Arabian Travel Awards 2025: Celebrating the Innovators Steering GCC Tourism Forward

The Arabian Travel Awards 2025 concluded with a distinguished ceremony in Dubai, recognising the region’s most dynamic leaders and pioneers across travel, tourism, and hospitality. Widely acclaimed as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the event assembled a notable mix of industry visionaries in celebration of exceptional accomplishments shaping the GCC’s tourism transformation.

The awards took place at Embassy Suites by Hilton Business Bay, where guests were welcomed by SanJeet, Director of DDP Group, who presided over the evening as master of ceremonies. The audience included high-profile dignitaries and senior industry figures, among them Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, His Excellency Tengku Dato’ Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the UAE, alongside well-known sector leaders such as Jamal Abdulnazar, Nasir Jamal Khan, Saleem Sharif, Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Kathryn Wallington, Mohamed Khater, Jaal Shah, Mohamed Awadalla, Ziad Tantawi and Iftikhar Hamdani.

One of the standout features of the evening was the presentation of a special collector’s edition coffee table book. Revealed on stage in the presence of esteemed guests, the publication captures defining achievements, inspirational narratives and the personalities who continue to propel tourism growth across the GCC.

Delivering the keynote, SanJeet shared an insight into this year’s participation levels, noting that more than 6,000 votes had been submitted. Reflecting on the significance of such support, he stated: “Recognition is a powerful motivator, and these awards inspire individuals and organisations alike to push the boundaries of excellence.”

Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, attending as Chief Guest, spoke about the importance of initiatives that elevate innovation and excellence within the sector. His Excellency Tengku Dato’ Sirajuzzaman echoed these sentiments, highlighting the global relevance of the awards and their role in positioning the GCC as a leading travel destination.

The night paid tribute to a host of exceptional industry contributors. Alaa Al Ali, CEO of NG9 Holding and Nirvana Travel and Tourism, was welcomed into the Gallery of Legends for his significant and enduring influence on the travel landscape. Hatim Alharbi, Chief of Tourism at the Aseer Development Authority, received the DDP Game Changer Award for his key contribution to Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation. The DDP Trailblazer Award went to Naeem Darkazally, Founder and CEO of Keef Hospitality Consultancy, in recognition of his broad strategic impact across hotels and tourism authorities, while Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, was celebrated with the DDP Face of the Future award for reimagining customer engagement for upcoming generations.

The Arabian Travel Awards 2025 once again demonstrated their role as the region’s foremost standard of excellence. Recipients departed not only with well-deserved honours but with renewed motivation to shape the future of one of the most fast-evolving tourism sectors globally.

Full list of 2025 winners: