Skift Global Forum East Kicks Off with a Powerhouse Speaker Lineup

Skift Global Forum East is a gathering of leaders who shape markets, set investment priorities, and redefine the traveler experience. It is where global perspectives meet regional ambition, creating a dialogue that influences travel far beyond the Gulf.

From the top of the airline industry to leaders in hospitality, airports, tourism policy, and travel technology, these are the voices driving transformation across the globe.

Hospitality Leaders with Global Reach

Hospitality is at the heart of travel, and Skift Global Forum East will spotlight leaders who are rethinking the guest experience on a massive scale.

• Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO and Premium, Midscale & Economy Division CEO, Accor, brings insight from one of the largest and most diverse hotel portfolios in the world.
• Stefan Leser, CEO of Adeera Hospitality Group, focuses on how investment and operational excellence can unlock long-term growth in competitive markets.

Aviation at a Turning Point

The Middle East has become one of the most dynamic regions in aviation, and these airline leaders will reveal how strategy, scale, and customer experience are shaping the next phase of global air travel.

• Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways, is leading Abu Dhabi’s airline through an ambitious transformation designed for international impact.
• Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, is steering the airline through a new era of competitiveness and regional strength.

Airports and the Traveler Journey

Airports across the Middle East are expanding their role as hubs of commerce, technology, and customer experience.

• Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, is reimagining how travelers interact with airports from the moment they arrive.

Global Tourism and Policy Leaders

Tourism is a driver of economies and cultural connection, and its leaders set the tone for sustainable growth.

• Gerald Lawless, Ambassador of the World Travel & Tourism Council, continues to champion travel as a force for global prosperity.
• Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary General Elect of UN Tourism, represents the future of international tourism leadership with a focus on inclusivity and global cooperation.

Technology at the Center of Travel

Travel runs on seamless experiences, and financial technology is becoming a cornerstone of the journey.

• Daniel Marovitz, Senior Vice President of FinTech at Booking.com, will share how payments and digital innovation are reshaping customer expectations and creating new opportunities.

Why You Need to Be in Abu Dhabi This October

The Middle East stands at the center of travel’s global story. Airlines connect East and West, airports are redefining scale, and hospitality is raising the standard for luxury and innovation. Skift Global Forum East captures that momentum and pairs it with the insights of international leaders who see the full scope of the industry.

This event is built for decision-makers who want to understand where travel is heading and how to position themselves in the years ahead. The first speakers announced today mark the beginning of a powerful program, more to be announced soon.

Abu Dhabi is calling. The future of travel will be written here.