HAMA marks 10 years of leadership in hospitality asset management in the region | News
The Hospitality Asset Managers Association Middle East and Africa (HAMA MEA) celebrates 10 years of success in shaping the region’s hospitality investment and asset management landscape.
Since its founding in 2015 HAMA MEE has expanded its role from a membership association to a trusted organizer, educator and data-driven voice for hospitality owners, operators, investors and policymakers across the region.
The 10th anniversary of HAMA MEA coincides with the 20th anniversary edition of Future Hospitality Summit – FHS Worldwhich takes place this week in Dubai. This year, HAMA MEA is organizing a workshop on ‘The Future of Hotel Asset Management’ on day two of FHS World, Tuesday, October 28. This dynamic workshop brings together senior asset managers, operators and investors to explore the trends shaping the next chapter in hospitality performance.
Commenting on the 10th anniversary, René Beil, President of HAMA MEA said: “HAMA MEA was founded to up the game for owners and the hospitality industry, to bring together owners, operators, consultants, academia and government to listen, learn and turn shared experiences into practical next steps. Our work is intentionally humble and evidence-based: no egos, just useful collaboration that translates data into decisions that protect value and jobs. As we celebrate our first decade of results, I am Our members and partners are more than grateful for sharing our spirit and remembering that the hotels, not us, reads the headline. Together we help the ecosystem make smart decisions that last in the real world.”
Over the past decade, HAMA MEA has evolved to deliver everything from education to engagement and from market information to masterclasses.
Recent highlights include masterclasses at Les Roches, offering hands-on wealth management content and mentorship for MBA cohorts; closed-door roundtables in the UAE and Saudi Arabia addressing the challenges of pre-opening; publication of post-COVID hygiene and operations lessons; and several data-driven regions to support owner and lender boards on pricing, demand and pipeline risk.
HAMA MEA’s agenda for the next twelve months includes Asset Productivity, exploring how to increase income; Green transition that looks at decarbonization and sustainable purchasing; Digital & Data, including owner-customized KPIs, automated reporting and AI-enabled planning; and access to education, focusing on scholarships, internships and mentorships.
A special focus on Saudi Arabia and Africa, covering capacity building for the pre-opening of giga-projects and investment forums connecting institutional and family capital with bankable projects, is also in the pipeline.
Amit Nayak, CHA, Vice President, HAMA MEA commented: “Our role is to translate market signals into asset-level action – quickly and clearly. We connect hard data to real-world realities: pre-opening discipline, thoughtful capital investment, sharper F&B and steady post-opening performance. We are market students who roll up our sleeves alongside owners and operators to challenge assumptions and move from insight to action. Owners don’t need noise; they need clarity, and when assets are resilient, teams are supported and guests choose our destinations again. For us that is success.”
“It is an incredible honor to be part of this journey,” added Ayat Mana, project leader for the 10-year celebration and the first Emirati woman to join HAMA MEA. “This is not just a celebration of the past – it is a signal of inclusive leadership and opportunity in our industry’s future.”
“What started as a small, passionate community has now grown into an influential voice in shaping investment decisions in the hospitality industry across the region,” concluded Santhosh Menon, Treasurer of HAMA MEA. “This milestone represents a commitment to professionalism, transparency and performance.”
