8 - 10 APRIL 2025

RIYADH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY AWARDS

Recognizing the achievements of outstanding hospitality individuals & establishments

23 Jan Open for submissions
21 Feb Submissions deadline
21 March Shortlist announcement
9 April Awards Ceremony
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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

Application Portal
Entry Guide
FAQs
Eligibility Criteria

OUR 2025 AWARD CATEGORIES


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?

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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