As the date of the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia We asked several industry leaders about their visions for the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia 2025.
“Where Vision Shapes Opportunities” is more than just a theme for FHS Saudi Arabia 2025— it is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s rising influence in shaping the future of global hospitality. This year, the summit is returning to Riyadh on May 11 to 13 2025. It will take place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is at the core of this transformation. Saudi Arabia is quickly redefining the meaning of global tourism leader with investments in mega-projects and cultural destinations.
Hospitality growth is fueled by a national vision
Vision 2030 is a powerful catalyst that drives the growth of the Saudi hospitality industry. The Kingdom is aiming to welcome 150,000,000 visitors annually by 2030. To achieve this goal, the Kingdom has expanded its hotel offerings, revitalized heritage sites and created lifestyle experiences that are tailored for international and domestic tourists.
This momentum is reflected in the Kingdom’s dynamic development pipeline: around 80 new hotel properties are expected to be completed in 2025 alone, diversifying the sector to accommodate every traveler profile—from luxury leisure seekers to business guests. Saudi Arabia’s position as a top global destination is strengthened by this expansion.
Three Pillars for the Future of Saudi Hospitality
Saudi Arabia’s future hospitality is being shaped around three pillars – innovation, women empowerment, and returning to cultural roots. These drivers are creating a uniquely Saudi narrative for growth—modern, inclusive, and deeply authentic.
Innovation as an Imperative for Growth
Innovation is now not only a competitive advantage, but a necessity. Cutting-edge technologies transform the guest experience across the Kingdom. From AI-powered concierge service to smart infrastructure and immersive platforms, these cutting-edge innovations are changing the way guests interact with the Kingdom.
Digital transformation is making its mark. Saudi Arabia has seen a 100% increase in online bookings, mainly within the midscale and high-end segments. As a result, the stakeholders are increasing investment in digital training and hospitality technology programs to prepare local talent for the next chapter.
Saudi Arabia, as well as other emerging destinations, such as NEOM, The Red Sea, and NEOM, are global case-studies in sustainable, technology-integrated tourism. They position Saudi Arabia as a laboratory for the future in hospitality, both in the region, and beyond.
Taiba Investments: Women Empowerment, Saudization, and Taiba Investments
Taiba Investments’ strategy for sustainable growth is centered around Saudization. We are committed in creating meaningful opportunities for Saudi talents, aligned with the Kingdom’s vision of empowering its people and reducing unemployment. Our efforts are focused on attracting, developing and retaining local talent across the organization.
The empowerment of women is a key component of this journey. Taiba is proud of its role in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry, which is seeing a significant increase in female participation. Taiba actively promotes gender inclusion in accordance with national goals of increasing the women’s workforce participation to 30% and reducing unemployment by 7%. We do this through inclusive hiring, flexible work model, and tailored leadership development programs for women.
Reconnecting with Heritage and Spirituality
Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation is more than futuristic. It is deeply rooted within the Kingdom’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. This return to roots is at the core of the new tourism story. It includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites, desert retreats and culinary traditions as well as authentic crafts.
Taiba Investments is proud to be a part of this initiative. Our Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Culture allows us to actively integrate Saudi cultural elements in our properties. We blend authentic local heritage with contemporary hospitality. Taiba, as a member organization of the United Nations World Tourism Organization is committed to complying with international standards and showcasing the uniqueness of the Kingdom.
Makarem Hotels is at the forefront of the spiritual hospitality movement. It’s the flagship brand for Taiba Investments and the pioneer of this trend. Makarem is reinventing spiritual travel. It creates serene spaces that respect religious identity, while providing modern comfort and bespoke customer service. From Makkah and Madinah, Makarem invites guests in for an experience which nurtures the soul. It also evokes peace and connects them with sacred atmosphere at the Two Holy Mosques.
By weaving heritage into every thread of hospitality, Saudi Arabia is creating a distinct tourism identity — one that blends authenticity with sophistication, and tradition with innovation.
Look Ahead
The future is in the convergence between bold innovation, inclusive value, and reverence for location and purpose. This is the foundation of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality renaissance.
Riyadh, as it prepares to host the FHS World 2025 once again, is strengthening its status as a global epicenter for hospitality transformation. Vision creates real opportunity.
Anne Bleeker
In2 Consultancy
+971 56 603 0886
The Bench
