Hospitality
Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2025 to mark 20 years in the UAE
After another record event in 2024, Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World, will return to Dubai from 27-29 October 2025 for what will be a milestone event for organisers The Bench, marking 20 years in the UAE for the region’s leading hospitality and tourism investment event, previously known as AHIC.
FHS World 2024 saw a record 1,596 attendees representing 735 companies from 60 countries, of which over 550 were women faciliated by the organiser’s #FHSWomenPower initiative.
The FHS World Advisory Board convened in Dubai last week to discuss and shape the vision and agenda for this year’s event. The Advisory Board comprises some of the hospitality industry’s most prominent leaders, including Anthony Costa, Head of Hospitality & Lifestyle, Candy Capital; Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Modon Hospitality; Amit Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Arada; Dinky Puri, Founding Partner, Eagle Wing; Othmane Jabri, Principal, Real Estate and Hospitality (Investment), Investment Corporation of Dubai; Nicolas Mayer, Partner, Global Industry Leader Tourism, PwC; Philipp J. Klohr, Senior Vice President, Mubadala Investment Company; Jeff Tisdall, Chief Business Officer Accor One Living, Global Head of Mixed-Use, Ahmed Nazim, Managing Director, Maldives Fund Management Corporation; Aboudi Asali, Executive Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality MENA, JLL, and Saahil Lalit, Vice President | Lodging Development EMEA, Marriott International.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “This will be a very exciting year for us as we celebrate our 20th anniversary in the UAE, and at Madinat Jumeirah where it all began in 2005, and we’re thrilled to have Jumeirah as our Host Sponsor again to mark this milestone moment.”
Thomas B. Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, said: “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. As Dubai’s homegrown luxury hospitality brand, Jumeirah shares a parallel story, having redefined luxury hospitality with Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in 1999 and grown into a global brand that offers distinctive and purposeful experiences in destinations designed to inspire. We look forward to welcoming global hospitality and investment leaders as we shape the future of our industry.”
FHS World will focus on the global transformation of the hospitality industry in a changing world. Content tracks will include key topics such as, global economic trends impacting hospitality, new business models in hospitality, ESG and sustainable tourism, as well as the future of hospitality investment, lifestyle hospitality & well-being, and hospitality spaces. In addition, there will be sessions on hospitality investment opportunities in Africa, Europe and Asia as part of the programme.
Delegates can look forward to the usual strong debate, dealmaking and networking that FHS is known for, along with its many immersive features such as the TenX Leadership Talks, Roundtable Discussions, Country Pavilion Showcases, the Branded Residences Forum, Sustainable Hospitality Challenge student competition and ESG Lab.
FHS is firmly established as the leading event of its kind in the region, with two growing, annual events that underpin the unprecedented expansion of the Middle East’s tourism offering. The Bench itself is also growing in line with FHS’s expansion. Olja Nicholl has joined as Head of Sales for FHS World, as part of the company’s multi-cultural, highly experienced team.
This year, FHS Saudi Arabia takes place from 11-13 May at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, followed by FHS World from 27-29 October 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE TOGETHER AT THE TABLE WITH MISTER BAKER’S RAMADAN GIFTINGS
Ramadan in the UAE is all about putting the phone down and gathering around a table overflowing with family, friends, and food. This year, homegrown favourite for more than three decades, Mister Baker is bringing that feeling to life with its 2026 Ramadan campaign, “Together at the Table,” offering treats priced from AED 16 to 199. The collection isn’t just about sweet indulgence, it’s about celebrating the little ways we say, “I’m glad you’re here.” From neighbourhood Iftars to late-night Suhoors, Mister Baker makes sure nobody arrives empty-handed.
The Standout Stars
Designed to dazzle both your Instagram feed and your taste buds:
Moon Cakes
Showstoppers: Two stunning cakes that double as edible art, perfect for your Majlis centrepiece.

Milk Cakes – The Crowd-Pleasers: A trio of Milk Cakes (Vanilla, Saffron, and Rose) that feel like a warm hug in a bowl

Cheesecakes – The Modern Twist: Date & Speculoos Cheesecakes, and the Saffron Cheesecake, which give traditional flavours a contemporary glow-up.

Mini Cupcakes – The Gift-Giver’s Dream: Mini cupcakes to make corporate gifting or hosting feel effortless.

