DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hozpitality Group, a leading global platform for the hospitality industry, proudly announces the highly anticipated Hozpitality’s Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East 2026 Powerlist, a definitive recognition of the region’s most influential and innovative Food & Beverage professionals.
The prestigious Powerlist celebrates exceptional leaders who are redefining standards of excellence, driving operational innovation, and shaping the future of the Middle East’s dynamic F&B landscape.
Each distinguished leader was initially nominated by their respective organizations, recognizing their outstanding internal impact. The final selection was determined through an extensive industry-wide voting process, with peers and professionals across the F&B sector casting votes—ensuring that the honorees truly represent those most respected and admired by the wider hospitality community.
A Grand Celebration Awaits: Middle East F&B Excellence Awards 2026
While the Powerlist winners have been officially revealed online, the formal celebration will take place at the Middle East F&B Excellence Awards 2026, to be held on:
Date: March 25, 2026
Venue: Anantara Hotel, Downtown Dubai
This high-profile gala event will bring together hospitality leaders, brand owners, operators, and decision-makers from across the region. Each honoree will receive a prestigious trophy and official certificate, recognizing their significant contributions to the growth and evolution of the F&B industry.
“The Middle East continues to be one of the most exciting and competitive F&B markets in the world,” said Raj Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group.
“This Powerlist is not just about titles—it’s about leadership, innovation, resilience, and real impact. These individuals are shaping the future of hospitality across the region.”
Hozpitality’s Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East 2026
- Andrew Vieira, Director of Food & Beverage, Anantara Downtown Dubai
- Ashraf Al Maghrabi, Director of Food & Beverage, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
- Danijel Veljovic, F&B Manager, Dusit Thani Dubai
- Dario Buonavoglia, Cluster Director of F&B, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah & Hilton Dubai The Walk
- Darrell De Souza, F&B Manager, City Seasons Muscat
- Dhiraj Kumar, Director of Food & Beverage, i&c F&B, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
- Digvijay Rathore, Executive Assistant Manager – F&B, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
- Hesham Abdalla, Director of Food & Beverage, Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residence
- Jerome Barbeau, Director of Food & Beverage, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City
- Julia Margariti, Director of Food & Beverage, Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach
- Kevin Rowe, Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, Hilton Bahrain
- Khaled Kamal, Food & Beverage Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Jadaf
- Kiran Ramsaran, Director of Food & Beverage & Culinary, Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre
- Leni Thomas, Food & Beverage Manager, Aloft Abu Dhabi – Marriott International
- Luca Barba, Director of Food & Beverage, The Mangroves Abu Dhabi, LXR Hotel & Resort
- Michael John Fernandes, Cluster F&B Manager, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah & Bahi Ajman Palace
- Mohamed El Aziri, Cluster Director of F&B, Wyndham Hotels Ajman
- Mohammad Omarjee, Owner, Sushic Dubai
- Mohan Raj, General Manager, WaFi Restaurants
- Nader El Omari, Senior Director of Operations, Intercat Hospitality
- Pierre Desfotaine, F&B Director, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
- Raffi Torikian, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina
- Rajan Malik, General Manager, Asha’s Restaurant International
- Ruben Serra, Director of Food & Beverage, JW Marriott Hotel Muscat
- Samrat Sharma, Director of Operations, Talabat
- Shiv Kapoor, F&B Manager, Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah
- Tarun Jewalikar, Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, Accor – Novotel & Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha
- Vishva Shekhawat, F&B Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach
- Vladislav Zabelin, Director of Food & Beverage, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Dubai
- Walid Shabrawy, Director of Food & Beverage, Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo, Egypt
Commended Winners
Hozpitality Group also extends special recognition to the following Commended Winners for their remarkable leadership and industry contributions:
- Akhilesh Bahl, Founder & CEO, Malt & Salt Hospitality
- Andre Grove, F&B Director, Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
- Francesco Sica, General Manager, CÉ LA VI Dubai
- George Rodopoulos, General Manager, Bar Du Port Abu Dhabi
- Karim Shokry, Director of F&B, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai
- Laurent Milliasseau, Executive Assistant Manager – F&B, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort
- Raneesh Gangadharan, General Manager, Silk Lantern
- Rania Saied, CEO, Arabian Hospitality – Alrais Holding
- Shrey Mehta, Director of Food & Beverage, Sheraton Marriott International – Oman
- Swadha Kuthiala, Director of Food & Beverage, Rotana Hotels – Oman
About Hozpitality Group
Hozpitality Group is a global hospitality networking and media platform dedicated to connecting professionals, brands, and leaders across hotels, restaurants, travel, and lifestyle sectors. Through industry awards, powerlists, events, recruitment solutions, and thought leadership, Hozpitality empowers hospitality professionals worldwide to grow, connect, and succeed.
Website: www.hozpitality.com
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