Leading innovators gather to redefine the future of hospitality with strategy, technology, and partnerships.
The 4th Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit (HIS) – Saudi Arabia & UAE is set to take place on February 26th and 27th, 2025, at the Hilton Al Habtoor City, Dubai. Hosted by GBB Venture, this premier event has established itself as the definitive platform for strategic business networking, industry insights, and high-impact collaborations.
In its fourth edition, HIS continues to raise the bar by bringing together a meticulously curated audience of 500+ decision-makers, including investors, developers, operators, architects, designers, contractors, consultants, and innovative solution providers. The summit features thought-provoking discussions led by industry visionaries, addressing key trends, opportunities, and challenges in the hospitality sector through fresh, forward-thinking perspectives.
Strategic Networking: GBB Xclusive & AI-Powered Engagement:
A hallmark of HIS 2025 is the GBB Xclusive – a signature pre-arranged meetings platform designed with precision to ensure mutual business success. This initiative, widely recognized for its role in accelerating project partnerships, is complemented by an AI-powered networking app, enabling attendees to connect effortlessly before, during, and after the event.
Additionally, recognizing the increasing focus on well-being within the hospitality sector, HIS integrates exclusive fitness sessions in partnership with Technogym, providing a holistic experience for attendees.
Spotlight on Innovation: Attendees will witness cutting-edge hospitality innovations in the Spotlight Presentations featuring industry pioneers such as Lovin Fit, Illuminating Asia, BIOO, OSUS Real Estate & Elite Stone Group. These segments will highlight breakthrough technologies, sustainable solutions, and creative advancements redefining the sector.
High-Value Plenary Discussions:
Case Study: The power of conversions: Why Moxy Al Barsha was the perfect fit
Marriott has partnered with Al Ali Property Investments to bring Moxy, Marriott’s fun and stylish midscale brand, to Al Barsha. This agreement, signed in November 2024, will convert an existing hotel into a vibrant Moxy hotel.
Set to open this year, the hotel will offer 480 rooms and introduce Moxy’s playful and energetic vibe to Dubai’s Al Barsha neighbourhood. This will be the first Moxy hotel in the Middle East, promising a fresh and exciting hospitality experience.
Moderators:
Ravi Kumar Chandran, Managing Director – GBB Venture
Speakers:
- Richard Bleakley, Vice President Development Conversions, EMEA – Marriott International
- Pooja Hemrajani, Development Director – UAE & Oman – Marriott International
- Mohamed R. Ghazzawy, Founder & Managing Director – MR Project Management Consultancy
Panel 1: Strategy & Synergy for Success Along the Value Chain
A deep dive into the strategic approaches driving hospitality market leadership, this panel will feature:
Moderators:
- John Grant, Director – Turner & Townsend
Speakers:
- Daniel McBrearty, Chief Development Officer – Soudah Development
- Melisa Pezuk, Head of Development – AMAALA, Red Sea Global
- David Thomson, SVP – Development, The First Group Hospitality
- Saurabh Bakshi, Chief Operating Officer – Hospitality – Azizi Developments.
These leaders will share insights on project development, investment synergies, and collaborative frameworks that shape industry success.
Panel 2: Strategizing Competition in a Dynamic Market
This session will feature top hospitality consultants dissecting competitive positioning at global, regional, and brand levels, supported by real-world case studies. Moderated by Oliviero Cassini, Chief Development Officer – EMEA, The Lux
Collective, the panel will host:
- Turab Saleem, Partner – Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure – MEA, Knight Frank
- Pradipto Dutta, Managing Director, UAE – Colliers Project Leaders
- Maximilian Quack, Vice President – Hotels & Hospitality MEA, JLL
- Philip Wooller, Senior Director – Middle East & Africa, STR
Panel 3: Balancing Brand Identity with Creativity in Hospitality Design
A hybrid session exploring brand-driven design innovation, featuring:
Pooja Shah-Mulani, Partner & Design Director, LW Design
Maud Capet, Associate Principal, OBMI
Rakan Jandali, Design Principal | Creative Director – KCA International
The discussion will examine how brands can maintain strong identities while leveraging creative elements to enhance guest experiences.
GBB Xclusive Roundtable: Connecting Elite Investors, Developers & Operators:
The summit will conclude with the much-anticipated GBB Xclusive Roundtable, an exclusive, invitation-only gathering of 80+ industry leaders focused on investment, development, and operational synergies within the Saudi and UAE hospitality sectors. This session fosters high-level conversations, targeted deal-making, and long-term strategic alliances.
Final Thought from GBB Venture
“The 4th Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit is more than just an event. It is a catalyst for transformative conversations, strategic partnerships, and visionary thinking. It’s a platform where decision-makers come together, inspiring the future of hospitality.” — Ravi Kumar Chandran, Founder and Managing Director, GBB Venture
Join us at HIS 2025 and be part of the movement shaping the next generation of hospitality.
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