Host Arabia

A new chapter for the hospitality industry in the Middle East
Photos provided by HostMilano / Host Arabia
Photos provided by HostMilano / Host Arabia
Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
1. December 2024 | 
Alexandra Gorsche
1. December 2024
|
Alexandra Gorsche

The hospitality industry is entering a new era: Host Arabia, an innovative event format that redefines exhibition standards, will be launched for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2026. Organized by Fiera Milano, one of the world’s leading trade fair operators, in partnership with Semark, Host Arabia will serve as a hub for the Middle East’s hospitality, hotel and trade sectors. This event is not only a milestone for the industry, but also a strong signal of Saudi Arabia’s economic dynamism as part of Vision 2030.

Why Host Arabia represents a revolution for the industry

  • Successful HostMilano meets Vision 2030
    The proven concept of HostMilano, one of the world's leading trade shows, is being transferred to the Middle East for the first time. In recent years, HostMilano has attracted over 180,000 trade visitors, many of whom came from the GCC countries and Asia. This global reach is now to be further expanded with Host Arabia.
  • A market on the upswing
    Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in tourism and infrastructure, including the construction of 300,000 new hotel rooms and an increase in visitor numbers to 150 million by 2030. These ambitious goals make the Kingdom one of the most exciting markets for the hospitality industry. Technologies that improve the customer experience and innovative solutions for the hospitality industry are particularly in demand.
  • Strong partnership for a successful future
    Fiera Milano's collaboration with Semark, an experienced organizer in the Saudi Arabian market, guarantees a seamless implementation of the trade fair. As part of the renowned Al Rajhi Group, Semark brings valuable local expertise, while Fiera Milano contributes its international network and know-how.
  • Networks as the key to success
    An event like Host Arabia is more than just a trade fair - it is a platform for exchange between industry experts, decision makers and innovators.

Why networks are crucial:

  1. Promoting innovation: Regular exchange helps companies to keep their finger on the pulse and recognize trends at an early stage.
  2. Facilitate market entry: International players can tap into new markets through partnerships and collaborations.
  3. Sharing knowledge: Events such as Host Arabia offer workshops, live demos and discussion panels that spread expertise and set industry standards.

The importance of cultural understanding

Intercultural skills are essential, especially in the Middle East. Local networks can help to better understand local markets and offer customized solutions.

Our conclusion for the future

Host Arabia will not only transform the hospitality industry in the Middle East, but also set global standards. With the growing demand for personalized and technology-driven customer experiences, this event is a crucial step in bringing innovation and quality to the region.

Host Arabia demonstrates the importance of collaboration, innovation and networking to future-proof an industry. This show is not just a platform, but a catalyst for the entire hospitality industry. The Middle East has the potential to become a global hub - and Host Arabia will actively drive this change.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
Copyright for the featured images used:
Photos provided by HostMilano / Host Arabia

Book tip of the week: Visiting Ibiza

Mediterranean inspiration for cuisine and concept

With Visiting Ibiza, Sherin Kneifl has produced a book that is much more than just travel literature for professionals in the restaurant and hotel industry – it is a source of inspiration for culinary styles, atmospheric concepts, and storytelling with genuine local color.

The author combines editorial precision with a keen sense of authenticity. She not only guides readers to the island’s hidden gems, but also highlights the ingredients that are relevant to hosts: cultural depth, credible recommendations from locals, visual opulence, and, above all, a recipe section that can be easily adapted to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Whether small plates for the aperitivo area, creative tapas variations, or light summer desserts – the recipes are clearly structured, aesthetically presented, and offer a variety of starting points for creative kitchen concepts. Particularly exciting for chefs: the dishes are easy to scale, can be interpreted with regional products, and are ideal as seasonal specials.

The work is also inspiring for hoteliers and interior-oriented hosts: the book conveys harmonious imagery and narratives that can be wonderfully translated into communication strategies, signature experiences, or event formats.

INFO:
Sherin Kneifl: Zu Gast auf Ibiza (Visiting Ibiza)
Publisher: Callwey
224 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2770-1
Price: €45.00 [D] | €46.30 [A] | CHF 61.00
Publication date: 2025

The digital future of hospitality

How voice assistants, smart cleaning, and AI are redefining guest service

From digital voice assistants to AI-supported training, the hotel and restaurant industry is facing a wave of innovation that is rethinking efficiency, sustainability, and the guest experience in equal measure. Four current initiatives show how future technologies are already changing operations today – and what opportunities businesses can derive from them.

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quick & dirty
Photo provided
Host Arabia

The hospitality industry is entering a new era: Host Arabia, an innovative event format that redefines exhibition standards, will be launched for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2026. Organized by Fiera Milano, one of the world’s leading trade fair operators, in partnership with Semark, Host Arabia will serve as a hub for the Middle East’s hospitality, hotel and trade sectors. This event is not only a milestone for the industry, but also a strong signal of Saudi Arabia’s economic dynamism as part of Vision 2030.