From a solo indulgence to a table full of treats for friends, family, or colleagues, there’s a flavour for everyone.
Hospitality
CURATED MOMENTS FOR TWO: SUNRISE TO SUNSET EXPERIENCES AT SUN SIYAM VILU REEF
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, romance is woven into the rhythm of the island itself, unfolding gently from the first blush of sunrise to the soft glow of moonlight. This Valentine’s season, the boutique Maldivian hideaway invites couples to rediscover connection through a collection of immersive experiences crafted exclusively for lovers. Whether beginning the day with a serene lagoon breakfast at dawn or ending it beneath a starlit sky, every moment is designed to honour intimacy, celebrate togetherness and transform ordinary hours into unforgettable memories.
Sunrise lagoon breakfast is a must have experience to commence your day in an unparalleled setting. The Sunrise Lagoon Breakfast features an inimitable breakfast layout delivered directly to the water, a setting where you can bask in the healing warmth of the first sunrays and the flawless sound of the waves. This experience is designed for couples who wish to savor an intimate and visually stunning start to their day.
As the Maldivian sun dips below the horizon, retreat into the Tranquility Package, curated exclusively for couples seeking intimate rejuvenation. This ultimate indulgence unfolds in one of the resort’s picturesque outdoor cabanas during the serene golden hour. The intimate ritual initiates with a warm, traditional Foot bath Ritual to melt away stress. Guests then choose a full-body treatment, either a soothing Balinese Massage or an invigorating Asian Blend Massage, complemented by a relaxing Fancy Foot Massage.
The close of day marks the start of an exclusive date night. Our brand signature experience Cinema by the Moonlight transforms the evening into a romantic, tailor-made event. Couples can choose from floating cinema on a “dhoni”, Sunset cruise with movie and dinner with magical settings, blending cinematic romance with Maldivian luxury. This showcases the magic of the Maldivian night sky and offers a choice of personalised settings and menus, making it one of the most intimate ways for couples to spend another romantic evening.
In addition, this Valentine’s Day, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef transforms into a sanctuary of Coastal Blush. Explore our Valentine’s Collection, a series of bespoke moments designed to ignite the senses. From a Floating Breakfast to the tropical flair of our Sip of Love cocktails, every detail is crafted for connection. Rejuvenate with our dedicated Valentine’s Spa Rituals, indulge in a private Lagoon Feast, or lose yourself in a Starlit Movie Night. Throughout February, experience a timeless celebration of your unique love story.
Each intimate experience is curated for couples seeking calm, harmony and stillness with every detail designed to deepen the magic of your escape and reconnect at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
Hospitality
DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES CELEBRATES THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN WITH TWO DISTINCT IFTAR EXPERIENCES
This Ramadan, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites invites guests to break their fast with two curated Iftar experiences designed to suit different dining styles and occasions. From a refined steakhouse setting with sweeping Marina views to a generous buffet ideal for families and group gatherings, the hotel offers a considered and relaxed approach to Ramadan dining in the heart of Dubai Marina.
IFTAR AT PRIME52
Located on the top floor of the hotel, Prime52 offers an intimate and polished way to breakfast, combining panoramic Marina views with exclusive Ramadan dishes available alongside the restaurant’s à la carte menu. The setting is well suited to guests seeking a quieter, more refined Iftar experience for family gatherings or small groups.
Ramadan highlights focus on premium ingredients and slow-cooked flavours, including seared foie gras with spiced pear, Emirati-style baby lamb shank braised with aromatic spices, and homemade kunafa served with date ice cream, introducing subtle local touches to the evening.
- Where: Prime52, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites
- When: Throughout Ramadan, 6pm to 12am
- Price: À la carte prices
IFTAR AT COUNTER CULTURE CAFÉ
For guests who enjoy variety and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, Counter Culture Café presents a generous Iftar buffet throughout the Holy Month. Designed with families and group gatherings in mind, the buffet offers a comfortable and welcoming dining experience with a broad selection of international dishes and Ramadan favourites. Highlights include a live Ouzi station, live shawarma, and an extensive dessert spread featuring traditional Ramadan sweets.
- Where: Counter Culture Café, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites
- When: Sunday to Thursday, sunset to 10pm | Friday to Sunday, sunset to 11pm
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