Timur Ilgaz Wins “Hospitality Visionary Award” at AlRehla Golden Awards 2026

Dubai, September 16, 2026 – Timur Ilgaz, Cluster General Manager of Arjaan by Rotana, Centro Al Barsha, and DAMAC Hills 2 Edge by Rotana, has received the prestigious “Hospitality Visionary Award” at the AlRehla Golden Awards 2026 ceremony during Arabian Travel Market 2026.

The award recognizes Ilgaz’s leadership and contributions to advancing the hospitality ecosystem, elevating service standards, and enhancing the overall hotel guest experience.

The “Hospitality Visionary Award” is presented to a leader in the hotel and hospitality sector who, through vision, expertise, and leadership, has contributed to strengthening organizational performance, improving guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, and supporting sustainable growth.

Ilgaz’s recognition reflects his extensive leadership experience in the hospitality industry, his commitment to maintaining operational excellence and enhancing guest experience, and his contributions to performance development across Rotana Group hotels in Dubai.

“After almost four decades in this industry, I have learned that progress does not come from protecting what already works. It comes from challenging it — staying curious, listening to your people, understanding your guests, and having the courage to keep evolving. Hospitality is, certainly, a business of numbers. But numbers are the result. People are the reason.

I am proud to accept this recognition, but I see it first and foremost as a reflection of the teams I have had the privilege to lead, work alongside, and learn from throughout my career.

Thank you to Alrehla for this honour, and to everyone who continues to push our industry forward. The best chapter is never the one behind us.”, Timur Ilgaz said.

Dr. Saleh Al-Makhdoom, General Manager of AlRehla Newspaper, said: “Leadership in the hospitality sector is not measured solely by hotel management or the achievement of operational results; rather, it is defined by the ability to build a service culture, develop teams, and craft an experience that guests can feel in every detail of their stay.”

He added: “The Hospitality Visionary Award celebrates individuals who view hospitality as an integrated ecosystem and succeed in transforming experience and vision into sustainable quality and genuine growth. Timur Ilgaz exemplifies this type of leadership.”

AlRehla Golden Awards 2026 ceremony brought together a select group of leaders, decision-makers, and influential figures from the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors. The event celebrated individuals and organizations contributing to the development and advancement of the tourism and hospitality industry.