When the glitter finally settled in Bahrain over the weekend 6 December at the dazzling Exhibition World Bahrain, it wasn’t just the usual suspects on stage; it was a whole cadre of Middle Eastern and regional travel heavyweights taking home coveted trophies.
The 2025 Grand Final Gala of the World Travel Awards (WTA) saw winners from every corner of the globe, but the spotlight, for once, cast a long and flattering shadow over the GCC region, its airlines, airports and hospitality leaders, and of course, Bahrain itself. For the travel trade, this was undoubtedly a moment of validation, momentum and regional swagger.
Let’s dive into the highlights of who won, and why 2025 has just solidified the start of a golden era for Middle Eastern tourism.
Aviation
The high flying winners at this year’s awards were Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates, with each airline taking home multiple titles. Qatar Airways picked up Leading Airline and Leading Airline – Business Class, while Etihad Airways won Leading Airline – Economy Class, Customer Experience, In-flight Entertainment, and Airline Lounge – Business Class. Emirates dominated in other areas, winning Leading Airline – First Class, Airline Brand, Airline Lounge – First Class, and its frequent-flyer arm Emirates Skywards scooped Leading Airline Rewards Programme.
Gulf Air was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution to the Airline Industry 2025, while airports also received accolades. Dubai International Airport was named World’s Leading Airport 2025, Muscat International Airport (Oman) took home Leading Airport – Customer Experience, and Qatar Duty Free landed Leading Airport Duty Free Operator.
Hospitality and leisure
The MENA region demonstrated exceptional performance in the World Travel Awards 2025, securing numerous top global accolades that affirm its position as a world leader in luxury hospitality and tourism development. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, led the charge with a flurry of awards, including Jumeirah Al Naseem being crowned the World’s Leading Hotel 2025. Similarly, the extravagant Atlantis The Royal was recognized as the World’s Leading Iconic Resort 2025, highlighting the emirate’s commitment to architectural marvels and high-end experiences. Other notable UAE winners include Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental for World’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara for World’s Leading Desert Resort, showcasing excellence across urban, beach, and remote luxury settings.
Beyond the UAE, regional neighbours also collected prestigious titles, reinforcing a region-wide commitment to excellence. Raffles Doha (Qatar) was awarded World’s Leading Design Hotel 2025, while Qatari-based Katara Hospitality took home the World’s Leading Hospitality Development Company title, signifying its pivotal role in the industry’s growth. Oman’s luxury offerings were celebrated with The Chedi Muscat winning World’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort & Spa 2025, and Jordan was recognized as a key luxury destination with The Ritz-Carlton, Amman securing World’s Leading Luxury Hotel & Spa 2025. Furthermore, the futuristic project AlUla in Saudi Arabia was honored with World’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project, indicating a strong future focus on heritage and sustainable development across the entire MENA landscape.
Adventure, experience tourism, and venues
The UAE shone bright with Ras Al Khaimah taking home the Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2025 title, and Qasr Al Waton winning World’s Leading Cultural Tourist Attraction. AlUla, Saudi Arabia, was crowned the World’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025, while Manama, Bahrain, was named the Leading Business Travel Destination 2025. Exhibition World Bahrain also received a notable win, taking home World’s Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue 2025.
Dubai World Trade Centre was recognised as the World’s Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre 2025, and Mina Rashid, Dubai, was named the World’s Leading Cruise Port 2025. Adventure operators also received accolades, with Zerzura Experiences taking Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator 2025, and CLYMB Abu Dhabi grabbing Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2025. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm, UAE, was named World’s Leading Water Park 2025.
For the full list of winners, head here.
Why these awards matter for the region
- Validation & prestige: By staging the Grand Final in Bahrain for the first time ever, the WTA underlined that the GCC region is the main show. For industry insiders and global travellers alike, these wins serve as a stamp of credibility in quality, standards, luxury and connectivity across the region.
- Diversification beyond sun and sand: While the GCC built itself on luxury hotels and malls for decades, 2025’s winners span aviation, adventure tourism, new-age hospitality, duty-free, new resorts and business travel. That diversity means travellers from all sorts of segments (business, family, adventure, luxury, MICE) have endless options. It’s no longer just a “beach or desert” play.
- Infrastructure and connectivity: With multiple awards for airlines, lounges, airports, lounges, duty-free operators and more, the region has reinforced its reputation for seamless travel. You fly in, you clear customs, you land in style, and the experience begins before you even grab your bags.
- Confidence for future investment and expansion: WTA recognition often fuels further investment. New hotels, resorts, airlines, tourism-sector players will see this as a green light. For investors, that helps cement the Middle East and MENA as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic travel markets.
- Watch this space: For anyone thinking about booking in the region, whether for a business trip, family holiday, luxe escape or adventure getaway, 2025’s WTA results basically is a flashy invitation to the world.
There’s no question that the 2025 WTA Grand Final Gala in Bahrain was a bold affirmation that the Middle East is setting the pace. With the incredible wins across airlines, airports, hotels, resorts, adventure destinations and emerging operators, the region is proving over and over again it is delivering world-class travel experiences and across every type of holiday.
