15 - 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 4PM - 10PM DAILY

RIYADH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER (RICEC)

ABOUT THE AWARDS

6 Years of celebrating Saudi hospitality excellence

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 15 categories that will set new benchmarks for innovation and excellence in the hospitality and foodservice industry.

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The Hotel & Hospitality Awards features 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 17 September 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC). Join us as we continue to elevate and celebrate the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia.

Extended Deadline for submissions: 13 August 2026

KEY DATES TO REMEMBER

Deadline for submission: 13 August 2026 (Free to enter) 
Awards Ceremony17 September 2026, RICEC
 
 
It is free to submit an entry. There are no additional costs throughout the competition. If you would like to attend the Hotel Hospitality Awards ceremony where the winners are announced, register to attend the Hotel Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia.


OUR AWARD CATEGORIES

Individual & Team Achievement Awards

Hospitality Leader of the Year

Recognizes a hospitality leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, business performance, and a positive impact on teams, guests, and the wider industry. 

Judging Criteria:

  • Leadership qualities
  • Business impact
  • Talent development
  • Industry influence
F&B Icon of the Year

Awards a hospitality professional who has significantly influenced food and beverage trends, operations, and guest experiences.

Judging Criteria:

  • Influence on industry trends
  • Operational excellence
  • Innovation
  • Guest feedback
Rising Star of the Year (5 years in industry)

Recognizes an emerging hospitality professional with up to five years of industry experience who has shown outstanding potential, innovation, and impact within their role.

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
  • Culinary innovation
  • Guest feedback
  • Team development
Housekeeping Team of the Year

Celebrates excellence in housekeeping, recognizing teams that consistently deliver exceptional standards of cleanliness, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction. 

Judging Criteria:

  • Attention to detail
  • Operational excellence
  • Guest satisfaction
  • Team collaboration
Hospitality Icon of the Year

Honors a veteran in the hospitality industry for their long-term contributions, leadership, and inspiration to others.

Judging Criteria:

  • Career impact
  • Leadership
  • Industry influence
  • Mentorship contributions
Executive Leadership Team of the Year

Recognizes an executive leadership team that has demonstrated strong collaboration, strategic leadership, and a positive impact on business performance and guest experiences.

Judging Criteria:

  • Strategic leadership
  • Team collaboration
  • Business performance
  • Employee engagement

Restaurant & Café Awards
 

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 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

Award for Environmental Excellence

Recognizes a hotel for exceptional efforts in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.

Judging Criteria:

  • Innovation
  • Environmental impact
  • Operational effectiveness
  • Scalability of practices
Award for Best Use of Technology

Recognizes an organization that has successfully used technology to improve operations, enhance guest experiences, and deliver measurable results. 

Judging Criteria:

  • Innovation
  • Operational impact
  • Guest experience
  • Measurable outcomes
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ENTRY GUIDELINES

Eligibility

  • Entries must relate to individuals operating or initiatives organized between 31 May 2025 and 1 June 2026.
  • To be eligible, nominations must be submitted for events, companies, or individuals based exclusively within Saudi Arabia.
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AWARDS CEREMONY

  • Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
  • All shortlisted companies must have at least one representative attending the awards ceremony.

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 awards will welcome industry professionals from every sector of the hospitality & foodservice industry based in Saudi Arabia.

Gain industry recognition

Position your achievements among Saudi Arabia's leading hospitality brands and professionals.

Reward your team

Celebrate the people behind your success and recognize their contribution on a national stage.

Access to new opportunities

Increase visibility through industry exposure which can open doors to new partnerships and collaborations.

Build valuable connections

Join senior hospitality leaders, decision-makers and industry peers at the awards ceremony.

MEET THE JUDGES

Nadeem Zaman

Group Chief Strategy Officer, Rua Al Madinah Holding

Ihab EL Haddad

Director of Design, Dan Company

Tarique Khatri

Chief Commercial Officer, Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co.