage
GRIF Intelligence - Understanding the Saudi Consumer - The New Codes of Luxury:
Harnessing hospitality opportunities in Saudi Arabia
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Martin Raymond
Co-Founder, The Future Laboratory
Editor-in-Chief, LS:N Global
Christopher Sanderson
Co-Founder
The Future Laboratory
09:40 - 10:10 30 minutes
Summit Stage
New Horizons in Food & Beverage:
Unlocking the Potential in a Transformational Marketplace
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Moderator: Christopher Sanderson, Co-founder, The Future Laboratory
Christopher Sanderson
Co-Founder
The Future Laboratory
Hicham Hassouni
Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer
Boutique Group
Mohammed Jawa
Founder & Chairman
MJS Holding
Ada Renedo
Regional CEO, Middle East
Together Group
10:10 - 10:50 40 minutes
Summit Stage
The Changing F&B Landscape and What it Means for the Future of Dining & Spaces in KSA
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Moderator
Simon Wright
Founder & Chairman
TGP International
In conversation with
Talar Keshishian
Senior Manager Leasing – Retail Development
Red Sea Global
Madan Manjeshwar
Director of Finance
AlMoajil Hospitality
Vikram Natarajan
Chief Executive Officer
Kayanee
10:50 - 11:05 15 minutes
Summit Stage
GRIF Data Report - Using Data to Competition Proof your Business and Invest in the Right Places
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Gustavo de Hostos
Founder & Managing Partner
Forsite Creative
11:05 - 11:20 15 minutes
Summit Stage
how do you drive dining out in the Saudi market – what needs to happen to activate the local guest?
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Sinan Al Saady
Founder & CEO
Cool Inc.
11:20 - 11:40 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Unlocking the culinary potential of Saudi’s secondary and tertiary cities - helping Saudis discover Saudi through the power of culture and food
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Moderator
Jana Bader
Advisor
The Bench
In conversation with
Nawal AlKhalawi
Founder & CEO
Asfar Experience
11:30 - 13:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Yanbu Breakout Room
USALI 11th Edition – Tips and Tricks
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Giuliano Gasparini
Head of Hospitality Asset Management
WASL / Dubai Real Estate Corporation
11:40 - 12:05 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Coffee Break
FHS SessionsNetworkingRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
12:00 - 13:00 1 hour
Innovation Stage
Speed Networking
FHS SessionsNetworking
12:05 - 12:30 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Digital Evolution in F&B and Hospitality:
Leveraging Influencer and Gaming Trends for the Next Five Years
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Georgie Woollams, Founder and Managing Director, Katch International in conversation with Saudi social media personalities
Georgie Woollams
Founder & Managing Director
Katch International
12:30 - 12:45 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Case study:
Moving From Restaurants to Global Media Powerhouse learning from The José Andrés Group’s transformation
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Moderator
Sam Bakhshandehpour
President & Board Member
José Andrés Group (JAG)
In conversation with
Ada Renedo
Regional CEO, Middle East
Together Group
12:45 - 13:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Leveraging Technology to Maximise your Bottom Line
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Moderator
Ashish Tulsian
Co-founder & CEO
Restroworks
In conversation with
Mateo Ramos
Chief Executive Officer
Foodvest Holding WLL
13:00 - 15:00 2 hours
Yanbu Breakout Room
Your Path to Red Sea Global:
Exploring Projects and Partnership Opportunities
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
On Invitation Only
Ben Edwards
Group Head of Cost, Commercial, and Procurement
Red Sea Global
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Lunch
FHS SessionsNetworkingRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
13:30 - 13:35 5 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome to the Data Talks
FHS SessionsTalks
Data Talks are focused on providing a snapshot of key hospitality data trends as they relate to the hospitality sector and understanding the fundamentals underpinning the market and future trends. The Talks allows each speaker 10 minutes presentation followed by Q&A.
Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
13:35 - 13:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Data Talks:
Global Challenges and Market Resilience - KSA Vision & Government Initiatives
FHS SessionsTalksInvestment & Development
Dr. Martin Berlin
Partner & Global Deals Real Estate Leader
PwC Middle East
13:50 - 14:05 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Data Talks:
The Future of Wellness - New Data on Wellness Travel
FHS SessionsTalksWellness
Moderator: Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder, Aptamind Partners
Susie Ellis
Chair & CEO
Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit
Aradhana Khowala
CEO & Founder
Aptamind Partners
14:05 - 14:20 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Data Talks:
Food & Drink
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Rohit Sachdev
Chief Executive Officer
Soho Hospitality
14:20 - 14:35 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Data Talks:
An Overview of Factors Impacting Hospitality Construction Costs in KSA
FHS SessionsTalksInvestment & Development
Waleed M. Abualnadi
Commercial Director
Saudi Icon Company
14:35 - 14:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Data Talks:
What is on the horizon for ESG Data and Benchmarking?
FHS SessionsTalksESG & Human Capital
Glenn Mandziuk
Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
14:50 - 15:00 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Coffee Break
FHS SessionsNetworking
15:00 - 15:15 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome Remarks
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
Layan Abo Shkier
Women Editor & Research
Forbes Middle East
15:15 - 15:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Official Welcome
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
HRH Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid Al Saud
Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation (KFF)
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Al Khozama Investment
15:30 - 15:45 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Unveiling the Future:
Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia's Hospitality Sector in Alignment with Vision 2030
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Mahmoud Abdulhadi
Deputy Minister, Destination Enablement
Ministry Tourism of Saudi Arabia
15:30 - 16:30 1 hour
Exhibition Stage
Announcements & Signings
FHS Sessions
15:45 - 16:00 15 minutes
Summit Stage
The Power of Tourism - Saudi Arabia's Global Standing in Perspective
FHS SessionsBrand & Destination
Moderator
Reina Takla
Business Editor
Arab News
In conversation with
HE Gloria Guevara Manzo
Chief Special Advisor
Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia
16:00 - 16:20 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Setting the Scene for Hotel Performance and Development in Saudi Arabia
FHS SessionsTalksInvestment & Development
Thomas Emanuel
Senior Director
STR
16:20 - 17:00 40 minutes
Summit Stage
Investing in Saudi Arabia:
A Blueprint for Successful Market Entry and Investment
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Edie Rodriguez
Member of the Board of Directors
Saudi Tourism Authority
In conversation with
Qusai Al-Fakhri
Chief Executive Officer
Tourism Development Fund
Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt
Chief Executive Officer
ASFAR
Guy Hutchinson
President, Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Hilton
Haitham Mattar
Special Advisor, UNWTO
Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts
17:00 - 17:15 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
How the Private Sector is driving Growth Through Strategic Synergy
FHS SessionsTalksInvestment & Development
Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi
Chief Executive Officer
Taiba Investments
17:15 - 18:00 45 minutes
Summit Stage
Case Study - Private and Public Sector Collaborate to Accelerate Lifestyle Developments and Promote New Destinations #Vision2030
FHS SessionsBrand & DestinationInvestment & Development
Moderator
Mohammed Islam
Host & Founder
The Mo Show Podcast Saudi Arabia
In conversation with
Khalid Al Gahtani
Chairman
Rikaz Properties
Osama AlOthman
Chief Executive Officer
Aseer Investment Company
Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer
Kerten Hospitality
18:30 - 20:30 2 hours
Welcome Reception on the Green by Maiz
FHS SessionsNetworking
Hosted by Al Khozama at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh
Tuesday 30 April
09:00 - 09:05 5 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome to the Digital Talks
FHS SessionsTalksTech & Innovation
Digital Talks are focused on providing a snapshot of key hospitality digital trends as they relate to the hospitality sector and understanding the fundamentals underpinning the market and future trends. The Talks allows each speaker 10 minutes presentation followed by Q&A.
Fritz Dickamp
Managing Director
Studio 49
09:00 - 09:15 15 minutes
Innovation Stage
GRIF Performance Report - How is F&B Performing within Hotels in Saudi?
