Advisory Board
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by purposeful work, thought leadership, pivotal application and real connection.
Jessica Gillingham
Jessica Gillingham, CEO and Founder of Abode Worldwide serves on the Future Stay Summit Advisory Board as one of the hospitality industry's leading global strategists and thought leaders. With more than 20 years of experience advising hospitality, travel, tourism, and accommodation brands worldwide, Jessica is recognised for her expertise in industry innovation, guest experience, sustainability, and emerging technologies. She is also the author of The Future of Hospitality Technology, a respected industry publication exploring the trends and innovations reshaping the sector. Her global perspective and deep understanding of the accommodation ecosystem help ensure Future Stay Summit remains at the forefront of industry transformation.
CEO and FounderAbode Worldwide
Merilee Kerr
Merilee Karr, Founder & CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group and TrustedStays, serves on the Future Stay Summit Advisory Board as a leading global voice in alternative accommodation, short-term rentals, and hospitality technology. A pioneer in the professionalisation of the sector, she has helped shape industry standards, regulation, and innovation across international markets. Following a strategic investment by OMRAN Group into her technology platform, Merilee is playing a key role in advancing the growth of regulated, technology-enabled accommodation ecosystems across the GCC and beyond.
Founder and CEO Founder & CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group and TrustedStays
Director General Tourism Sector
Department of Culture and Tourism , Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, serves on the Future Stay Summit Advisory Board as one of the region’s foremost architects of tourism growth and destination transformation. A visionary leader behind Abu Dhabi’s rise as a globally recognised visitor destination, he has played a pivotal role in shaping tourism strategy, market expansion, and international partnerships across the GCC. With deep expertise spanning destination development, aviation, culture, and hospitality, Saleh brings a unique perspective on building future-ready tourism ecosystems that drive sustainable economic impact and global competitiveness.
Amit Nayak
Award-Winning Government Advisor in Hospitality Asset Management and Development
Advisor UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism Council
Amit Nayak, Advisor to the UAE Ministry of Economy and UAE Tourism Council, serves on the Future Stay Summit Advisory Board as one of the region’s foremost experts in hospitality asset management, investment strategy, and industry governance. With more than two decades of experience spanning private equity, hotel operations, asset ownership, and policy advisory, Amit has played a pivotal role in bridging the interests of government and the private sector to unlock sustainable growth across the hospitality ecosystem. His unique perspective—shaped by leadership roles overseeing major hospitality portfolios and advising industry bodies across the GCC—brings invaluable insight into investment, regulation, destination development, and the future of hospitality assets in the region..
Founder and CEO
Elevate World
Samir Hamadeh
Samir Hamadeh, Founder & CEO of Elevate Tourism, serves on the Future Stay Summit Advisory Board as one of the GCC's leading voices in destination management, tourism development, and hospitality growth. Having built Elevate into a leading regional tourism and destination services platform, he has played a pivotal role in connecting global travel demand with emerging markets across the Gulf and beyond. With deep expertise spanning tourism strategy, destination partnerships, and market expansion, Samir brings invaluable insight into the future of travel, visitor economies, and the evolving hospitality landscape across the region.