Khamas Hospitality, one of the UAE’s leading hospitality management companies, has shared its outlook on the hospitality trends set to define 2026, highlighting artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, wellness, and branded residences as the key forces shaping the industry.
The insights, shared by Pratik Kachroo, Executive Director, Khamas Hospitality reflect the Group’s continued focus on innovation that enhances efficiency while remaining firmly human-centric.
AI-Enabled Operations with a Human Focus
Across the hospitality sector, technology is increasingly being used to streamline routine processes and improve operational efficiency, from smarter forecasting to faster, more seamless arrivals. In markets such as the UAE, tools such as digital verification and biometric check-in are helping to reduce wait times and remove friction from the guest journey.
At Khamas Hospitality, these advancements are viewed as support tools rather than replacements, allowing teams to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time delivering attentive, personalised service. While systems handle the logistics, it is the people on the ground who shape the experience, ensuring hospitality remains warm, intuitive, and distinctly human.
Cybersecurity
As hotels increasingly rely on digital platforms across reservations, payments and guest services, cybersecurity has become an essential part of everyday operations. With large volumes of sensitive guest and business data handled daily, the focus is on putting robust safeguards and clear protocols in place, supported by strong internal awareness across teams.
For Khamas Hospitality, strengthening cybersecurity is not just about protecting information, but about maintaining guest trust and operational continuity in an increasingly connected hospitality environment.
Wellness
Wellness is evolving beyond traditional spa offerings, with guests increasingly seeking experiences that support physical fitness, mental wellbeing and a sense of a sustainable community. Hotels are now being positioned as lifestyle destinations where movement, mindfulness, and social interaction come together in a sustainable environment.
Reflecting this shift, Mama Shelter Dubai, part of Khamas Hospitality, will host Form Fest Dubai, the city’s first dedicated Pilates festival, taking place on 7–8 February 2026. The two-day event will bring together Pilates enthusiasts, wellness professionals, and the wider community for immersive sessions and expert-led workshops.
Branded Residences and the Rise of Hotel-Led Living
Branded residences are set to play a growing role in the hospitality landscape, as guests and residents increasingly look for the service standards of a hospitality brand combined with the comfort, privacy, and permanence of a home. This shift reflects changing lifestyle preferences, including rising demand for long-stay living, professionally managed residences and seamless access to hospitality amenities.
This trend is reflected in Khamas Hospitality’s active development pipeline, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Business Bay, and the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and Marriott Residences in Jumeirah Village Circle. Together, these projects highlight the Group’s focus on integrated hospitality and residential models that support longer-term relationships while delivering consistent service standards and lifestyle values across to cater different people of standards.
As the industry continues to evolve, Khamas Hospitality remains focused on thoughtful innovation, strong digital foundations and people-led experiences. By balancing technology, wellbeing and long-term living solutions, the Group continues to shape its approach to hospitality while staying true to the rooted values that define its long standing identity.