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Kathrin Cockhill
Commercial Director
HotStats
09:05 - 09:20 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Digital Talks:
Leveraging Digital Trends to Enhance Hospitality Investment and Operations
FHS SessionsTalksTech & Innovation
Sarah Gasim
Senior Vice President, Head of Hotels KSA
JLL
09:15 - 09:45 30 minutes
Innovation Stage
Utilising Independent F&B Operators to Revitalise a Hotel Asset
FHS SessionsRestaurant Invest (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
Lynne Bellinger
Director of Food & Beverage Design & Development
Marriott International EAME
09:20 - 09:35 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Digital Talks:
Strategic Potential - Mastering Digital Platforms
FHS SessionsTalksTech & Innovation
Oli Thomas
Founder
Hatchin
09:35 - 09:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Digital Talks:
How AI and Digital can optimise end-to-end procurement
FHS SessionsTalksTech & Innovation
Ankur Agrawal
CEO & Founder
Inhabitr
09:45 - 10:00 15 minutes
Innovation Stage
Four Levers of Revenue Optimisation for Restaurants and Hotel F&B, with Practical Advice on Maximising Sales and Profitability
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
James Hacon
Founding Partner
Think Hospitality
09:50 - 10:05 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Digital Talks:
The Hotel of the Future
FHS SessionsTalksTech & Innovation
Turab Saleem
Partner ‑ Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory ‑ MENA
Knight Frank
10:00 - 11:45 1 hour 45 minutes
Exhibition Stage
Announcements & Signings
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
10:00 - 10:20 20 minutes
Innovation Stage
Case Study:
Continuing the Conversation - Real Facts, Figures and Take Aways that Prove Sustainability can be a Commercial Success
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Emma Banks
VP, F&B Strategy and Development EMEA
Hilton
10:05 - 10:30 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Coffee Break
FHS SessionsNetworking
10:30 - 10:45 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome Remarks
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
Desdemona (Desi)
Humanoid Robot
Lead Vocalist of the Desdemona Dream Band
Layan Abo Shkier
Women Editor & Research
Forbes Middle East
10:30 - 11:00 30 minutes
Yanbu Breakout Room
How to Navigate the Path to Hotel Brand Search and Selection in Holy Cities
FHS Sessions
Mubarak Alsufayan
Hospitality Business Development Manager
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company
10:45 - 11:05 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Diversifying the Economy:
Strategies for Attracting Foreign Direct Investment and Achieving Vision 2030 Objectives through Innovative Funding Mechanisms
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
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
11:05 - 11:35 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Crafting a Diverse Portfolio:
Maximizing Financial Resilience Through Multi-Asset Allocation
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Edie Rodriguez
Member of the Board of Directors
Saudi Tourism Authority
In conversation with
Khalid Saud Abu Haimed
Chief Executive Officer
Al Khozama Investment
Siew Kim Beh
Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging
CapitaLand Investment Limited / The Ascott Limited
Ahmed Bin Madhi
Chief Investment Officer
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company
11:30 - 11:55 25 minutes
Innovation Stage
Attracting and Retaining the Best Talent in F&B - What do you Need to Consider When Building and Managing your Team in Saudi
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Greg Wright
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Food People
11:35 - 11:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
Leveraging the Momentum of Developments in the Kingdom towards Vision 2030 Success
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Nicolas Mayer
Industry Leader Hospitality and Tourism EMEA; Managing Partner Global Center of Excellence Tourism & Hospitality
PwC
In conversation with
Jean-Jacques Morin
Group Deputy CEO and Premium, Midscale & Economy Division CEO
Accor
11:50 - 12:20 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Yanbu Unveiled:
Turning Saudi Towns into Exciting Destinations
FHS SessionsBrand & Destination
Moderator
Edie Rodriguez
Member of the Board of Directors
Saudi Tourism Authority
In conversation with
Abdulaziz Al-Shanqiti
Director General, Investment Development
Royal Commission of Yanbu
Abdulrahman Albassam
Board Member
Baheej
Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt
Chief Executive Officer
ASFAR
Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer
Kerten Hospitality
11:55 - 12:10 15 minutes
Innovation Stage
Founder Chat:
GRIF Case study "V Modern Italian”
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Benjamin Calleja
Founder
Livit Design & Fast Fine Restaurant Group
12:10 - 12:25 15 minutes
Innovation Stage
Founder Chat:
In conversation with Ashish Tulsian, Co-Founder & CEO of Restoworks on understanding how to leverage AI & Power of data for your restaurant business
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Ashish Tulsian
Co-founder & CEO
Restroworks
12:20 - 12:45 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Sustainable Horizons:
Catalyzing Change Through Green Investments
FHS SessionsESG & Human CapitalInvestment & Development
Moderator
Richard Williamson
Chief Operating Officer
Considerate Group
In conversation with
Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim
Chief Executive Officer
Millennium Hotels & Resorts & Lakhraim Group
Glenn Mandziuk
Chief Executive Officer
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
12:25 - 12:35 10 minutes
Innovation Stage
Bringing Riyadh’s culinary heritage back to life
FHS SessionsTalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Da Pino was Riyadh’s first Italian restaurant and the stepping stone to where Riyadh’s dining scene is today. Why is Al Khozama bringing it back now?
