• Numerous new-to-market product launches unveiled on opening day, including AI-powered operational platform and sensory wellness lounger

Dubai, UAE: The Hotel Show 2025, the leading event for the Middle East and North Africa’s hospitality sector, opened its doors on Tuesday at Dubai World Trade Centre. Culinary experts, F&B innovators, industry decision-makers, and international experts gathered to discuss the various challenges and opportunities facing the  hospitality and F&B sectors.

Officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports, the latest edition of the longest-running hospitality trade show in the Middle East – which is co-located alongside INDEX, WORKSPACE, and HITEC – featured a series of opening day F&B Leadership Summit panel sessions. The show will run until May 29.

UAE’s Transformative F&B Industry Takes the Spotlight

Opening the Hospitality Leadership & F&B Forum, designed by KCA International and built by OK Middle East production, was an executive think tank panel discussion titled ‘Culinary Crossroads: Leveraging Global Cuisine and Fusion Trends’. Looking at the evolution and diversity of the UAE's F&B sector over the past 25 years, the panel agreed that two of the biggest opportunities at the moment are the potential for exporting local concepts, and the importance of nurturing local talent. While the market is diverse, there is still room for unique, immersive experiences, and casual dining options, attendees heard.

“For a country that is only 50 years old, it is incredible to see how the UAE has built such a diverse F&B culture in that time where other mature markets around the world have taken generations to get there,” said Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer at Arada. “We have over 200 nationalities that live in this country, so it is truly a melting pot, and now it has become an incubation centre where you are able to mix and match. There's fusion, there's homegrown concepts, and because of this, there is a strong desire to export.”

Also taking part in the panel was Miguel Silva, Corporate F&B Director at Azizi Developments, who emphasized that customers nowadays are looking for more than just a great view, but a culinary experience and something that is different; “Luckily, we have time to see where the trends go, analyze, and think how we are going to make our offering different,” said Silva.

“Everyone would have heard of Burj Azizi, the second-tallest building in the world. Well, it is going to be another level of, yes, luxury. It's going to be a landmark for us. But when it comes to F&B, our chairman said something very interesting: Don't make the view your USP. People need to go in and say, ‘wow, this is something truly unique’. We have some fundamental ideas, and when I say analyze, we need to keep an eye on what customers want so that in four years, when we’re nearing opening, we can tweak those ideas to current market needs to make sure we are giving our customers what they want.”

Hotel Show Platform for Latest Product Unveilings

Among the many highlights at The Hotel Show, a number of new product launches drew attention for their innovation.

Unveiled on the sidelines of HITEC was Conit.Cloud’s latest AI-powered service, which streamlines hospitality operations through a unified platform designed to enhance both the guest experience and team productivity. By simply uploading multiple PDFs, hotels can equip the AI tool to instantly answer guest inquiries, effectively offering round-the-clock virtual assistance without the need for additional staff or guest waiting times. To ensure accuracy, the AI is trained exclusively on the information provided by the hotel, eliminating the risk of delivering false or unrelated responses.

Elsewhere, Gharieni Middle East launched its RLX Satori Wellness Lounger, with complete natural vibrational and binaural sound therapy designed to synchronize body and mind.

Choosing the Right Tech For the Right Moment is Key, HITEC Conference Hears

At the HITEC Conference, which is in partnership with HFTP, a panel of industry experts examined the importance of strategically implementing technology and innovation in organizations. When adopting new technologies, it is essential to take a holistic approach that includes people, timing, and available resources.

William Costley, Chief Operating Officer at TIME Hotels, said: "It's crucial to bring in technology that is scalable and flexible. Longevity is key, and many investors focus on flashy solutions; however, it's essential to choose technology that can withstand the test of time. In the hotel industry, for instance, technology is often regarded as a tangible asset. And when partnering with a startup, it is essential to ensure they can maintain momentum and follow through.

Costley also highlighted the importance of often-overlooked factors such as Return on Entertainment and Return on Loyalty, noting that these metrics deserve greater attention alongside traditional financial indicators. “For me, digital transformation is a 360-degree approach”, he added.

With this in mind, The Hotel Show features a dedicated section on hospitality technology, highlighting key factors that are often overlooked in the industry. This section offers valuable insights into how innovative tech solutions can enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and drive long-term growth for hospitality businesses.

In another forward-thinking session, Viju Varma, Head of IT at Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, discussed how the smart integration of technology is key to keeping the ‘human touch’ guests expect from luxury hotels. “At Jumeirah, we use technology to enhance  – not replace – the human touch. Our online check-in enables guests to complete formalities from the comfort of their own homes, while still offering personal interaction upon arrival. With mobile key access and streamlined on-site check-ins, we strike a balance between convenience and connection, creating a seamless yet meaningful guest experience,” said Varma.

About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of trade magazines and information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. With a presence in over 25 countries and organizing more than 80 events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment, and transportation sectors. To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees. Our flagship events including the Big 5 Global, The Hotel Show, INDEX, ADIPEC and Gastech. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com. Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk).

About INDEX

Since its inaugural over 30 years ago, the three-day INDEX trade show has developed into a major gathering for the interior design and fit-out industry. Combining the traditional elements of a trade show with a variety of expert-led conferences and exciting showcases of innovative products, INDEX attracts more than 18,000 visitors each year. With 500+ exhibitors and 100+ expert speakers taking part every year, attendees benefit from the networking opportunities, the chance to discover new products and trends, and ability to maximise their industry knowledge by attending insightful conferences featuring leaders of the global interior design industry who are transforming spaces with product, design, and technology.

For more information, please visit our website.

About The Hotel Show

The Hotel Show is the region’s largest trade event for the hospitality sector, establishing itself as the longest-standing event of its type in the Middle East and Africa. The Hotel Show is a platform that provides international suppliers the opportunity to showcase their innovations and products to the most comprehensive community of serious buyers in various categories, including hotel technology, operating equipment and supplies, food services, and HORECA. With 300+ exhibitors and 100+ expert speakers taking part every year, attendees benefit from the networking opportunities, the chance to discover new products and trends, and ability to maximise their industry knowledge by attending insightful conferences.

For more information, please visit our website.

About WORKSPACE

Workspace is the region’s premier event for workplace solutions, technology and interiors. Workspace provides international suppliers the opportunity to showcase their innovations and products to a targeted group of buyers from across the MENA region. Alongside the exhibition, The Workspace Summit, brings together key stakeholders in workplace design, interior solutions, and corporate real estate to discuss the latest trends and insights.