Hospitality

GAME ON: HOW GLOBAL SPORTS EVENTS RESHAPE CITIES, INVESTMENT & TOURISM

Published

3 weeks ago

June 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global sporting destination is reshaping far more than its events calendar. As the Kingdom prepares to host a growing portfolio of international tournaments, from Formula 1 and international football to golf, boxing and e-sports, sport is increasingly recognised as a powerful driver of tourism demand, investment attraction and long-term destination positioning.

As David Thomson, Senior Vice President – Development, The First Group Hospitality, puts it: “Mega-events can put a city on the map. When managed well, they reposition a city in the minds of investors and travellers.”

Four leading hospitality executives share their perspectives ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS Saudi Arabia, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.

Reputation before revenue

The leaders agreed that the reputational dividend far outweighs the short-term financial return. For Muin Serhan, CEO, Amsa Hospitality: “The greatest impact of global events lies in reputation. While revenue is temporary, reputation compounds over time. When executed well, a global event signals capability, safety, and cultural openness, factors closely watched by investors when they enter a market.”

Victor Abou Ghanem, CEO, Story Hospitality, frames the opportunity in similarly expansive terms: “For destinations, a mega-event is the most expensive advertising campaign you will ever run, and the only one the entire world covers for free. If you treat the event as a short-term P&L exercise, you probably won’t justify the cost. If you see it as a 10–20-year brand-building moment, the logic changes completely.”

Wael Al Sharif, Area General Manager, The Torch Hospitality, underlines the scale of the opportunity for Saudi Arabia specifically: “Brand-building dramatically outweighs immediate revenue. For Saudi Arabia preparing for Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA 2034, these platforms accelerate Vision 2030’s tourism diversification objectives by decades, creating irreversible perception shifts.”

Planning for the long game

The leaders agreed that engagement must begin well before the cameras turn on. As Wael Al Sharif puts it: “Engagement must begin at the master planning phase. Early collaboration with urban developers and event organisers ensures hospitality infrastructure aligns with legacy goals, avoiding siloed development and maximising post-event utility.”

Victor Abou Ghanem is direct about the consequences of arriving late: “By the time logos are unveiled and tickets go on sale, many of the big decisions – venue locations, infrastructure routes, and zoning – are already locked in. For hotel and real-estate players, the ideal is to be at the table when masterplans are drawn, and transport lines are being discussed.”

Building smart, staying relevant

On supply and long-term value, the leaders were united: build for the normal year, not the peak. David Thomson frames it simply: “Capacity decisions need to be based on long-term commercial viability, not short-term demand peaks. Good design, flexible use of space, and selecting the right locations are essential for built assets to remain relevant well after the event concludes.” Muin Serhan reinforces the point: “Operators should prioritise conversion-ready assets, mixed-use developments, and properties adaptable to evolving demand patterns after the event.” Victor Abou Ghanem shares his rule of thumb: “Owners should treat the event as a bonus, not the baseline.”

The commercial prize, the leaders agreed, lies beyond the RevPAR spike. “Short-term rate premiums are welcome, but they are not the main prize,” says Muin Serhan. “If the experience converts first-time visitors into repeat guests, the commercial impact continues long after the event.” Wael Al Sharif points to Saudi Arabia’s own mega-projects as evidence of where the broader value lands: “In KSA, projects like Qiddiya and Diriyah demonstrate [the mixed-use value] perfectly.”

Legacy over hype

The answer, the leaders agreed, comes down to one word: legacy. For Victor Abou Ghanem, “cities that win in the long run design the event as one chapter in a larger urban story. They invest in transport that locals actually use, venues that can be downsized or repurposed, and tourism strategies that run for decades.” David Thomson applies a commercial lens: “Cities that think beyond the event itself align supply with realistic post-event demand and phase development responsibly. When expansion merely aims to satisfy short-term hype, oversupply and margin pressure usually follow.” Muin Serhan adds that the human dimension matters as much as the physical: “Consistency is what ultimately turns first-time visitors into loyal guests.”

Turning two weeks into two decades

The executives were asked to distil the opportunity into a single sentence.

Muin Serhan: “Align infrastructure, hospitality supply, and place-making with a long-term economic strategy so that the global attention generated over two weeks becomes the foundation for two decades of tourism growth.”

Victor Abou Ghanem: “You turn a two-week event into a 20-year opportunity by treating it not as a party, but as a starting point for re-imagining how people live, move, stay and invest in your city long after the final whistle.”

