Celebrating Excellence at the Gulf Business Awards 2025
The Gulf Business Awards 2025 took place on September 24 at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, marking its 13th year as a premier event dedicated to recognizing innovation, leadership, and excellence across various industries in the Gulf region. This year’s ceremony attracted over 350 influential executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, showcasing the remarkable progress and transformation within the region’s business landscape.
A Night of Recognition and Networking
Set against the stunning backdrop of The Westin Dubai, the evening began with a glamorous red-carpet reception, leading into a gala dinner that combined exquisite dining with engaging conversations. This elegant setting highlighted the significance of the awards, creating an atmosphere of celebration for honorees, judges, and attendees alike.
Honoring Visionaries and Innovators
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of award winners across multiple categories, including banking, real estate, healthcare, technology, tourism, and energy. Among the most distinguished honorees was Gerald Lawless, former CEO of Jumeirah Group, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lawless was celebrated for his extensive contributions to the hospitality sector and his pivotal role in establishing Dubai as a global tourism hub.
In his acceptance speech, Lawless expressed gratitude, dedicating the award to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, acknowledging the privilege of working closely with him in founding the Jumeirah Group in 1997.
Another significant recognition was the Business Leader of the Year Award, presented to Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered for the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan. Under her leadership, the bank has experienced substantial growth and has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership in the region.
The Company of the Year Award went to Miral Group, known for its ambitious projects and commitment to sustainable development, which have positioned Abu Dhabi as a global tourism and entertainment destination.
The Judging Process
Winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of independent judges, each bringing decades of experience from various sectors, including media, finance, technology, and healthcare. The panel included notable figures such as Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor-in-chief of Motivate Media Group, and Mishal Kanoo, chairman of The Kanoo Group.
Fairservice remarked on the awards’ evolution over the years, emphasizing their role as a benchmark for excellence and a platform for recognizing the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the region’s future. The judges ensured a fair evaluation process, focusing on merit and the impact of each nominee within the Gulf’s business ecosystem.
Networking Opportunities
Beyond the awards, the event served as a valuable networking platform, allowing executives and entrepreneurs from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to engage in meaningful discussions about investment opportunities, digital transformation, and the region’s evolving economic priorities.
Gareth van Zyl, group editor of Gulf Business, highlighted the event’s significance, noting that it showcased not only the remarkable progress made within the Gulf’s business landscape but also the exciting future that lies ahead.
Award Winners
The awards recognized excellence across various categories, including:
Company Awards
- Banking Company of the Year: RAKBANK
- Energy Company of the Year: GE Vernova
- Healthcare Company of the Year: Aster DM Healthcare
- Hospitality Company of the Year: FIVE Hotels and Resorts
- Investment Company of the Year: AIX Investment Group
- Logistics Company of the Year: AD Ports Group
- Real Estate Company of the Year: Refad Real Estate Investment and Development Company
- Retail Company of the Year: Dubai Duty Free
- Tourism Company of the Year: Miral Group
- Transport Company of the Year: Thrifty Car Rental
- Technology Company of the Year: Crowe Mak
Leader Awards
- Banking Leader of the Year: Rola Abu Manneh, Standard Chartered
- Energy Leader of the Year: Rasso Bartenschlager, Al Masaood Power
- Healthcare Leader of the Year: Dr. Craig R. Cook, The Brain & Performance Centre
- Hospitality Leader of the Year: Joe Nassoura, Fairmont Dubai
- Technology Leader of the Year: Andreas Hassellöf, Ombori
Editor’s Choice Awards
- Disruptive Company of the Year: Ultima Chain
- Family Business of the Year: Al Khayyat Investments
- Digital Transformation Company of the Year: Etihad Salam Telecom Company
- Fintech Provider of the Year: OKX
- MICE Provider of the Year: Tahaluf
Overall Awards
- Business Leader of the Year: Rola Abu Manneh, Standard Chartered
- Company of the Year: Miral Group
The Gulf Business Awards 2025 not only celebrated individual and corporate achievements but also highlighted the collective progress of the Gulf region in various sectors.
