#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Hospitality Awards #Hozpitality Group

Celebrating Hospitality Excellence

On December 12, 2025, Hozpitality Group hosted the highly anticipated 11th Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards and GM Powerlist 2025 at the picturesque Arabian Ranches Golf Club in Dubai. This prestigious event aimed to honor outstanding talents and remarkable achievements within the region's vibrant hospitality industry.

The evening was filled with a sense of celebration and recognition, showcasing individuals who have made significant contributions across various categories, including leadership, culinary arts, guest services, sustainability, and innovation. It served not just as a platform to honor exemplary work but also to inspire future leaders in the hospitality sector.

Event Highlights

Among the notable sponsors were Nestlé Professional, who provided culinary excellence through Chef Elie and his talented team, and Zarya Wellness as silver sponsors. The event was powered by industry giants such as Welbilt, US Beef, and Delta Food Industries, alongside production partners like Fushia Events and Absolute Frame to ensure a seamless experience.

The competition was fierce as the nominees were recognized for their dedication and passion in various aspects of hospitality. Here are some key personal and corporate winners:

Key Personal Category Winners

• - Hospitality Leader of the Year: Mark Kirby, President of OneOnly Resorts Kerzner International
• - General Manager of the Year: Fredrik Reinisch, Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek
• - Hotel Manager of the Year: Gisele Clark, Hilton Dubai The Walk
• - CSR Champion of the Year: Mohamed El Aziri, Wyndham Hotels Ajman
• - Culinary/Kitchen Champion of the Year: Elie Lteif, Nestlé Professional
• - Hospitality Rising Star of the Year: Nissaren Delgado, Paramount Hotel Midtown

Corporate Category Highlights

• - Hotel of the Year (5-star): Taj Dubai
• - Hotel of the Year (4-star): Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman
• - Hotel Apartments of the Year: DAMAC Maison Aykon City
• - Best Boutique Hotel: The Canvas Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton
• - Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Asha's Restaurant
• - Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year: The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari
• - Spa of the Year: One & Only Spa, The Palm Dubai

Judges' Choice Highlights

Recognition extends beyond the preset categories with special acknowledgments such as:

• - Rising Hospitality Leader of the Year: Faiz Ahammed Assadi, CEO, Al Marina Holding
• - Arab Hotelier of the Year: Simon Samir, CEO – Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina
• - Dynamic Hotelier of the Year: Saurabh Tiwari, Area Director – IHCL Middle East & CIS

The Middle East GM Powerlist 2025 showcased a lineup of distinguished General Managers, including Amro Nagah from Swissotel Al Murooj, Fredrik Reinisch, and David Wilson from Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm, among 40 other top professionals of the region. The full list of award winners is available on the Hozpitality website.

A Celebration of Passion and Dedication

Raj Bhatt, the Founder and CEO of Hozpitality Group, expressed the core values of the evening: “Hospitality is built on passion, dedication, and heart. Tonight, we celebrate every professional whose hard work makes our industry shine. These awards honor leadership, innovation, and excellence across the Middle East.”

Looking Ahead

As Hozpitality Group continues to connections among hospitality professionals around the globe through awards, resources, and events, they also look forward to launching new awards in California in 2026. This initiative aims to further support leadership, growth, and innovation within the hospitality industry, showcasing that excellence knows no boundaries.

The event masked a landmark achievement for Hozpitality Group and the hospitality community in the Middle East, reaffirming the region's position as a leader in world-class hospitality.

For more information, visit Hozpitality Group’s website.