The region’s hospitality professionals and industry veterans gathered at The Ritz Carlton, DIFC for the eighth Middle East Hospitality Awards (MEHA). Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort was named 5-Star Hotel of the Year, One&Only Royal Mirage bagged the Resort of the Year title and Pierchic won Restaurant of the Year.
Colm McLoughlin executive vice chairman and CEO Dubai Duty Free accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to shaping Dubai’s tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, at MEHA sponsored by Restonic, Montalbano, 1765 Gemini, Stölzle Lausitz, CHURCHiLL, Mai Dubai and The Goodness Company.
The Chef of the Year title was awarded to Yoann Grillet, director of culinary at FIVE Palm Jumeirah. The highly anticipated Hospitality Leader of the Year title, which had 16 strong contenders neck and neck in the shortlist, was secured by Alaa Eldin Saleh, managing director, Accor Hotels. Nashon Mwamba, guest service manager, The H Dubai was recognised in the Rising Star category.
Hotel Launch of the Year title was claimed by W Dubai – The Palm and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai bagged the Restaurant Launch of the Year award. folly by Nick & Scott locked its place in two categories as Best Bar/Nightlife of the Year and Restaurant Team of the Year.
ShuiQi Spa & Fitness in Atlantis, The Palm was recognised as Spa/Wellness Centre of the Year and Rove Dubai Marina picked up the Event Venue of the Year award.
Vida Downtown was named 4-Star Hotel of the Year and Rove Downtown Dubai locked the judges’ votes in the 3-Star Hotel of the Year category. Emaar Hospitality and Winnow Solutions emerged winners in MEHA’s debutant category Best Use of Technology.
The Heartists at Sofitel the Palm Dubai won in the Hotel Team of the Year category and Fitness Facility of the Year is Healthclub, Fairmont The Palm.