The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, set to return to Dubai from 27-29 October 2025, promises to be a milestone event, marking a significant 20th anniversary for the organisers, The Bench. This prestigious hospitality and tourism investment summit, previously known as the AHIC, has grown into the leading event of its kind in the region, serving as the nexus for global hospitality leaders, investors, and innovators. As the Middle East’s hospitality sector expands rapidly, FHS World 2025 will focus on reshaping the future of the hospitality industry amid a changing global landscape.

In 2024, FHS World saw a record-breaking turnout of 1,596 attendees from 735 companies across 60 countries. The summit also highlighted the growing influence of women in the industry, with over 550 female attendees thanks to the organiser’s dedicated #FHSWomenPower initiative. This year’s event is set to surpass those records, attracting even more stakeholders from across the globe as the industry embraces the future of travel, hospitality, and investment.

The Evolution of FHS World: From AHIC to FHS World

Originally known as the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), the event was rebranded to FHS World in 2023, reflecting its expanding global reach and broader focus on hospitality, tourism, and investment. FHS World 2025’s 20th anniversary in the UAE is a testament to the growth of the summit, which has established itself as a pivotal platform for high-level discussions, deal-making, and collaboration among key industry players.

The Advisory Board of FHS World 2025, consisting of prominent hospitality figures, recently convened in Dubai to shape the agenda for the upcoming event. The board features influential leaders such as Anthony Costa, Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle at Candy Capital; Marc Dardenne, CEO of Modon Hospitality; and Amit Arora, CEO of Arada, among others. Together, they will craft the vision and content for the summit, ensuring that FHS World continues to set the agenda for the global hospitality industry.

The 2025 Summit: Key Themes and Content Tracks

As Dubai continues to emerge as a leading global tourism hub, FHS World 2025 will place a strong emphasis on the future of hospitality, investment opportunities, and sustainable tourism. The event’s content tracks will explore global economic trends, new business models in hospitality, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices, and the future of hospitality investment. Delegates will also participate in discussions focused on lifestyle hospitality, well-being, and the evolution of hospitality spaces.

The summit’s programme will feature sessions that delve into hospitality investment opportunities across different regions, including Africa, Europe, and Asia. As the demand for investment in hospitality properties continues to grow globally, FHS World 2025 will provide a unique opportunity to explore emerging markets and identify potential opportunities for growth in the sector.

A key part of the event will be dedicated to showcasing sustainable tourism and the role that environmental responsibility will play in the future of travel and hospitality. The hospitality industry is under increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices and invest in sustainability. FHS World 2025 will offer a platform to discuss and promote innovations that align with these goals, while ensuring that hospitality businesses can thrive in a sustainable future.

Immersive Experiences and Networking at FHS World 2025

One of the most anticipated features of FHS World is its engaging networking opportunities and immersive sessions, where delegates can collaborate and discuss new ideas and projects. The event will include several specialist forums such as the Branded Residences Forum, the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge student competition, and the ESG Lab. These initiatives will bring together hospitality professionals, students, and innovators to explore new ways to integrate sustainability into business models and improve practices in the hospitality sector.

The TenX Leadership Talks and Roundtable Discussions will feature high-profile speakers and thought leaders from across the globe, offering insight into emerging trends, market dynamics, and strategies for success in the rapidly changing hospitality landscape. These sessions will also highlight successful case studies and disruptive innovations that are reshaping the way we think about hospitality in the modern era.

In addition to the formal sessions, FHS World 2025 will host various Country Pavilion Showcases where countries can present their investment opportunities, tourism strategies, and hospitality initiatives. These showcases allow delegates to explore the diversity of the global hospitality market and identify new opportunities for investment and collaboration.

FHS World 2025: Celebrating 20 Years in the UAE

To mark its 20th anniversary in the UAE, FHS World 2025 will return to Madinat Jumeirah, where it all began in 2005. The stunning venue will host this milestone event, with Jumeirah once again serving as the Host Sponsor. The relationship between FHS World and Jumeirah has been a key part of the summit’s success, with Jumeirah providing invaluable support and hospitality over the years.

