The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia is set to return to the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh for its ninth edition. Following the success of this year’s event, which brought together over 1,100 global hospitality investors, innovators, and senior decision-makers, FHS 2026 promises to be a landmark gathering for the Kingdom’s tourism sector. This year’s summit facilitated 11 high-profile hotel signings and strategic announcements, supporting Saudi Arabia’s plan to deliver over 362,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 as part of its $10 billion tourism development pipeline under Vision 2030. Delegates reported business opportunities valued at $1.6 billion, highlighting the summit’s importance as a platform for deal-making and strategic collaboration.
Where Opportunity Meets Capital
Under the theme “Where Opportunity Meets Capital,” FHS Saudi Arabia 2026 will unite leading hospitality decision-makers to discuss hotel performance, development opportunities, and investment trends in the Kingdom. The summit aims to provide actionable insights that can shape the future of the industry, which is experiencing unprecedented growth. Delegates will explore the latest market trends, evaluate investment opportunities, and foster partnerships that turn ideas into tangible projects.
Advisory Board Insights
The FHS 2026 Saudi Arabia Advisory Board, comprising some of the hospitality industry’s most influential leaders, recently met in Riyadh to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Saudi tourism. The discussions highlighted several key insights. There is a growing opportunity to expand homegrown Saudi hospitality brands that reflect the Kingdom’s unique identity. Experience-driven and organic tourism segments are gaining traction as travelers increasingly seek authentic, immersive experiences. Another trend is the global rise in branded residences, with under-construction projects growing by 455 percent over the past decade, signaling potential growth for Saudi Arabia in this sector.
The Advisory Board also highlighted the need for clearer guidance on evolving foreign ownership and FDI regulations, especially as interest in branded residential offerings continues to rise. Ensuring regulatory clarity is seen as a key factor in attracting further investment and enabling the sector to grow sustainably.
Strategic Focus for Growth
Saudi Arabia’s hotel development pipeline is the largest in the region, underscoring the rapid pace of new projects. The Advisory Board emphasized several areas of strategic focus to ensure development plans remain on track. Enhancing industry data and pipeline visibility is essential for informed decision-making. Balancing the focus between luxury and mid-market segments is critical, as around 50 percent of new projects target the luxury sector. Diversifying financing models beyond traditional banking is also necessary, with alternative debt options such as capital markets increasingly relevant under new government regulations. These measures aim to ensure sustainable growth and alignment with market demand.
Summit Agenda and Key Themes
FHS Saudi Arabia 2026 will feature six core content themes designed to address every aspect of the hospitality ecosystem. Investment and Real Estate discussions will cover market trends, development strategies, and investment opportunities. Technology and Innovation sessions will focus on digital transformation, smart hospitality solutions, and emerging technology trends. Talent and Education topics will address workforce development, training programs, and strategies to retain skilled talent in the sector. Wellness and Lifestyle discussions will highlight health, wellness, and lifestyle trends shaping guest experiences. Food and Beverage and Experiences sessions will explore culinary innovation and experiential offerings. The dedicated Branded Residences Forum will focus on investment and development in branded residential projects.
These themes will guide panels, workshops, and discussions, equipping delegates with insights to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities across Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.
Leadership Perspectives
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, emphasized the significance of Advisory Board meetings in shaping the summit agenda. He highlighted the value of senior industry leaders providing insights and guiding discussions to ensure the summit remains aligned with sector needs. Abuhaimed, CEO of Al Khozama Investments, underlined the summit’s role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape. He noted that FHS brings together leaders who are defining the next phase of growth, offering a platform to contribute experience and insights while supporting high-quality development aligned with the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions.
Driving Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Vision
FHS Saudi Arabia continues to play a critical role in advancing the Kingdom’s tourism goals. By connecting global investors, developers, and hospitality innovators, the summit accelerates knowledge sharing and encourages strategic collaboration. The ninth edition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality landscape, focusing on innovation, investment, and sustainable growth. Delegates can expect discussions on transforming hotel performance, optimizing development strategies, and exploring new opportunities in branded residences and experience-driven tourism.
Vision 2030 provides the framework for Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation, with FHS 2026 serving as a key platform for accelerating growth, introducing world-class developments, and establishing the Kingdom as a leading global destination for hospitality and tourism. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and actionable outcomes, the summit will contribute to positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for investment and innovation in the hospitality sector.
Looking Ahead
FHS Saudi Arabia 2026 is expected to set new benchmarks for hospitality in the region, building on the achievements of previous editions. With a focus on investment, technology, talent, wellness, and branded residences, the summit will equip stakeholders with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate a rapidly evolving market. As the Kingdom continues to implement its tourism vision, the summit offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of hospitality, attract global investment, and promote sustainable development.
The ninth edition promises to bring together global industry leaders, investors, and innovators to drive progress, showcase opportunities, and support Saudi Arabia’s vision for a vibrant and diversified tourism sector. FHS 2026 is positioned to be a milestone event where ideas, capital, and innovation converge to transform the Kingdom’s hospitality landscape.
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