Cladys Magagna
Corporate Director of Food & Beverage
Al Khozama Investment Company
12:45 - 13:00 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
An All-Inclusive Transformation of an Iconic Brand while Staying True to its Roots
FHS SessionsBrand & DestinationTalks
Moderator
Rana Tabbara
Reporter
CNN Business Arabic
In conversation with
Henri Giscard D’Estaing
President
ClubMed - All-Inclusive beach and mountain Resorts
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Lunch
FHS SessionsNetworking
13:30 - 14:00 30 minutes
Innovation Stage
The future of investment into Saudi F&B – what are the emerging vehicles and opportunities to bring investment into the market?
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Layla Abuzaid
Chief Executive Officer
WK Holding
Uday Mukundan
Chief Executive Officer
The Food District Company
Henrik Winther
Founder
Tigrus Holding
14:00 - 14:15 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
The Longevity Revolution and what the 100-year Life means for You and the Future of Hospitality
FHS SessionsTalksESG & Human Capital
Aradhana Khowala
CEO & Founder
Aptamind Partners
14:00 - 14:05 5 minutes
Future Stage
Welcome Remarks
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
Marina Franolic
Head of Investor Relations
The Bench
14:00 - 14:30 30 minutes
Innovation Stage
Saudi born concepts are the future of the F&B market - What does it take to get it right and who is excelling?
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Hashim Al-Attas
Chief Executive Officer, Leylaty Group
Co-Founder, Kuruu
14:05 - 14:20 15 minutes
Future Stage
Tenx Leadership Talks:
The Future Normal - A People-First AI Strategy
FHS SessionsTalksTech & Innovation
Henry Coutinho-Mason
Author & Speaker, The Future Normal
Co-founder, 3Space
14:15 - 14:45 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Wellness:
On the Edge of Structural Transformation? Will it be led by the Kingdom?
FHS SessionsWellness
Moderator: Susie Ellis, Chair & CEO, Global Wellness Institute
Dr. Khalid Alshaibani
Chief Executive Officer
Health Sector Transformation Program
Dr. Hamad Abuhaimed
Chief Executive Officer
Shatha Company
Susie Ellis
Chair & CEO
Global Wellness Institute and Global Wellness Summit
Ingo Schweder
Founder & CEO
GOCO Hospitality
14:15 - 15:45 1 hour 30 minutes
Exhibition Stage
Start-Up Den
FHS SessionsStartup Den
Maya Ayoub
Founder & CEO
District Twelve
Nouf Alharthi
Manager of Business Development
TDF Grow
Salma Arafa
Senior Innovation Specialist
UN Tourism
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
14:20 - 14:50 30 minutes
Future Stage
Navigating Tomorrow's Hospitality:
The Evolutionary Intersection of AI, IT, and Human Touch for Unparalleled Guest Experiences
FHS SessionsTech & Innovation
Moderator
Nicolas Nasra
Head of Hotel Advisory, Hospitality & Tourism | MENA Region
Colliers
In conversation with
Janet Adams
Chief Operating Officer
SingularityNET
Henry Coutinho-Mason
Author & Speaker, The Future Normal
Co-founder, 3Space
Tatiana Labaki
Head of Hotels and Tourism Advisory - PSU
Tonomus
14:30 - 14:50 20 minutes
Innovation Stage
Partnerships that work - Leveraging Saudi expertise for global growth
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Faisal Shaker
Co Founder, Board Member & CEO
Modern Food Company (MFC) & Modern Elite Company
Marcello Distefano
Chief Executive Officer
