Future Hospitality Summit 2025 brought together the industry’s top minds for three dynamic days of collaboration and innovation. From landmark hotel signings to industry awards and groundbreaking launches, the event set new benchmarks for the sector.
Day 1:
Aristara AI Debuts at Future Hospitality Summit World With Multilingual Digital Assistant for Delegates
Aristara AI announced the launch of its multilingual digital assistant at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, providing delegates with real-time access to information and updates throughout the event.
Accessible directly through WhatsApp, the assistant enables participants to ask questions about panel sessions, speakers, venues, and schedules in more than 50 languages. In addition, The Bench, organizers of FHS World, will be able to send important notifications to ensure delegates enjoy a seamless summit experience.
The First Group Hospitality Announces Multi-Deal Agreement with Marriott International in the UAE
The First Group Hospitality, one of the region’s leading hotel management companies, announces the strategic rebranding of three flagship Dubai properties under Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio and Autograph Collection brands. This milestone reflects The First Group Hospitality’s expanding collaboration with Marriott, following the successful debut of The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in 2024.
Located in three of Dubai’s most dynamic districts – Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Triangle – the rebranded hotels highlight The First Group Hospitality’s commitment to creating distinctive lifestyle destinations while leveraging Marriott’s global brand strength and award-winning loyalty platform.
Accor and Mayan Properties Sign Master Development Agreement for Five Hotels in Africa
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has signed a master development agreement with Mayan Properties, a subsidiary of Resources Investment, to further expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership strengthens Accor’s presence in Africa while underscoring the strong contribution of UAE-backed investment to Africa’s tourism future.
Under the agreement, Accor in partnership with Mayan Properties will develop five hotels across Sub-Saharan Africa, adding over 1,100 keys to the Group’s regional portfolio. The collaboration builds on the signing of Novotel Nouakchott in Mauritania, a 154-key new-build project, and Mövenpick Moroni in Comoros, a 159-key conversion, with four additional projects to follow in key destinations.
Pullman Zamzam Madinah Set for a bold Transformation as Accor and Munshaat Renew Long-Standing Partnership
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has renewed its long-standing management agreement with Munshaat Real Estate Projects for Pullman Zamzam Madinah, one of the most prominent premium hotels in the heart of the Holy City. The renewal reflects a trusted partnership and shared commitment to elevating service, design, and operational excellence in one of Saudi Arabia’s most visited destinations.
Under this renewed collaboration, the 834-key property will embark on a four-year phased renovation program aimed at redefining the standards of premium pilgrim hospitality. The transformation will touch every aspect of the guest journey, from fully redesigned rooms and suites to upgraded restaurants, public spaces, and wellness facilities ensuring a seamless blend of contemporary comfort, spiritual serenity, and the Pullman brand’s hallmark of stylish connectivity.
Day 2:
The First Group Hospitality Partners with BB Holding for UAE’s First Franchised Radisson RED on Marjan Island
The First Group Hospitality, one of the region’s fastest-growing hotel management firms, has announced its partnership with BB Holding to operate the upcoming Radisson RED Marjan Island—the first franchised Radisson RED in the UAE, scheduled to open in 2027. This partnership marks a major milestone for both companies: The First Group’s debut in Ras Al Khaimah and BB Holding’s first hotel development in the UAE, reinforcing investor confidence in the emirate’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector.
Situated on the vibrant Marjan Island, the AED 215 million lifestyle property will feature 261 modern guestrooms and suites, along with four dynamic F&B outlets—an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop specialty venue, lobby café, and poolside bar. Guests will also enjoy a range of premium amenities, including a private beach, outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor play areas for children, and flexible meeting and event spaces.