David Thomson: “Turning a two-week event into a 20-year opportunity requires developing hotels, retail, entertainment, and other assets that will continue attracting visitors long after the final game.”

Wael Al Sharif: “By treating mega-events as transformation accelerators rather than standalone spectacles — embedding infrastructure into permanent mixed-use ecosystems, leveraging global attention for perception repositioning, and designing for adaptable post-event utility — destinations convert temporary gatherings into enduring competitive advantages that compound across decades.”

Hospitality

Make Saturdays a Family Affair with a Weekend Family Lunch and Redeemable Pool & Beach Access at Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa

Published

26 minutes ago

July 9, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Saturdays just got even more exciting at Sevilla, the elegant all-day dining destination overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Families are invited to indulge in a vibrant Weekend Family Lunch every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, combining an exceptional international dining experience with redeemable access to the hotel’s pool and private beach.

Designed to bring families together while enjoying the best of dining and leisure, the experience is priced at AED 210 per adult, with 50% savings for children aged 5–12 years, while children under 5 dine free.

Guests can indulge in an extensive family lunch buffet featuring an exceptional selection of fresh salads, chilled seafood, international cheeses, Arabic specialties, and globally inspired main courses. Highlights include a live sushi counter, succulent carving stations, a made-to-order pasta station, authentic Arabic mixed grill, Asian noodle station, traditional Lamb Ouzi, and an irresistible array of handcrafted desserts, complemented by fresh juices and infused water.

Following lunch, guests can continue their day by relaxing at the pool or unwinding on the private beach with redeemable pool and beach access, making it the perfect weekend escape for families.

For those looking to enjoy the facilities without lunch, the property also offers redeemable pool and beach access:

Weekdays: AED 125 per person
Weekends: AED 175 per person

The offer is designed to enhance the guest experience by combining exceptional dining with leisure, providing outstanding value while creating memorable family weekends.

With breathtaking Gulf views, elegant interiors, and a beautiful outdoor terrace, Sevilla offers the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon of international cuisine, live culinary theatre, and quality family time.

Weekend Family Lunch

When: Every Saturday
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Price: AED 210 per adult
Children (5–12 years): 50% off
Children below 5 years: Complimentary
Includes: International family lunch with live cooking stations and redeemable pool & beach access.

Whether it’s a leisurely family lunch, a weekend celebration, or a day by the water, Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa offers an ideal destination where exceptional hospitality meets beachfront tranquillity.

For bookings, please direct them to F&B Reservations at +971 56 545 0274 or email fbsecretary.alraha@danathotels.com

Hospitality

DISCOVER THE PERFECT SUMMER ESCAPE AT ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI

Published

37 minutes ago

July 9, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Summer is officially here, and for those staying in the city, ME by Meliá Dubai invites guests to discover a new season of curated summer experiences launching this July. From exclusive residential long-stay offers and luxurious daycations to rejuvenating spa rituals, the hotel has curated a collection of experiences designed to help guests relax, recharge and make the most of the season.

Stay with ME – Exclusive Long Stay Offer
For those planning a longer stay in Dubai, Stay with ME offers a sophisticated way to experience the city with all the comforts of a beautifully designed home. Starting from AED 13,500 per month, guests can enjoy a seamless extended stay complemented by exclusive perks and signature ME by Meliá Dubai touches.

The offer includes complimentary Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping, ensuring a stress free and connected stay. Guests can also benefit from 30% off spa treatments, Central Restaurant, in room dining, and laundry services. With access to the gym, pool, and sauna, alongside complimentary valet parking, this long stay experience is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in ME by Meliá Dubai’s distinctive lifestyle.

Availability: Extended until end of August 2026
Reservations & inquiries: 04 525 2500 | reservations.me.dubai@melia.com
Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.

Daycation at ME
Looking to escape for the day? ME by Meliá Dubai is the perfect place for it. Priced at AED 400 per person, guests can relax poolside and completely switch off from the daily hustle and bustle. For those looking to stay active, the experience also includes full gym access, perfect for a morning workout before taking a dip in the pool.

Guests can then retreat from the midday heat with a 45-minute spa treatment of their choice before enjoying a specially curated set-menu lunch at the hotel’s Central Restaurant.

