Hozpitality Group's Prestigious Awards Recognize Hospitality Excellence in the Middle East

On June 13, 2026, Dubai played host to a remarkable event organized by Hozpitality Group that celebrated the pinnacle of culinary excellence in the Middle East. The 9th Middle East Chef Excellence Awards, along with the 4th Middle East F&B Excellence Awards and the Chef Leaders Powerlist Awards, took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek. This stellar gathering saw food and beverage experts, chefs, hospitality executives, suppliers, and various industry partners unite to applaud innovation and commitment in the hospitality sector.

The awards aimed to shine a spotlight on outstanding performances across numerous culinary and food and beverage categories. By recognizing the key players who continually expend exceptional effort to enhance guest satisfaction, Hozpitality underscores its commitment to raising industry standards.

One of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony was the live finale of the Hozpitality Young Chef of the Year competition. After intense semi-finals coordinated by the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) in Dubai, five promising young chefs vied for the coveted title live on stage. This competition showcased the immense potential of the next generation of culinary talent thriving in the region.

In addition to the award presentations, Hozpitality also unveiled the Chef Leaders and F&B Leaders Powerlists, which honor influential figures who epitomize excellence in leadership, innovation, and mentorship, thereby significantly contributing to the sector's growth.

Raj Bhatt, the esteemed Founder and CEO of Hozpitality Group, conveyed the essence of the evening's purpose, stating, "These awards are about recognizing the people behind the success of our industry. Hospitality is powered by passionate professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes every day. We are proud to celebrate chefs, food and beverage professionals, young talent, and industry leaders who continue to inspire excellence across the region."

The event also acknowledged the critical support from the Emirates Culinary Guild, led by President Andy Cuthbert, and the judging panel, which played an essential role in preserving the integrity and credibility of the award process. Special appreciation was given to Sunjeh Raja and the talented ICCA Dubai team for facilitating the semi-finals of the Young Chef of the Year competition, emphasizing their essential role in nurturing the future of the culinary field.

The results of the Young Chef of the Year competition were particularly noteworthy. In the live cook-off, Sahil Sabir Shaikh from Emirates Flight Catering emerged victorious, securing the gold medal, while Amrit Maharjan from Dubai World Trade Center took home the silver medal.

The event was made possible through invaluable support from sponsors including Nestlé Professional, US Beef, Welbilt, and various other partners. It brought to the forefront outstanding professionals and establishments from revered hospitality brands such as Emirates Flight Catering, Dusit Thani Dubai, Waldorf Astoria, and DoubleTree by Hilton, among others.

As the evening culminated in celebrations of achievements and a collective commitment to nurturing excellence, Hozpitality reinforced its mission of fostering the professional growth of hospitality experts and connecting industry players across the Middle East and beyond.

About Hozpitality Group
Hozpitality Group stands as a prominent hospitality network dedicated to connecting professionals, employers, suppliers, and stakeholders globally. Through numerous initiatives, award programs, recruitment platforms, and networking events, Hozpitality continues to champion the advancement of the hospitality sector worldwide.

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