A Packed Agenda at Skift Global Forum East in Dubai

Skift Take

Backed by Skift’s editorial expertise, Skift Global Forum East returns to Dubai on November 19-20 to gather travel leaders and industry experts as we explore the key global trends across travel, including insights from those in tourism, hospitality, aviation, experiences, and more.

Brian Quinn

Two Days of Connections and Ideas

Skift Global Forum East kicks off on November 19, with the opening reception taking place at Address Grand Creek Harbour, followed by a day of full forum discussions on November 20 at Address Sky View.

Here, we will explore how evolving source markets, experience-driven consumer demand, regional air connectivity, data and AI innovations, luxury travel trends, and the impact of tourism are reshaping the travel industry. 

Curious what’s in store at the event? Check out the full agenda here.

Agenda and Topic Snapshot:

Taking Dubai’s Future to New Heights

Hoor Al Khaja, SVP in International Operations at Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing will share Dubai’s next phase as a liveable city and global destination, uncovering DET’s approach to continuous reinvention, looking beyond luxury, keeping sustainability front and center, and more.

A Golden Era for Hospitality Across the Region

Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa for Hilton and Skift Senior Hospitality Editor, Sean O’Nell will unpack the opportunities and challenges ahead for hotels as the region grows, as well as expanding chain scales across the region to welcome an ever-expanding profile of traveler. 

A Dynamic Travel Landscape

Our Executive Editor Dennis Schaal will speak with Carlo Olejniczak, VP and Managing Director of EMEA at Booking.com to dive into the consumer behaviors and trends he is seeing across the region, how Booking is using AI on an ever-increasing basis, and what suppliers can do to adapt to ever-evolving customer needs.

Rethinking Luxury’s Next Era

The needs of luxury travelers are always evolving. Minor Hotels CEO, Dillip Rajakarier, and Skift Senior Hospitality Editor, Sean O’Neill to dive into the changing face of luxury travel, how service and labor can keep up, the power of wellness, and creating ‘experiential hospitality’ offerings that lure guests.

Travel’s Final Frontier: Bringing the Extremes of Space Tourism in Reach

As travel reaches for more extremes, space tourism is on the horizon. Skift Editor-in-Chief will sit down with Space VIP Founder Roman Chiporukha, whose platform will offer a wide array of these space experiences appealing to high-net worth travelers seeking a rare, but approach opportunity. 

Charting an Ambitious Path Forward 

Since taking the helm as CEO of flyadeal, Steven Greenway has charted an ambitious course to match Saudi’s plans to become a global tourism hub. We’ll look at how the homegrown LCC is seeing a broader traveler mix. plans for network growth, and how Steve will navigate both a competitive and complimentary airline landscape.

What Comes Next for Asia’s Future

We’ll check-in with one of Asia’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, Capital A CEO and AirAsia Founder, Tony Fernandes, to hear insights into the airline’s ambitious growth strategy that’s not only transforming Kuala Lumpur, but also how these investments meet growing travel demands as the hub grows the connection between East and West. With a vision to increase the airline’s reach to over 100 destinations in 2025, Tony will speak to aviation’s power to drive tourism, trade, and connectivity.

Founders Journeys: Ideas Shaping the Future of Travel: 

Building a company takes ambition, and with a need for far more builders of new products in travel, we’ll look at the journeys of three unique entrepreneurs in travel. Skift Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Kopit will speak to the founders of FlyAkeed, ENVi Lodges, and DHARMA to dive into financing pathways, how both a B2B and B2C approach is often essential, and how they balance growth in the face of many hurdles.

Expanding the India Opportunity 

India is booming. Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh will join Skifts Asia Editor, Peden Bhutia to discuss the vast opportunities of India’s outbound travel market, what Air India Express has planned, and how the Middle East can benefit.

The Pivotal Role of Short-Term Rentals

As Skift has covered, short-term and vacation rentals are on the rise in Dubai and across the region. We’ll hear from One Perfect Group Group CEO Mahwussh Alam and General Manager for Dubai at Blueground, Nina Klishevich, to examine how rentals serve an important role in the travel ecosystem throughout the GCC, the ways regulation will impact hosts in the years ahead, and what lies ahead as the sector is just at its beginning.

A New Era for Luxury Experience and Entertainment

Jim Murren, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will join Skift Senior Hospitality Editor, Sean O’Neill, for a discussion on not only powering the luxury at sea category, but also Jim’s broad views on the future of hospitality and entertainment as the market evolves.

How the Region Adapts

For a broad view on the region’s growth, as well as Jordan’s future in capturing the imagination of travelers entering the region, we will hear from Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, to hear more on her strategies for growing tourism after recently returning to this role, how she thinks about marketing to travelers in this new era, the impact of the Jordan Pass across the country’s attractions, and what’s needed for destinations to remain competitive.

Don’t miss out on these discussions and many more from Dubai Airports, Google, Almosafer, Red Sea Global, Collinson International, Qiddiya, and others, all happening throughout our Forum.

Join Us in Dubai on November 20 

As the final agenda and speakers are confirmed, don’t miss out on the largest and most anticipated travel event in the region — get your pass today. Visit the official event page for more details.

Register now to secure your spot and save before the last chance price ends!