Availability: July – August 2026

Time: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm | 6:00 pm -10:30 pm

Rate: AED 400 per person (fully redeemable)

Reservations & inquiries: +971 549917489 | aura.medubai@melia.com

The Cabana Experience

Soak up the sunshine in ultimate style with the Cabana Experience. Perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the pool, or simply lounging in comfort, each cabana is designed to be a private oasis. Standard room guests can enjoy a cabana for AED 250 (for two people), complete with two refreshing beverages of choice, mineral water, cooling towels and a hand fan, plus sun protection by Deeper Beauty to keep everyone perfectly pampered under the sun. Suite guests receive a complimentary cabana with the same indulgent inclusions. Whether it’s sipping a chilled drink poolside, cooling off in the pool, or simply basking in the rays, the Cabana Experience transforms an ordinary day into a sun-soaked escape full of relaxation, fun, and effortless luxury.

Availability: Ongoing

Rate: AED 250 (for two people) – Standard room guests | complimentary for Suite guests.

Included: x2 beverages, mineral water, cooling towels, hand fan and SPF protection.

For reservations and inquiries: +971 54 991 7481

Offer subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.

Fee is non-redeemable

Cabana access is limited to a maximum of 2 guests.

Children below 6 years old enjoy complimentary access.

90 Minute Summer Reset – Wellness by ME Spa

Summer has arrived, making it the perfect time to recharge with a bespoke 90-minute spa journey at Wellness by ME Spa. Escape the heat and indulge in a 60-minute aromatherapy massage, followed by a 30-minute body scrub for AED 450. Complete the experience with a complimentary refreshing tea and access to the hotel’s pool, sauna and gym for the ultimate summer wellness retreat.

Availability: The month of July

Rate: AED 450

Reservations & inquiries: spa.me.dubai@melia.com | 04 52 52 500 | 04 52 52 589
Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.

With a collection of experiences designed to suit every summer itinerary, ME by Meliá Dubai continues to offer guests a contemporary escape in the heart of the city.

Hospitality

MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS AL JADDAF REWARDS LONG SUMMER STAYS WITH 15,000 BONUS MARRIOTT BONVOY POINTS

Published

43 minutes ago

July 9, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

This summer, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf is rewarding its longest-staying guests with something worth settling in for. Guests who stay 30 nights or more, completed before 7 September 2026, will earn a bonus of 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The offer lands as Dubai’s hospitality market leans further into longer-stay demand and within that expansion, hotel apartments have carved out a distinct niche: business travellers on extended assignments, relocating executives and families settling in for months at a time are increasingly choosing the flexibility of a private residence over a traditional hotel room, a shift that is prompting operators across the city to compete harder for the long-staying guest.

The timing is no accident as Al Jaddaf has recently completed a refurbishment across its residences, refreshing interiors while preserving the warm, residential character the property is known for. Every apartment now also features an in-unit water filtration system for premium drinking water, removing the need for single-use plastic bottles across the building, part of a broader push to make longer stays not just more rewarding, but more comfortable and more sustainable. Beyond the apartment door, residents find a fully equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, a Balinese spa, a beauty salon, an ATM and an on-site convenience store, along with five restaurants and lounges that carry them from a business dinner to a relaxed family meal to a quiet evening drink.

The bonus builds on rewards that already come with every stay. Across the Marriott Executive Apartments brand, guests now earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every US dollar spent, while every night counts as one Elite Night Credit towards Marriott Bonvoy status. For those settling in for a month or a full season, a long stay in Dubai becomes a fast track to elite recognition across Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 10,000 hotels worldwide.

“Many of our guests choose to stay with us for months rather than nights, and this summer’s offer is a way of recognising that,” said Saad Al-Ghamdi, General Manager. “The longer a guest makes Al Jaddaf their home in Dubai, the more rewarding the stay becomes, both during their time here and across the wider Marriott Bonvoy programme.”

With monthly and yearly residency arrangements available, guests enjoy the flexibility of a private lease without the setup costs, the paperwork or the compromise on service that usually accompany it.

Set in the heart of Dubai with views over Dubai Creek and the city skyline, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf sits less than 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport. Its fully serviced one, two and three-bedroom apartments come with full kitchens, generous living and dining areas and dedicated workspaces, alongside twice-weekly housekeeping, 24-hour concierge and security, and in-room dining around the clock.

Reservations

To book the offer, guests can apply promotional code S2449 at marriott.com/DXBHC or through the Marriott Bonvoy app. To explore longer stays at Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf more broadly, please visit marriott.com/DXBHC or contact the hotel at reservations.jaddaf@marriott.com.