Thomas B. Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting, “It’s a pleasure to once again sponsor and host FHS World at Madinat Jumeirah, marking the summit’s 20th anniversary in the UAE. This milestone reflects both the summit’s growth and Dubai’s transformation into a global tourism and hospitality hub.” Meier went on to explain that Jumeirah shares a parallel story, having redefined luxury hospitality with the opening of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in 1999. Since then, the brand has grown into a global name synonymous with distinctive and meaningful experiences.

The collaboration between Jumeirah and FHS World is an example of how the UAE has become a pivotal player in the global hospitality sector. Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s leading tourism and hospitality hub is being realized through events like FHS World, which bring together global leaders to shape the future of the industry.

The Future of FHS World and the Hospitality Industry

As FHS World celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is clear that the summit’s evolution has mirrored the dramatic transformation of Dubai and the broader Middle East region’s tourism and hospitality landscape. The region is now home to an unparalleled number of luxury resorts, innovative hotels, and hospitality brands, with Dubai positioning itself as a premier destination for high-end travelers.

FHS World 2025 will provide a comprehensive look at the future of hospitality, offering cutting-edge insights into investment trends, market developments, and the critical role of sustainability. With an expanding global network of industry leaders, the summit will continue to drive forward-thinking conversations and strategic partnerships that will shape the future of the aviation and hospitality industries.

A Key Event for the Global Hospitality Sector

The 20th anniversary of FHS World in Dubai promises to be a defining moment in the future of the hospitality industry. As the world’s leading hospitality and tourism investment summit, FHS World 2025 will bring together the best minds in the business to explore the most pressing issues facing the industry today—from sustainability to investment and well-being. With strong support from partners like Jumeirah, FHS World continues to serve as a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and shaping the next chapter of the global hospitality sector.

As Dubai continues to expand its influence in the global hospitality market, FHS World 2025 will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving industry innovation, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange. Whether through networking, deal-making, or immersive discussions, FHS World 2025 will be a must-attend event for anyone involved in the aviation and hospitality industries. With its focus on the future of hospitality, FHS World remains the premier platform for leaders to come together, share ideas, and shape the future of the sector.

The Bench has established itself as a global leader in creating transformative forums and summits for the hospitality and travel industries. Over the course of more than two decades, the company has built a legacy of connecting industry leaders, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change across the global hospitality and tourism sectors. Its events are renowned for their ability to transcend mere transactions, inspiring collaboration and establishing deep, long-lasting relationships among key players in the industry.

The Bench’s events are carefully designed to empower participants to navigate the evolving challenges of the industry, find new opportunities for growth, and create impactful solutions that shape the future of hospitality and travel. By assembling the world’s most influential voices in tourism, hospitality, and investment, The Bench serves as a platform where ideas flourish, businesses connect, and transformative partnerships are born.

The Role of The Bench in the Hospitality and Travel Industry

As a prominent curator of forums, The Bench focuses on bringing together government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel associations, leading hospitality brands, hotel owners and investors, airlines, destination developers, and other stakeholders. The company’s events, such as FHS World (formerly AHIC), FHS Saudi Arabia, FHS Africa (formerly AHIF), and AviaDev, are some of the most anticipated in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Each of these events is more than just a gathering – it is a dynamic meeting of minds, where innovative ideas are born, key challenges are addressed, and industry trends are explored. FHS World in Dubai, for example, is a flagship event that attracts thousands of professionals and industry leaders from around the globe. It is a platform that facilitates collaboration and drives the industry forward by creating discussions and opportunities that are directly aligned with the future of hospitality, travel, and investment.

The Bench’s portfolio of events is designed to help businesses and governments seize opportunities while addressing the sector’s most pressing issues. With a sharp focus on collaboration, the company emphasizes the importance of turning ideas into action and leveraging collective insights to build a better future for the industry.

Flagship Events: Transforming Hospitality and Travel

FHS World, previously known as the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), is one of The Bench’s most successful and well-known events. This prestigious summit brings together hospitality leaders, investors, and innovators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global hospitality industry. FHS World not only attracts leaders from the Middle East but also draws participants from across the globe, making it a truly international event.

The event offers a wide range of discussions on investment strategies, sustainable tourism, innovation, and industry growth, making it a vital touchpoint for all stakeholders in the hospitality and travel sectors. The FHS Saudi Arabia summit is another important addition to The Bench’s growing portfolio, reflecting the booming hospitality and tourism sectors in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, FHS Africa focuses on investment opportunities in the African hospitality sector, ensuring that the continent’s growing potential is fully explored and embraced by global industry leaders.

