Trends and future developments in hotel financing around the Middle East region are just two of the core subjects under the spotlight in a major panel session at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, taking place in Dubai between April 30 and May 2.

Speakers including Bernard Mouchbahani, managing director of Beirut-based ProFinance, Istithmar’s chief investment officer David Jackson, and Husam Hourani, a partner at Al Tamimi & Company in Dubai, will join moderator Thierry Loue, partner at the RSP Group.

The panel will address topics such as Islamic financing and its impact in the region, as well as discussing the major players in this specialist financial sector.

According to conference organiser, Jonathan Worsley, the liquidity of financial investment is key to development of the hospitality sector through the Arab world, and the transfer of local funds in to the market has in part fuelled the spectacular growth in hotel numbers in recent years.

“The Middle East region has always had its peculiarities in terms of hotel ownership and the type of finance available, and at a time of change, this key topic is of vital importance to all delegates to the Arab Hotel Investment Conference,” he said.

“How Islamic financing may develop, and who is likely to invest in the market are just two of the topics that are likely to top the agenda, and the answers will be of interest to everyone with a stake in the Middle East hotel industry.”

A curtain raiser to the Arabian Travel Market, the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference at Madinat Jumeirah conference centre in Dubai is organised by CB Richard Ellis Hotels, the largest commercial real estate firm in the world, and MEED Conferences. Details of AHIC can be found on www.arabianconference.com.
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