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Focused on the rapidly growing hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the summit attracted over 600 industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators from across the globe.

The summit was a resounding success providing a high-profile, invitation-only platform to foster collaboration, strategy, and synergies in the region’s hospitality market. In addition, a GBB Xclusive Investor Roundtable was one of the highlights of the summit with the participation of 18 investors and over 70 developers, operators and consultants offering a range of investment opportunities in the region.

Over the 2 days, attendees heard from renowned speakers and top industry experts covering key topics in hotel development, infrastructure growth, and regional innovation along the theme of Strategy, Synergy and Success. The exclusive prearranged meetings, product showcase and targeted marketing efforts offered insights into sustainable practices, advanced design trends, wellness innovations and more for the hospitality industry.

Osus & Hilton Signing Ceremony

The summit began on a high note with a special signing ceremony between Hilton and OSUS announcing their newest project together represented by Carlos Khneisser, VP Development MEA – Hilton and Anas Majed AlMajed, CEO – OSUS respectively.

The signing was followed by a brief discussion facilitated by Kerem Cengiz, Managing Director – LWK & Partners between Carlos and Ali Al-Ghamdi, Transformation Consultant at OSUS. Through the discussion, both companies emphasized their shared commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality developments that meet the evolving needs of future generations.

This project is coming up in Riyadh, was highlighted as a key example of integrating design, functionality, and hospitality. The conversation also touched on the synergies between the two brands, their mutual dedication to quality and customer experience, and the strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The partnership aims to contribute to the growth of the tourism sector, with both parties committed to delivering value through thoughtful design and efficient project execution.

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Rendezvous with Ravi

Following the Signing Ceremony, Ravi Kumar Chandran, Founder & Managing Director – GBB Venture took the stage, hosting the trio: Richard Bleakley, Vice President Development Conversions, EMEA - Marriott International, Pooja Hemrajani, Development Director - UAE & Oman - Marriott International and Mohamed R. Ghazzawy, Founder & Managing Director - MR Project Management Consultancy, working on one of most exciting Marriott properties - Moxy Al Barsha Dubai.

The discussion centred around the conversion of a hotel into a Moxy brand property in Dubai, marking the brand's first Middle Eastern location. The Moxy brand, known for its vibrant, stylish, and space-efficient design, offers a fun, energetic atmosphere, particularly appealing to younger travellers. The conversion process considers factors such as room size, existing facilities, and the desired level of renovation. Key elements of the Moxy experience, like a central bar and multitasking staff, are adapted to local needs in the Middle East.

The discussion also highlights the growing trend of hotel conversions in the industry, offering owners a cost-effective way to reposition properties while maintaining commercial efficiency. Conversions, like the Moxy project, continue to be an important strategy for rapidly adapting to market demands with minimal investment.

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In the Spotlight

This presentation series presented an uninterrupted hour of innovation and excellence from various parts of the globe. The first topic addressed the Wellness Tourism Trend while highlighting the opportunities with Longevity and Well-being natural technologies presented by Christian Orlandi, Founder & CEO - Lovinfit Group. With a patented technology, Stanley Tay Wee King, Director/ CEO & Principal Lighting Consultant - Illuminating Asia then spoke about the evolution of light: from aesthetic design to intelligent efficiency with IA.

Along the lines of energy efficiency, Pablo Vidarte, CEO – BIOO showcased, how his innovative approach to sustainability is leading to The Dawn of the Biotech City. And with future-focused developments at the core, Ali Al-Ghamdi, Transformation Consultant - OSUS presented how the Future of Saudi Hospitality is shaping up. Dott. Geol. Tetyana Kovalenko, CEO - Elite Stone Group then took the stage and explained the Art of Bespoke Natural Stone in luxury hospitality; while referring to how her team work with some of the most exquisite stones creating masterpieces.

Signature Meetings

The key part of the summit, GBB curated pre-scheduled, face-to-face meetings were hosted for over 80 suppliers, 200 buyers with over 1200 meetings in total.

The signature meetings brought together key decision-makers from major hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, each with unique project needs, and connected them with innovative suppliers from around the world offering in-demand solutions. These requirements and offerings were diligently matched based on detailed analysis of project requirements and solution offerings further supported by dedicated account managers to ensure flawless execution. Post the sumptuous lunch, a brief stretch session by Technogym re-energized the audience for more in store.

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The next summit by GBB Venture is the 17th Real Estate Development Summit Saudi Arabia: Europe Edition, scheduled for 25th and 26th of June in CCL - Lisbon Congress Centre, RIO Pavilion, Portugal. 

To know more write to [email protected] and visit https://europe.redevelopmentsummit.com | Call us on +44 20 3868 2202