Global investors gather in Riyadh as Saudi tourism boom gathers pace

The Future Hospitality Summit opens in Riyadh on June 22 under the theme “Where Opportunity Meets Capital,” bringing together more than 150 speakers, industry leaders and a large investor contingent as Saudi Arabia pushes ahead with an accelerated tourism agenda. The three-day event at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah runs until June 24 and is billed as a platform for investors, developers, operators and policymakers to explore hospitality and tourism investment opportunities across the region.

"Guided by Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is undergoing one of the world’s most significant tourism transformations, creating new destinations, attracting investment and welcoming visitors from around the globe," said Mahmoud Abdullhadi, deputy minister of tourism destinations enablement at the Ministry of Tourism. "As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination and investment hub, unprecedented opportunities are being created across the tourism and hospitality sectors, accelerating development and attracting partners from around the world."

The summit’s agenda reflects that ambition, with sessions spanning investment and real estate, wellness and lifestyle, technology and innovation, food and beverage, guest experiences, and talent development and education. Opening remarks will be delivered by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the board of directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, and a keynote speech by Abdullhadi — titled "Shaping the Next Chapter of Saudi Tourism" — will outline the Kingdom’s evolving tourism landscape and future ambitions.

• Event: Future Hospitality Summit (FHS)
• Dates: June 22–24
• Venue: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
• Speakers: More than 150 industry figures
• Theme: "Where Opportunity Meets Capital"

Organizers highlight measurable investor engagement: investors now account for 30 percent of confirmed attendees and collectively represent an estimated $4.99 trillion of assets under management. The 2025 edition of the summit generated more than $1.6 billion worth of business opportunities, a benchmark organizers hope to surpass this year.

Confirmed investor and developer participants include Al Khozama, Al Rajhi Capital, Arbireo Capital, Blacksand, Certares, Jabal Omal Development Co., Majid Al Futtaim Development, Marjan, New Murabba, NMR Group, Orascom Development, Red Sea Global, SEDCO Capital and United Real Estate Development Co., among others.

"The FHS agenda is designed to drill down into — and react to — the most pressing and relevant issues and opportunities affecting the region’s hospitality and tourism sector," said Ali Shahid, CEO of The Bench, the summit organizer. "We look forward to welcoming back our regular participants – and delegates attending for the first time — to FHS Saudi Arabia in June for strong debate, deep analysis and a wealth of opportunities to be part of KSA’s future hospitality industry."

Beyond deal flow, the summit is positioned to address operational questions tied to rapid expansion: talent development to staff new hotels and attractions, technology adoption to enhance guest experiences, and sustainability and wellness products aimed at higher-yield visitors. Panels on real estate and capital markets will also explore financing structures and partnerships to accelerate project delivery.

Outlook: With major regional projects and increasing international investor interest converging at this edition, the summit will be closely watched for new investment commitments and strategic partnerships. Organizers and government speakers are pitching the event as a vehicle to convert investor interest into concrete projects that support the Kingdom’s tourism targets and the wider objectives of its developmental agenda.