DUBAI, UAE – Hozpitality Group proudly hosted the 11th Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards and GM Powerlist 2025 at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai, recognizing outstanding leaders, rising stars, and teams in the region’s hospitality sector.
The event honored exceptional talent across personal and corporate categories, celebrating achievements in leadership, operations, culinary arts, guest service, sustainability, and innovation.
Special Mentions & Partners:
- Gold Sponsor: Nestlé Professional – Chef Elie and team
- Silver Sponsor: Zarya Wellness – Suneer and Siraz
- Powered By: Welbilt, US Beef, Delta Food Industries
- Category Sponsors: TCL Detergents, Taaza
- Production & Event Partners: Fushia Events, Absolute Frame, Restofair Rak
- Beverage Partners: Heineken, Godawan & Diageo
- Venue Partner: Arabian Ranches Golf Club
- Supporting Organizations: Emirates Culinary Guild, ICCA Dubai
Key Personal Category Winners:
- Hospitality Leader of the Year: Mark Kirby, President, One&Only 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:
- 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
Middle East GM Powerlist 2025 Winners:
Notable winners include Amro Nagah (Swissotel Al Murooj), Fredrik Reinisch (Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek), David Wilson (Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm), and 40+ other distinguished GMs across the region.
Full list of award winners can be found here.
Raj Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group, said:
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.
About Hozpitality Group
Hozpitality Group is a leading platform for hospitality professionals, offering industry news, job opportunities, events, and recognition programs that celebrate excellence across the sector. With a global reach and a strong presence in the Middle East, Hozpitality continues to connect talent, brands, and thought leaders driving the future of hospitality.
