Future Hospitality Summit Podcast

Episode 141: Saudi Arabia's Tourism Transformation Through the Eyes of Rotana

In this episode of the FHS podcast, Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer, Rotana Hotels, shares Rotana's expansion strategy in the Kingdom. From expansion into secondary cities to bringing the world to Saudi Arabia with events like the Expo and the World Cup, Saudi Arabia is planning the next chapter of global hospitality, and Rotana is spearheading this transformation.

Episode 139: Designing the Hotels of the Future with Fouad Awan

In this episode, Fouad Awan, Partner & Managing Director, FSK & Partners, discusses the growing importance of ELV systems, building automation, and AI in modern hospitality development, and why these conversations need to happen from the earliest stages of a project. The discussion explores how technology infrastructure directly impacts guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value across hospitality projects in the Gulf, Africa, and Asia, while also touching on talent development, community impact, geopolitical pressures on business, and the role industry platforms like play in driving collaboration across the sector.

Episode 137: Bridging Capital Markets: China and the Future of Global Hospitality REITs

In this episode, we explore how global capital is being reshaped across hospitality and real estate, with a particular focus on the growing role of Chinese and Asian investors. From cross-border investment strategies to the development of REIT-style platforms in DIFC and ADGM, the conversation unpacks how firms like F.O.G Capital are working to bridge capital markets and unlock institutional investment.

Episode 136:The Hospitality Opportunity in Mixed-Use MICE Districts

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Ronald Philip, VP - Investment and Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Dubai World Trade Centre, discusses how these districts are driving year-round footfall, creating vibrant community hubs, and unlocking new revenue streams for developers and operators alike. From adaptive space planning to experiential guest offerings, this conversation highlights how the convergence of business and leisure is redefining the future of hospitality.

Episode 135: Repositioning Qatar: Strategy, Scale and Smart Hospitality

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, we explore Qatar's maturing hospitality market post-World Cup with Wael Al Sharif, Area General Manager at The Torch Hospitality Group, diving into the sector's current sentiment, the transition from event-driven demand to sustained growth amid supply surges, and strategic shifts for managing iconic assets. We discuss Torch's expansion plans in Qatar and the GCC, how it differentiates beyond architecture through sustainability and smart operations, and what will define success for operators over the next 3–5 years.