San Carlo Restaurant Group
14:45 - 15:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Travelling for Good:
Innovations in Luxury Travel for Responsible Tourism Development
FHS SessionsESG & Human Capital
Moderator
Ali Manzoor
Head of Hotels & Tourism
CBRE MENA
In conversation with
Stephen Ansell
Managing Director – Middle East and Africa
Hyatt
Sebastien Carre
Group Head of Hospitality
Red Sea Global
Maria Pichon
Director Brand Development
NEOM Hotel Division
Agnès Roquefort
Chief Development Officer, Luxury & Lifestyle
Accor
14:50 - 15:10 20 minutes
Future Stage
The Power of AI in Hospitality:
Practical Solutions for Investors
FHS SessionsTech & Innovation
Moderator
Nicolas Nasra
Head of Hotel Advisory, Hospitality & Tourism | MENA Region
Colliers
In conversation with
Ankur Agrawal
CEO & Founder
Inhabitr
Ahmed Zeeshan
Technical Consultant
HPE Aruba Consulting Systems Engineer
14:50 - 15:10 20 minutes
Innovation Stage
The Importance of F&B Master Planning for Building the Future Communities of KSA
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Nichola Beskine-Taylor
Partner
TGP International
Panchali Mahendra
Chief Executive Officer
Atelier House Hospitality (AHH)
Andrew Williamson
Senior Director - Retail Development
Red Sea Global
15:00 - 16:00 1 hour
Yanbu Breakout Room
HAMA WORKSHOP
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President
HAMA MEA
15:10 - 15:25 15 minutes
Future Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
To the Metaverse with Hospitality
FHS SessionsTalksTech & Innovation
Moderator
Markus Schreyer
Chairman
META Foundation
In conversation with
Joe Tabet
Managing Director
JT+Partners
15:10 - 15:30 20 minutes
Innovation Stage
Lessons learned from tough times – opening in challenging markets and what tactics you can employ to overcome the hurdles
TalksRestaurant Invest (GRIF)
Kurt Zdesar
Founder & Owner
Chotto Matte
15:15 - 15:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
Global Ambitions - Bridging Cultures and Markets
FHS SessionsTalksCulture & Heritage
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
Oliver Bonke
Chief Executive Officer, H World International
Managing Director, Steigenberger Hotels GmbH
15:25 - 16:05 40 minutes
Future Stage
The Future of Hospitality Investments in Branded Residences, Co-Living, and Serviced Apartments in the Kingdom
FHS SessionsBrand & DestinationInvestment & Development
Moderator
Scott Antel
Founder & Owner
Scotts FZ LLE
In conversation with
Paul Bridger
Chief Operating Officer
Rove Hotels
Julien Laloye
Director, Mixed-Use Development (EMEA)
Marriott International
Serena Lim
Chief Growth Officer
The Ascott Limited
Daniel Von Barloewen
Regional Vice President, Accor One Living
Head of Mixed-Use (EMEA), ACCOR
15:30 - 16:00 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Transforming Palaces:
Embracing Heritage and Showcasing New Luxury
FHS SessionsCulture & Heritage
Moderator
Rana Tabbara
Reporter
CNN Business Arabic
In conversation with
Rahul Chaudhry
Managing Director & CEO
CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Holdings
Mark De Cocinis
Chief Executive Officer
Boutique Group
Suma Venkatesh
Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development
The Indian Hotels Company Limited
15:30 - 15:45 15 minutes
Innovation Stage
What lessons can be learnt from other fast Growing markets around the world?
