Participants at the Gulf Business Awards 2024 – Archive image
The return of the Gulf Business Awards, a significant event in the region aimed at recognising outstanding achievements and innovation across various sectors, is on the horizon.
Set to take place on September 24, 2025, in Dubai, this esteemed ceremony will again celebrate the contributions of businesses and individuals in shaping the Gulf’s economic environment.
For nominations, you can find additional details here
and for further information here.
The Gulf Business Awards is now in its 13th edition, continuing to spotlight creativity, determination, leadership, and impact in diverse sectors including finance, real estate, healthcare, technology, and tourism.
Celebrating Excellence in Business
The 2025 awards are set to promise a memorable evening of honour, inspiration, and networking among high-profile figures. Leaders from various industries, entrepreneurs, and executives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are anticipated to grace the gala, where exceptional achievers will be acknowledged for their roles in promoting economic progress, technological advancements, and visionary leadership.
“This event transcends mere recognition; it celebrates the remarkable contributions that energise the Gulf’s dynamic business ecosystem,” expressed Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Editor-in-Chief of Motivate Media Group, which orchestrates the event.
A Venue for Regional Acknowledgment
Each year, the Gulf Business Awards illuminates accomplishments within both the public and private sectors, offering a unique platform for broad recognition across industries. Whether spotlighting an emerging startup revolutionising traditional practices or a large corporation enhancing its regional presence, the awards champion business excellence in all forms.
Winners are determined by an impartial panel comprising regional experts, industry veterans, and editorial leadership from Gulf Business. This rigorous judging process guarantees fairness and a genuine recognition of merit.
A Recap of the 2024 Groundbreaking Event
Last year’s ceremony, held on September 24, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), saw participation from over 300 influential business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The evening celebrated remarkable accomplishments from various sectors of the economy.
2024 also marked a significant milestone for Motivate Media Group, as it commemorated its 45th anniversary.
A highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of The Kanoo Group, in recognition of his longstanding influence in both the commercial and philanthropic domains within the region.
2024 Awardees: A Testament to Excellence
The recipients from the previous year illustrated the variety and strength of the Gulf’s economy, acknowledging both innovative startups and established industry leaders. The awardees included:
- EFG Hermes ONE – Online Trading Company of the Year
- ADCB – Banking Company of the Year
- AIX Investment Group – Finance Advisory Company of the Year
- valU – Payment Solutions Company of the Year
- Amali Island by Amali Properties – Lifestyle Project of the Year
- TORINO by ORO24 Developments – Best Project Delivery of the Year
- fäm Properties – Real Estate Agency of the Year
- Sobha Realty – Developer of the Year
- Samana Barari Views – Project of the Year
- PRYPCO – Proptech Company of the Year
- Saudi Red Sea Authority – Tourism Company of the Year
- Millennium Hotels and Resorts – Hospitality Company of the Year
- Alshaya Group – Retail Company of the Year
- Emirates – Transport and Logistics Company of the Year
- Mediclinic Middle East – Healthcare Company of the Year
- GE Vernova – Energy Company of the Year
- stc Bahrain – Telecom Infrastructure Innovation
- LEAP 2024 – Technology Event of the Year
These accolades were conferred by a distinguished judging panel that included Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor of Gulf Business; Helen Barrett, Deputy Chair of the British Business Group Dubai; Robin Joffe, Managing Director of Frost & Sullivan MEASA; and Mahmoud Bartawi, a serial entrepreneur and founder.
