UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Al Marri will open Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2026, joining more than 100 government representatives, investors and hospitality industry leaders at the event in Dubai from September 29 to October 1.
Hosted at Madinat Jumeirah, the Middle East’s leading hospitality investment summit will focus on investment, innovation, sustainability, technology, tourism and workforce development under the theme “Reinvest in our Future.”
Bin Touq will deliver the opening keynote, titled “The UAE Growth Engine: Tourism, Investment and the New Economy.”
The latest speaker line-up includes Samer Alkharashi, Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East; Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties; Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan; Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Holding; Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Founder of Sosei; Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International; Artur Gerber, CEO of TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts; and senior executives from H&H Development, Fields of Gold Capital & Asset Management, Millat Group, Arada, DAMAC Properties and Eastdil Secured.
The three-day programme will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, presentations and roundtable debates, alongside networking sessions, receptions and investment-focused events.
Ali Shahid, CEO of FHS organiser The Bench, said: “Capital is moving, markets are changing, and the future of hospitality is being shaped now. FHS World brings together the investors, owners, operators and innovators making that future happen. For 21 years, the UAE has been our home and a global meeting point for hospitality investment. We look forward to bringing our community together in Dubai once again.”
A key feature of this year’s summit will be FHS Living, an expanded platform replacing the former Branded Residences Forum. The new investment-led programme will cover seven living asset classes and take place on October 1.
The Startup Den will also return, providing entrepreneurs with direct access to investors, hotel groups and hospitality leaders.
Sabrine Chennaoui, CEO of MONSAPO and winner of FHS Saudi Arabia, said: “Winning the FHS Startup Den was a major milestone for us. It validated the relevance of our solution within the hospitality industry and gave us strong visibility among hotel groups, investors and industry leaders. More importantly, it reinforced our conviction that innovation in hospitality can combine operational efficiency with measurable environmental impact.”
For investors, FHS World will feature the FHS Dealroom, showcasing real estate investment opportunities and hospitality projects. The Investors Lounge and Investor Breakfast will provide additional platforms for senior decision-makers to explore opportunities and build relationships
The summit will also present the FHS Leadership Award on September 29, recognising an industry pioneer for excellence, innovation and leadership. The recipient will join previous winners including Muin Serhan, CEO of Amsa Hospitality, and Abdulla Ahmed AlMoosa, Founder and Chairman of A.A. ALmoosa Enterprises.
Networking will remain central to the event, with a newcomers session, speed networking and an AI-powered matchmaking app designed to connect delegates with relevant industry peers.
A welcome reception at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, alongside activities including a padel tournament, beach Pilates, breathwork and meditation, will offer further opportunities for informal engagement.
With its investment-led agenda and senior-level participation, FHS World 2026 is positioning Dubai as a key meeting point for hospitality capital, development and innovation across the region. -TradeArabia News Service