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Moderator
Ben Baseley-Walker
Founder & Managing Partner
Andart Global
In conversation with
Dominique Backhouse
Founder & Managing Director - Hong Kong & Singapore
Companion Communications
15:45 - 16:30 45 minutes
Exhibition Stage
Announcements & Signings
FHS Sessions
16:00 - 16:25 25 minutes
Summit Stage
How Lifestyle Hotel and F&B Brands are Disrupting the Future of Hospitality in the Kingdom
FHS SessionsBrand & DestinationTalks
Moderator
Louis Abboud
CDO & Deputy Head of Middle East, Africa & Turkey
Ennismore
In conversation with
Christoph Hoffmann
Founder
25hours Hotels
Rizwan Kassim
Founder & CEO
RIKAS Hospitality Group
16:05 - 16:20 15 minutes
Future Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
Evaluating the Shift to Mid-Market Hotel Development in Saudi Arabia
FHS SessionsBrand & DestinationTalks
Moderator
Anton Bawab
Independent Hospitality Advisor
In conversation with
Falih Motasim Hajaj
Chief Executive Officer
Tashyid Urban Development
16:20 - 17:00 40 minutes
Future Stage
Economic Resurgence:
The rise of Mid-Scale Hotels in Cities across the Kingdom
FHS SessionsBrand & Destination
Moderator
Anton Bawab
Independent Hospitality Advisor
In conversation with
JS Anand
Founder & CEO
Leva Hotels
Adil Jabrayilov
Development Director MENA
Louvre Hotels Group
Amir Lababedi
Managing Director, Development, Middle East & North Africa
Hilton
Panos Loupasis
Market Managing Director Türkiye, Middle East & Africa
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
16:25 - 16:40 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Brand Dilemma:
Navigating the Pros and Cons of Launching New Brands – An unbiased Perspective
FHS SessionsBrand & Destination
Moderator
Catherine Edwards
Chief Strategy Officer
QUO
In conversation with
Hala Matar Choufany
President, Middle East, Africa & South Asia
HVS
16:30 - 17:00 30 minutes
Exhibition Stage
Fireside Chat with Desdemona The Robot
FHS SessionsTech & Innovation
Facilitator: Ali Shahid, Marketing Director, the bench
Desdemona (Desi)
Humanoid Robot
Lead Vocalist of the Desdemona Dream Band
Janet Adams
Chief Operating Officer
SingularityNET
Ali Shahid
Marketing Director, The Bench
Generative AI Evangelist
16:30 - 18:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Yanbu Breakout Room
Investing in Saudi Arabia:
Round Table Discussions
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Abdulrahman AlMalik
Investment Development Executive Director
ASFAR
16:40 - 17:20 40 minutes
Summit Stage
Brand Dilemma:
Navigating the Pros and Cons of Launching New Brands – A Strategic Exploration for Hospitality Decision-Makers
FHS SessionsBrand & Destination
Moderator
David Keen
Founder & CEO
QUO
In conversation with
Charbel Boutros
VP Development, Middle East & Africa
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Marco Franck
Chief Hospitality Officer
Boutique Group
Makram El Zyr
Corporate Vice President – Development
Rotana
17:00 - 17:40 40 minutes
Future Stage
Splashes of Success:
Saudi Arabia's Thriving Leisure Landscape for the Changing Demographics
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Mike Rigby
General Manager & Regional Vice President – Middle East
WhiteWater
In conversation with
Badr Alherbish
Chief Strategy Officer
Tourism Development Fund
Martin Boudreau
President and Executive Producer - Parks & Hospitality
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
Gregory Lanter
Chief Development Officer & CEO Mountain Strategy
ClubMed - All-Inclusive beach and mountain Resorts
Olly Wood
Senior Director – Adventure & Sport
Red Sea Global
17:00 - 18:00 1 hour
Exhibition Stage
Speaker’s Corner:
From Setbacks to Triumphs
FHS Sessions
17:20 - 17:35 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
Elevating Hospitality Education in the Kingdom
FHS SessionsTalksESG & Human Capital
Fadi Alaseri
Senior Director - Education
Red Sea Global (RSG)
17:35 - 17:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
Redefining Priorities - Why are our People often an Afterthought when it comes to Accommodation?
