Dubai: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts welcomed senior government representatives, tourism officials and leading hospitality and real estate professionals to a cocktail reception at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai ahead of FHS World Dubai 2026. Held on 28 September, the gathering brought together public- and private-sector stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the UAE’s evolving hospitality sector and its continued development.
One of the world’s largest hotel franchising companies, Wyndham used the reception to connect with representatives from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, hotel owners, developers and consultants. The evening provided an informal setting for industry leaders to discuss tourism, hospitality growth and the importance of collaboration across the sector.
The event featured contributions from government and tourism representatives, alongside an update on Wyndham’s growth and development in the UAE. With cocktails and live violin music adding to the atmosphere, the reception created opportunities for networking and engagement ahead of the hospitality industry’s major gathering in Dubai.
Wyndham Brings Hospitality and Tourism Leaders Together
The reception at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai brought together representatives from across the UAE’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem. Attendees included government officials, hotel operators, property developers, consultants and other industry stakeholders involved in the country’s expanding hospitality landscape.
The gathering reflected the importance of maintaining dialogue between public authorities and private-sector organisations as tourism and hospitality continue to develop. Government entities help shape tourism priorities and the wider business environment, while hotel groups, owners and developers contribute through investment, operations and the development of accommodation offerings.
By creating a setting for these groups to connect, Wyndham provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives and strengthen professional relationships ahead of FHS World Dubai 2026.
The reception also highlighted the role of industry networking in supporting longer-term development. Conversations between stakeholders can help establish connections, share market perspectives and encourage cooperation across different parts of the hospitality value chain.
For Wyndham, the event offered an opportunity to engage directly with regional decision-makers and industry professionals while reinforcing its presence in the UAE hospitality market.
Government Representatives Share Tourism Outlooks
Government and tourism representatives were among the key contributors to the evening, bringing perspectives on Dubai’s hospitality outlook and the wider development of tourism across the UAE.
Khalid Al Awar, Director of Business Stakeholders and Government Relations at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, shared his perspective on Dubai’s hospitality outlook. His contribution formed part of the wider discussion around the emirate’s tourism and accommodation sector.
Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director of Tourism Development at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, discussed the outlook for the country’s wider tourism sector.
The participation of representatives from both organisations highlighted the connection between government tourism priorities and the hospitality businesses operating across the market. Hotels, developers and operators are important participants in the tourism ecosystem, while public-sector engagement provides an opportunity to discuss the wider direction of the industry.
Their presence also underlined the importance of continued engagement between government bodies and private-sector stakeholders as the UAE develops its position as an international tourism destination.
Wyndham Shares an Update on UAE Growth
Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, welcomed guests and provided an update on the company’s growth and development in the UAE.
As a global hotel franchising company, Wyndham works with hotel owners and partners across its portfolio. Engagement with owners, developers and other hospitality stakeholders is therefore an important part of its regional business relationships.
The reception brought these connections into focus by creating an opportunity for Wyndham’s leadership to meet representatives from across the public and private sectors.
The company’s participation also reflected the significance of the UAE within the wider regional hospitality landscape. Industry gatherings provide a platform for hotel groups to engage with stakeholders, discuss market developments and maintain relationships that support business growth.
While the reception was primarily a networking occasion, the update from Manikis gave attendees an opportunity to hear directly from Wyndham’s regional leadership about its UAE development activities.
Senior Hospitality and Real Estate Figures Attend
The reception attracted additional senior representatives from hospitality, vacation ownership and real estate organisations, reflecting the breadth of businesses connected to the UAE’s tourism economy.
Among those attending were Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of International Operations – Vacation Ownership at Travel + Leisure Co.; Rob Burns, Chief Executive Officer of The First Group; and Alison Grinnell, Group Chief Operating Officer of Marjan and Chief Executive Officer of Marjan Hospitality.
Their participation brought together perspectives from different areas of the wider hospitality and property sectors. Hotel operations, vacation ownership, real estate development and hospitality management each contribute to the broader environment in which tourism businesses operate.
Bringing these stakeholders together ahead of FHS World Dubai 2026 offered an opportunity to strengthen professional connections across these related fields.
The presence of government representatives alongside hotel groups and real estate leaders also reflected the collaborative nature of hospitality development, where public-sector priorities and private-sector investment intersect.
An Informal Evening Ahead of FHS World Dubai 2026
Hosted at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, the reception combined professional networking with a relaxed social atmosphere. Cocktails and live violin music accompanied the evening, providing a setting for guests to engage with Wyndham’s Middle East and Africa team and connect with fellow industry professionals.
The informal format allowed attendees to exchange perspectives outside a formal conference environment. Such gatherings can complement larger industry events by creating opportunities for direct conversations between executives, government representatives, hotel owners and developers.
Held ahead of FHS World Dubai 2026, the reception also served as a meeting point for stakeholders preparing to engage with the wider hospitality industry gathering.
For participants, the evening provided an opportunity to build relationships, share views on the market and discuss the issues shaping the UAE’s hospitality sector.
Supporting Collaboration Across the UAE Hospitality Sector
The reception reflected Wyndham’s emphasis on engagement with government entities, tourism stakeholders, hotel operators, owners and developers.
As the UAE’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve, cooperation across these groups remains important to the sector’s development. Industry events and networking gatherings provide opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas, understand different perspectives and maintain relationships across the market.
By bringing together representatives from government, tourism, hospitality and real estate, Wyndham’s reception reinforced the value of ongoing dialogue ahead of FHS World Dubai 2026.
The event also provided a platform for Wyndham’s regional leadership to connect with industry partners and share an update on its development in the UAE.
With its combination of stakeholder engagement, leadership participation and informal networking, the reception highlighted the role of collaboration in supporting the country’s changing hospitality landscape.
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Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