Legacy Hotels Holding Acquires Stake in Experiential Hospitality Brand, Earth Hotels
Legacy Hotels Holding on 28th announced an agreement to invest in Earth Hotels to support the brand’s impressive growth across KSA, UAE, Portugal and Spain. Earth Hotels, the region’s first homegrown experiential hospitality and living brand, is expanding its footprint across Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Lisbon, Porto, and Marbella. The brand, which develops and manages it community-driven hotels and residences, has an impressive pipeline valued at over USD 320 million.
The investment in Earth Hotels underscores Legacy’s dedication to building partnerships that redefine modern hospitality through creativity, sustainability, and meaningful guest experiences. The agreement was officially signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2025 in Dubai.
Aleph Hospitality signs hotel management agreement for Grand Iva Hotel in Abha
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed a hotel management agreement with Grand Iva Corporation for the Grand Iva Hotel in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Marking the third operational hotel for Aleph Hospitality in Saudi Arabia, the Grand Iva Hotel in Abha is a newly built property featuring 102 keys, set to open on January 1st, 2026. Aleph Hospitality is currently in negotiations with hotel brands to secure suitable and international branding for the hotel.
The Grand Iva Hotel is situated in a prime location with easy access to the city’s activities and key attractions as well as King Khaled University, government offices and major commercial hubs. Just a 15-minute drive from Abha International Airport and 10 minutes from the city’s downtown area, the property will feature an all-day dining restaurant and lobby café, conference and meeting rooms and a business centre, as well as a health, fitness & spa with modern gym and sauna facilities.
Day 3:
Presented at FHS World – A thousand stories of success: Red Sea Global marks a new era in Saudi talent development
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has reached a landmark milestone with the graduation of more than 1,000 young Saudis from its diverse training and educational programs — all built under the RSG Education Framework, a first-of-its-kind national model designed to prepare the Kingdom’s future leaders in hospitality, tourism, and regenerative development.
The RSG Education Framework is an integrated and scalable model that blends global academic excellence with Saudi cultural identity and real-world employability. The framework provides a 2.5-year learning pathway, guiding students from English foundations to internationally accredited vocational programs, hands-on internships, and guaranteed employment across RSG destinations.
Aleph Hospitality advances nationwide growth strategy in Saudi Arabia with 11 hotels and counting
On 29th at Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World (FHS) in Dubai, Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, announced major expansion across Saudi Arabia. The company has signed hotel management agreements for five hotels, with an additional six hotels in the development pipeline. This milestone brings Aleph Hospitality’s total portfolio in Saudi Arabia to 11 hotels comprising 2,354 keys, marking significant momentum for the company’s strategic growth in the Kingdom.
Spanning Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, the Eastern Province, and Abha, Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio now encompasses Saudi Arabia’s most dynamic business, leisure, and religious tourism markets. These developments position the company with a robust presence across major cities in the Kingdom.
The Ascott Limited Expands In Africa With Signing Of Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a leading international lodging operator and a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos, a new serviced residence located in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The signing took place during FHS World Dubai, one of the region’s leading hospitality and investment forums, marking another key milestone in Ascott’s continued expansion across the Middle East and Africa.
Developed as a greenfield project by Admiralty Hotel Company Limited and operated by Aleph Hospitality, Somerset Admiralty Way Lagos will comprise 135 purpose-built serviced apartments designed to meet the needs of next-generation travellers to Africa. The property is scheduled to open in October 2028 and will feature a range of premium facilities including a restaurant and bar, meeting rooms, a swimming pool and fitness centre.
Rotana Expands Its Middle East Portfolio with the signing of Rotana Jabal Omar Makkah
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, has announced the signing of Rotana Jabal Omar – Makkah, during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Dubai 2025, further cementing its position as a trusted partner in shaping the Middle East’s evolving hospitality landscape.
The signing marks a major step in Rotana’s regional expansion strategy, strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia and addressing the growing demand for world-class hospitality experiences. With more than 79 operating properties across 29 cities and 14 countries, Rotana continues to deliver on its vision of offering exceptional guest experiences while contributing to national tourism and economic growth.
