
Celebrating Excellence, Driving Innovation
For years, the Hotel & Hospitality Awards have celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals and entities who have played a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom’s hospitality industry. This year we are thrilled to announce an elevated format with expanded categories, and carefully curated experiences, that will set new benchmarks for innovation and excellence in the hospitality and foodservice industry.
The Hotel & Hospitality Awards will now feature four main categories: Individual Achievement Awards, Restaurant and Café Awards, Hotel Excellence Awards, and the Special Initiatives and Practices Awards.
The Hotel & Hospitality Awards ceremony will take place on 9 April 2025 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. Join us as we continue to elevate and celebrate the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia.
Get Started with your Application
Individual Achievement Awards
Hospitality Icon of the Year
Honors a veteran in the hospitality industry for their lifelong contributions, leadership, and inspiration to others.
Judging Criteria:
- Career impact
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Mentorship contributions
F&B Icon of the Year
Awards a hospitality professional who has significantly influenced food and beverage trends, operations, or guest experience.
Judging Criteria:
- Influence on industry trends
- Operational excellence
- Innovation
- Guest feedback
Rising Star of the Year
Recognizes an individual aged 30 or younger who has shown outstanding potential, innovation, and impact in their role within hospitality.
Judging Criteria:
- Potential for growth
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Early career accomplishments
Chef of the Year
Recognizes a chef who has excelled in culinary innovation, menu development, and guest satisfaction.
Judging Criteria:
- Creativity
- Taste innovation
- Presentation skills
- Feedback from guests and team members
Housekeeper of the Year
Celebrates excellence in housekeeping, recognizing exceptional standards of cleanliness, organization, and guest satisfaction.
Judging Criteria:
- Attention to detail
- Innovation in housekeeping practices
- Guest satisfaction ratings
- Team management
Hospitality Woman of the Year
Honors a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in the hospitality industry over the past year.
Judging Criteria:
- Leadership qualities
- Measurable impact on the organization/industry
- Innovation and originality
- Testimonials from peers and guests
Restaurant & Café Awards
Best Local Cuisine Restaurant
Highlights a restaurant excelling in authentic Saudi local cuisine, offering an unforgettable cultural dining experience.
Judging Criteria:
- Authenticity
- Presentation
- Taste
- Guest feedback
Best Café of the Year
Celebrates a café known for its exceptional coffee, innovative menu, and inviting atmosphere.
Judging Criteria:
- Beverage and menu quality
- Ambiance
- Guest reviews
- Innovation
Best Casual Dining Restaurant
Awards a restaurant that excels in providing an outstanding casual dining experience with consistent quality and value.
Judging Criteria:
- Quality and consistency of food
- Ambiance
- Guest satisfaction
- Overall value
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Recognizes a restaurant offering exceptional fine dining experiences, distinguished by high-quality food, service, and ambiance.
Judging Criteria:
- Quality of cuisine
- Service standards
- Ambiance
- Guest Feedback
Hotel Excellence Awards
Best Budget Hotel
Recognizes a budget hotel offering exceptional value, comfort, and guest satisfaction.
Judging Criteria:
- Value for money
- Cleanliness
- Guest satisfaction
Best Resort of the Year
Awards a resort offering exceptional leisure facilities, service, and overall guest experience.
Judging Criteria:
- Amenities
- Recreational offerings
- Service quality
- Guest feedback
Best Business Hotel
Celebrates a hotel that provides exceptional services and facilities for business travelers.
Judging Criteria:
- Business amenities
- Guest satisfaction
- Service innovation
Luxury Hotel of the Year
Awards a luxury hotel that delivers unparalleled service, elegance, and guest experience.
Judging Criteria:
- Service excellence
- Property design
- Amenities
- Guest feedback
Special Initiatives and Practices Awards
Best Sustainable Practices in Hospitality
Awards a property or individual for exceptional efforts in sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation
- Environmental impact
- Scalability of practices
Best Employee Wellness Program
Recognizes a comprehensive program promoting employee well-being and satisfaction.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation
- Effectiveness
- Employee testimonials
Best Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
Celebrates efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the hospitality industry.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation
- Impact
- Sustainability of the program
WHY ENTER?

The Hotel & Hospitality Awards have been created to inspire Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry to aim for higher standards and achieve new goals. In recognition of the industry's growth and the increasing demand for diverse talent, the Hotel & Hospitality Awards will welcome industry professionals from every sector of the hospitality & foodservice industry based in Saudi Arabia.
RECOGNITION
Celebrate your achievements and dedication within the hospitality industry and elevate your professional journey with prestigious recognition.
BOOST TEAM MORALE
Shine a spotlight on your team’s hard work and innovation, rewarding their dedication with national recognition.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT
Winning or being nominated can open doors to exciting career opportunities, showcasing your skills and achievements to potential employers and partners.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Position your company as a leader in the hospitality industry, while connecting with industry peers and senior-level hospitality professionals during the event.
INCREASED VISIBILITY
Enhance your profile within the industry and benefit from the extensive media coverage we offer through social announcements, local and national PR, and other media partners.
OUR ESTEEMED 2024 JUDGES
FAWAZ ALFRAIJI
Chief Executive Officer
PIF Projects
GIOVANNA CARNEVALI
Executive Director - Master Planning
ROSHN
NAIF ALMADI
Chief Business Officer
Tourism Development Fund KSA
NADEEM ZAMAN
Group Chief Strategy Officer
Rua Al Madinah
MAXIMILIAN QUACK
Vice President Hotels & Hospitality MEA
JLL
NICOLAS BARRIOS
Middle East Regional Manager for Innovation, Education & Investment
UNWTO
POOJA SHAH MULANI
Partner, Design Director
LW Design Group
CHEF YASSER JAD
President & Founder
Saudi Arabian Chefs Association (SARCA)
BASTIEN BLANC
Chief Executive Officer
TroKadero Hospitality Global
CÉCILIA PITRÉ
Artist & Creative Director
Riyadh Art Group