FHS SessionsTalksESG & Human Capital
Patrick Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Strive Services Group
17:40 - 18:15 35 minutes
Future Stage
Exploring New Frontiers:
Pioneering the Future of Entertainment and Beach Clubs in the Kingdom
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Stefan Breg
Managing Partner-Consulting
KEANE: Consult & Create
In conversation with
Stefano Lopez
Tourism Projects Director
Baheej
Ian Palmer
Executive Director - Venues
MDLBEAST
17:50 - 18:30 40 minutes
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 SessionsESG & Human Capital
Moderator
Markus Schreyer
Chairman
META Foundation
In conversation with
Abdulhalim Awlia
Regional Operations Specialist
NEOM Hotel Development
Luis Nicolás Barrios
Regional Manager - Innovation, Education and Investments
UN Tourism
Lars Eltvik
Senior Advisor – Education
Red Sea Global
Fawaz Moumina
Country Manager & Senior Director of Operations – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Hilton
19:00 - 21:00 2 hours
Evening Networking Reception
FHS SessionsNetworking
Hosted by Radisson Hotel Group at Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel
Wednesday 01 May
07:00 - 08:00 1 hour
Yoga at the Top of the Tower
Networking
Taking place at the Top of the Al Faisaliah Tower in The Globe.
09:00 - 09:30 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Creating and Reinventing Destinations:
From Conception to Cultivation
FHS SessionsBrand & Destination
Moderator
Jules Ugo
Chief Executive Officer
Lotus
In conversation with
Abdulrahman Abaalkhail
Chief Executive Officer
Dan Company
Mario Ferraro
CEO
Smeralda Holding Group
Ana Lobo Martins
Director, Interior Design
ARC International Design Consultants
09:30 - 10:10 40 minutes
Summit Stage
Domestic Tourism in Secondary Cities:
How Major Hotel Groups can help to Unlock New Opportunities?
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Aboudi Asali
Executive Vice President, Head of Hotels Advisory MENA, JLL
JLL
In conversation with
Maher Abou Nasr
Vice President Operations Saudi Arabia
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Carlos Khneisser
Vice President Development Middle East & Africa
Hilton
Elie Milky
Vice President Development
Radisson Hotel Group
Tariq Yousef Dowidar
Vice President Saudi Arabia
Aleph Hospitality
09:30 - 09:35 5 minutes
Future Stage
Welcome Remarks
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
Daria Smith
Portfolio Director
The Bench
09:30 - 10:30 1 hour
Yanbu Breakout Room
The Next Generation:
How do we get Education & Training right, right from the start?
FHS SessionsESG & Human Capital
Invitation Only
Lars Eltvik
Senior Advisor – Education
Red Sea Global
09:35 - 10:00 25 minutes
Future Stage
Navigating Regulatory Shifts:
Legal Dynamics Reshaping Hospitality Real Estate in the Region and their Impact on Tourism Offerings
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Reem Garash
Partner- KSA Consulting & Valuation
HVS
In conversation with
Elie Milky
Vice President Development
Radisson Hotel Group
Moustafa Said
Partner
Wisefields
10:00 - 10:15 15 minutes
Future Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
Emergence of Third-Party Operators in Saudi Arabia's Dynamic Market and The Prospects for Growth in Saudi Arabia?
