The upcoming Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia in 2024 has announced its initial lineup of speakers for the premier hospitality investment platform in the region. The event is scheduled to be held at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh from April 29 to May 1, 2024.
Presented by The Bench, FHS Saudi Arabia serves as a gathering point for influential figures and key decision-makers within the hospitality investment community. The summit aims to facilitate discussions on development, investment, entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and human capital, while providing valuable insights into the Kingdom’s thriving hospitality and tourism sectors.
Read more: FHS returns to Riyadh in 2024, uniting leading industry experts
Confirmed speakers
Confirmed speakers for the event encompass a diverse range of industry leaders, including representatives from prominent hospitality brands, real estate, asset management. Also, the roster of speakers will include representatives from the investment and consulting community, international media, and government officials. Noteworthy individuals who have confirmed their participation include Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, chief executive officer (CEO), Al Khozama Investment – host sponsors of FHS Saudi Arabia; Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, CEO, Taiba Investments; Henri Giscard D’Estaing, president, Club Med; Mark De Cocinis, CEO, Boutique Group; Matthew Martin, Saudi Arabia bureau chief, Bloomberg LP; Pat Thaker, editorial director Middle East & Africa, The Economist Group; Thomas Emanuel, senior director, STR; Norah Al-Tamimi, CEO, Baheej; Aradhana Khowala, CEO & founder, Aptamind Partners, and Susie Ellis, co-founder, chair & CEO, Global Wellness Summit and chair & CEO of the Global Wellness Institute.
Covering hospitality investment, industry entrepreneurship, and more
Tanja Millner, production director at The Bench, expressed her enthusiasm for the growing agenda of FHS Saudi Arabia, noting the inclusion of esteemed speakers who will represent the global and Saudi Arabian hospitality investment community.
“Under our theme ‘Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together,’ this year’s content tracks will include hospitality investment, industry entrepreneurship, sustainable development and human capital, including a focus on job creation and career development in the industry in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” Millner said.
Once again, the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) will be held alongside FHS Saudi Arabia this year. GRIF serves as a central hub for restaurant investors and operators to connect and collaborate. Moreover, this platform offers valuable resources, networking opportunities, and creative stimulation for the global restaurant investment industry. Also, attendees can look forward to engaging in culinary tours, networking dinners, and workshops, all designed to enhance their knowledge and foster meaningful connections within the sector.
GRIF will feature notable speakers such as Michael Flanagan, who serves as the Chief Business Development Officer for Al Khozama Investment Company. Additionally, Mohammed Jawa, founder and chairman of MJS Holding, will be speaking at the event, along with Faisal Shaker, co-founder and CEO of Modern Food Company (MFC). Sonya Janahi, founder and CEO of SJ Investments and Maya Delices, as well as Sinan Al Saady, founder and CEO of Cool Inc., will also be participating as speakers.
Promoting gender diversity and women empowerment
To demonstrate their commitment to promoting women in the hospitality industry, The Bench, the organizers of the event, will be providing complimentary passes to Saudi national women leaders working in the Saudi hospitality sector for FHS Saudi Arabia 2024. “We are delighted to introduce our #FHSWomenPower campaign this year, an initiative to champion gender diversity and women empowerment in the industry in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the region’s social and economic aspirations,” commented Jonathan Worsley, chairman of The Bench. “We invite senior female professionals in hospitality to join us on our journey towards an inclusive and progressive hospitality landscape,” he added.
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