ABU DHABI, August 28, 2023 (WAM) – Gearing up for its upcoming event at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island from September 25-27, the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) and the 19th iteration of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) will bring together industry leaders for discussions, dialogues, and collaborations. The event is themed ‘Focus on Investment’ and aims to explore key trends in the Middle East and Africa’s booming hospitality sector.
Over 1,000 experts will convene to tackle pressing industry topics, including investment avenues, Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG), cutting-edge ventures, and artificial intelligence. The summit is organized by The Bench and enjoys the support of host sponsors such as Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Miral, and Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. The packed agenda features over 100 speakers across three conference tracks and includes networking receptions, award shows, business startups, site visits, and health and wellness sessions.
Jonathan Worsley, The Bench’s Chairman, noted, “Following the tremendous success of FHS Saudi Arabia, we are excited to move to Abu Dhabi, where the dialogue will expand to encompass various aspects affecting the hospitality industry region wide. September’s key topics will include the role of ESG, the implications of the current geopolitical climate on investments, and technology’s growing role in the sector, illustrated through UAE-based case studies.”
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, added, “Hosting the Future Hospitality Summit on Yas Island underscores Miral’s ongoing commitment to evolving the island while positioning Abu Dhabi as a global business and leisure hub. We look forward to a highly insightful agenda that delves into trends shaping the hospitality sector’s future.”
After the official inauguration by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, the FHS will swing into full gear. Renowned figures from global hospitality will share insights into the current and future states of the region’s industry.
The first day will include a special morning session by the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) focusing on hotel food and beverage investment, followed by a guided F&B Concept Tour at Yas Bay Waterfront, hosted by Miral.
A significant part of the FHS 2023 agenda will involve talks about the future of travel and hospitality tech. Additionally, the event will feature sessions on investment opportunities beyond the Middle East, focusing on India and Africa.
FHS will also be a platform for emerging entrepreneurs via the Start-Up Den, a venue for pitching sustainable and innovative business ideas to a panel of senior judges. The finals of the 2023 Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, a global competition for students to present innovative sustainability solutions, will also be a highlight of the event.