Other prominent events under The Bench’s umbrella include AviaDev, a key event for the aviation sector. It provides an ideal platform for airlines, airports, and aviation leaders to meet, collaborate, and discuss key developments in air travel. These forums are designed to bridge gaps between different sectors of the travel industry and encourage cross-industry collaboration, ensuring that every facet of travel, from aviation to accommodation, is discussed and advanced.

Creating Opportunities for Collaboration

What sets The Bench apart is its ability to foster an environment where collaboration is at the core of every event. The Bench doesn’t just provide a platform for networking; it creates opportunities for attendees to actively collaborate on solving industry challenges. Through roundtable discussions, leadership talks, and workshops, delegates can engage with thought leaders, share knowledge, and discuss new business models that are shaping the future of the industry.

Government leaders and tourism ministries also play an integral role in The Bench’s forums, bringing a policy perspective to the table. This ensures that public-private partnerships are explored, and that policies are aligned with the ever-evolving landscape of tourism and hospitality. The Bench emphasizes the need for inclusive development, ensuring that both public and private sector stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of the industry.

The Bench’s philosophy is clear: it is not just about discussing trends; it’s about creating actionable outcomes that benefit everyone involved. By focusing on collaboration, The Bench ensures that solutions are identified, opportunities are seized, and partnerships are established that will propel the hospitality and travel industries forward.

The FHS World 2025: A Milestone Event

Scheduled for 27-29 October 2025, the FHS World 2025 will take place at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, marking a significant 20th anniversary for The Bench’s presence in the UAE. This milestone event will be a key highlight in the global hospitality and investment calendar, offering an unparalleled platform for networking, debate, and deal-making. The event promises to be an exciting reflection of the remarkable growth of the hospitality industry in Dubai, the UAE, and the broader Middle East region.

With Jumeirah as the Host Sponsor, FHS World 2025 will shine a spotlight on the region’s continuing rise as a global tourism and hospitality hub. Jumeirah has long been at the forefront of luxury hospitality in Dubai, with the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab representing the epitome of the UAE’s luxury travel brand. The partnership between The Bench and Jumeirah for FHS World 2025 will underscore the UAE’s commitment to advancing its hospitality offering and attracting global investment in the sector.

In addition to Jumeirah’s sponsorship, FHS World 2025 has secured strategic partnerships with Neom, Rua Al Madinah Holding, and Taiba Investments. These collaborations are aimed at shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in the Middle East and beyond. As a Knowledge Partner, PwC will offer valuable insights and expertise on key topics such as sustainable tourism, ESG practices, and investment strategies. With a diverse range of headline sponsors, including Accor, Marriott International, and Radisson Hotel Group, FHS World 2025 promises to offer unparalleled networking and investment opportunities for all attendees.

The Bench’s Vision for the Future of Hospitality

The Bench’s future-forward approach is deeply rooted in its belief in innovation and collaboration. By focusing on creating platforms that foster dynamic dialogue among key players in the hospitality, tourism, and investment sectors, The Bench is helping to shape the future of the global hospitality landscape. The Bench’s continued investment in developing forums like FHS World allows the company to stay ahead of emerging trends and address the industry’s most critical challenges.

As the hospitality industry becomes increasingly globalized, The Bench’s events are creating an invaluable opportunity for businesses and investors to meet, discuss, and form meaningful partnerships that drive growth and innovation. The events curated by The Bench offer a unique blend of knowledge-sharing, business development, and cultural exchange, helping to transform the hospitality and travel sectors into an even more dynamic and future-focused industry.

The Bench has firmly established itself as a global curator of opportunity, empowering the hospitality and travel industries to connect, innovate, and thrive. Through its events like FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia, FHS Africa, and AviaDev, The Bench creates an environment where ideas turn into action, fostering partnerships and driving sustainable development. With its long history of success and continued growth, The Bench remains at the forefront of shaping the future of hospitality and tourism, providing a transformative space for stakeholders to engage and collaborate. As we look towards FHS World 2025, The Bench’s legacy continues to shine as a leader in curating opportunities that inspire positive change in the global hospitality sector.

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