Categories for the 2025 Awards
The upcoming 2025 Gulf Business Awards will again showcase a diverse set of categories that mirrors the evolving regional dynamics. This year’s categories consist of:
Overall Awards
- Lifetime Achievement
- Company of the Year
- Business Leader of the Year
Company Awards
- Banking Company of the Year
- Real Estate Company of the Year
- Tourism and Hospitality Company of the Year
- Retail Company of the Year
- Transport Company of the Year
- Healthcare Company of the Year
- Energy Company of the Year
- Technology Company of the Year
- Investment Company of the Year
- Logistics Company of the Year
Leader Awards
- Banking Leader of the Year
- Real Estate Leader of the Year
- Tourism & Hospitality Leader of the Year
- Retail Leader of the Year
- Transport Leader of the Year
- Healthcare Leader of the Year
- Energy Leader of the Year
- Technology Leader of the Year
- Investment Leader of the Year
- Logistics Leader of the Year
Editor’s Choice Awards
- Artificial Intelligence Innovator of the Year
- Blockchain Innovator of the Year
- SME of the Year
- Education Institution of the Year
- MICE Business of the Year
These categories highlight the Gulf’s progressive, innovation-oriented economy and aim to celebrate those trailblazing in both traditional and emerging sectors.
Reasons to Attend the Ceremony
The Gulf Business Awards provide much more than mere recognition; it serves as a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs, executives, and decision-makers to network with peers, exchange insights, and forge connections with influential leaders. Additionally, it acts as an exceptional platform for businesses to enhance their credibility and visibility throughout the GCC.
With a heritage spanning over a decade, the Gulf Business Awards remains crucial in promoting a culture of excellence and adaptability among enterprises in the region. As the Gulf undergoes rapid changes, events like these ensure that discussions on innovation and leadership remain prominent in the business sphere.
Save the Date
The Gulf Business Awards 2025 will take place in Dubai on September 24. Nominations are currently open across all categories, and interested companies and individuals are encouraged to apply promptly.
For more details and the complete list of categories, please visit the official website of the Gulf Business Awards.
Nomination Fees
All participants are required to register online to submit a nomination, with fees varying per company or individual and category based on the number of nominations:
- 1–4 categories: Dhs735 per category ($200)
- 5–9 categories: Dhs643 per category (minimum of 5 nominations required) ($175)
- 10+ categories: Dhs550 per category (minimum of 10 nominations required) ($150)
- Each registration covers online entry processing and digital materials
Note: The above fees apply to all Leader category nominations as well.
Follow the registration link to submit your nomination for this year’s awards, and see the complete categories for the 2025 Awards below.
Judging Panel
This respected judging panel possesses vast expertise across media, business, technology, and innovation.
Each member brings extensive leadership experience and significant regional influence to the evaluation process, ensuring a credible, forward-thinking, and excellence-driven assessment.
Ian Fairservice
(Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief, Motivate Media Group)
Ian Fairservice established Motivate in 1979 with the launch of What’s On, the UAE’s first independent magazine. The company’s diverse portfolio features award-winning publications such as Gulf Business, Emirates Woman, and Identity, reaching over 2.5 million users monthly. The group has published over 300 titles through its Books division and produces content across various platforms, including video, digital media, events, and influencer marketing.
Mishal Kanoo
(Chairman, The Kanoo Group)
Acknowledged as one of the Gulf region’s largest family-owned conglomerates, The Kanoo Group is led by Chairman Mishal Kanoo. His contributions span across various sectors, significantly impacting the region’s economic development. Beyond his extensive business engagement, he is also a respected writer and motivational speaker, mentoring others while supporting ethical business practices.
Jawad Jalal Abbassi
(Head of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), GSMA)
A seasoned leader, Jawad Jalal Abbassi heads GSMA’s MENA operations, overseeing advocacy and strategic initiatives related to technology. With years of experience in telecommunications, he collaborates with stakeholders to foster advancements within the mobile industry.
Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni
(CEO of Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET))
As the CEO of AI at DET, Dr. Al Zarouni drives Dubai’s AI initiatives, facilitating substantial advancements in the tech sector. Also leading the Dubai Blockchain Center, he focuses on shaping policies that enhance both visitor experiences and lifestyle improvements.
Gareth Van Zyl
(Group Editor, Gulf Business)
Gareth Van Zyl, with over 15 years of expertise in business reporting, currently serves as Group Editor at Gulf Business. His prior roles encompass senior editorial positions in various prominent media outlets, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in the UAE media landscape.
For additional information and support, please contact:
Or dial T +971 4 427 3000 and ask for the Gulf Business Team.