FHS SessionsTalksInvestment & Development
Moderator
Judith Cartwright
Founder & Managing Director
Black Coral Consulting
In conversation with
Tapan Piplani
Chief Operating Officer
Valor Hospitality Partners- Middle East & CIS
10:00 - 11:00 1 hour
Exhibition Stage
Destination Tomorrow
FHS Sessions
Daniela Wagner
Global Business Development Director
Jacobs Media
10:00 - 11:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Breakfast Briefing:
The Power of Social Dining in Saudi - Understanding what appeals to the market and how to get it right
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Onsite at Al Mamlaka
10:10 - 10:25 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks:
Embracing Holistic Living
FHS SessionsTalksInvestment & Development
Moderator
Jana Bader
Advisor
The Bench
In conversation with
Gautam Sashittal
Chief Executive Officer
King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC)
10:20 - 10:45 25 minutes
Future Stage
How the changing City Dynamic influences Hospitality Offerings and the Consumer
FHS Sessions
Moderator
Ben Baseley-Walker
Founder & Managing Partner
Andart Global
In conversation with
Patrick Antaki
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Hospitality Management Holding (HMH)
Alberto Bounous
Vice President of Real Estate Development
KAFD
10:25 - 10:45 20 minutes
Summit Stage
FHS Awards - Winner Announcement
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
AWARDS:
Leaders of Tomorrow
Industry Pioneer
Winner of the Start Up Den
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
10:45 - 11:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Coffee Break
FHS SessionsNetworking
11:00 - 12:00 1 hour
Exhibition Stage
Announcements & Signings
FHS SessionsOpening, Awards & Signings
11:00 - 13:00 2 hours
Yanbu Breakout Room
Beyond the Hype - A Practical Insight into AI and the Future of Business
FHS SessionsTech & Innovation
Ali Shahid
Marketing Director, The Bench
Generative AI Evangelist
11:15 - 11:55 40 minutes
Summit Stage
The Key to Successful Hospitality Project Development in Saudi Arabia
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
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
Dr. Adel Ezzat
Chief Executive Officer
Elaf Group
Hitesh Gandhi
Senior Director Development – KSA and Kuwait
Marriott International
11:15 - 11:45 30 minutes
Future Stage
Empowering Hospitality:
Leading the Way in Crafting a Diverse, Inclusive Lifestyle Brand and Transforming Human Experience
FHS SessionsTalksESG & Human Capital
Gaurav Sinha
CEO
Insignia Worldwide
Pascal Donat
Chairman & Founder, Maison ELLE
President, de Valotel
Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer
Kerten Hospitality
11:30 - 12:30 1 hour
Site visit - V Modern Italian:
Redefining Value
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
Benjamin Calleja
Founder
Livit Design & Fast Fine Restaurant Group
11:45 - 12:15 30 minutes
Future Stage
Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future:
Women in Tourism & Hospitality Leadership
FHS SessionsESG & Human Capital
Moderator
Linh Vu
Founder & CEO
Key Hospitality Consulting
In conversation with
Shaikha Al Nowais
Corporate Vice President - Owner Relationship Management
Rotana
Maya Ziade
Chief Development Officer Premium, Midscale and Economy Division Middle East, Africa & Turkey
Accor
11:55 - 12:35 40 minutes
Summit Stage
Building Tomorrow:
The Impact of Sustainable Construction on Evolving Demand Trends
FHS SessionsInvestment & Development
Moderator
Hiba Araji
Regional Design & Project Development Manager - Middle East & CIS
Valor Hospitality Partners
In conversation with
Nicholas Clark
Program Director
Compass Project Consulting
Elyza Falzon
Vice President - Architecture, Design & Construction
Hilton Worldwide Services Limited
Waleed M. Abualnadi
Commercial Director
Saudi Icon Company
Michael Thorley
Project Director, Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (Expro)
DAR Engineering
12:15 - 13:00 45 minutes
Future Stage
Why Gen Z are turning to Sustainable Businesses as their Future Employer?
FHS SessionsESG & Human Capital
Ulpa Chauhan
Chief Solutions Officer
Beyond Bamboo
12:30 - 13:30 1 hour
Site visit - Sobhy Kaber:
Tapping into the Mid-Market – Saudi’s Hottest Segment
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)
12:35 - 12:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talks
FHS SessionsTalksInvestment & Development
Moderator
Jana Bader
Advisor
The Bench
In conversation with
Nadeem Zaman
Chief Strategy & EPMO Officer
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company
12:50 - 13:10 20 minutes
Summit Stage
ENSURING THE LONG-TERM VIABILITY OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM
FHS SessionsCulture & Heritage
Moderator
Bilal Ambikapathy
Founding Partner
Wisefields
In conversation with
Shaji Abu Salih
Vice President - Business Development & Growth
Shaza Hotels
Hassan Ahdab
Chief Hospitality Operations Officer
Taiba Investments
Khalid Al-Amoudi
Chief Executive Officer
Jabal Omar Development Company
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Lunch
FHS SessionsNetworking
13:10 - 13:15 5 minutes
Summit Stage
Closing Remarks
FHS Sessions
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman
The Bench
14:00 - 18:00 4 hours
Site Tours
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.
14:30 - 15:30 1 hour
Site Visit - Via Riyadh
Restaurant Invest (GRIF)