Dubai - Al Rehla newspaper
The “Golden Flight Awards 2026” concluded its second session by crowning a group of the most prominent destinations, institutions, leaders and influential figures in the sectors of tourism, travel, hospitality, aviation, entertainment and tourism technology, in an evening that brought together decision makers and pioneers of the sector, and witnessed the announcement of the winners of a group of awards that celebrate impact, innovation, leadership and the traveler experience.

This year's session was held with the support of Al Rayes Investment Group, the main sponsor of the awards, represented by Mr. Mohammed Jassim Al Rayes, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Group, and Executive Director of Al Rayes Travel Group, in a partnership that reflects the group's established presence in the travel and tourism sector and its role in supporting initiatives that enhance the development of the industry and the region's position on the international tourism map.
The “Golden Flag Award”, the most prestigious award for the Golden Journey, topped the list of honors, as it was won by Alain St. Ange, the former Minister of Tourism and Culture of the Seychelles Islands and one of the most prominent international tourism experts in Africa, in recognition of his long career and influence in the tourism industry, and his role in developing the concepts of tourism cooperation and promoting destinations, in addition to his contributions to establishing the “Vanilla Islands” initiative in the Indian Ocean.

As for the “Golden Destination Award”, the largest travel award dedicated to destinations, it went to the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, in recognition of its ability to provide an integrated tourism experience that combines cultural identity, history, hospitality, infrastructure, quality of experience and international presence.

Abu Dhabi won the “World Compass Award” in recognition of its leadership in leading and developing the tourist destination and building a system that combines culture, entertainment, hospitality and events, while Petra won the “Pulse of Cities Award” for the exceptional cultural and tourism value it represents and a unique identity that made it one of the most present destinations in the traveler’s memory.
In the aviation sector, Emirates Airlines won the “Skybridge Award” in recognition of its role in connecting markets and destinations and enhancing tourism and travel globally. The award was received by Mr. Adel Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Emirates Airlines.

In the entertainment sector, Majid Al Futtaim Group was crowned with the “Throne of Entertainment Award”, in recognition of its leadership in developing entertainment experiences and providing a system that combines innovation, diversity, quality of operation, and regional and international appeal.

As for the hospitality awards, they witnessed the “Bik Albatross” group winning the “New Hospitality Legacy Award”, which was received by Abu Ali, Chairman of the Group’s Board of Directors, in appreciation of the group’s success in building a hospitality identity that possesses the elements of growth, expansion and sustainability.

Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain won the “Crown of Hospitality Award” as the best four-star hotel in the Arabian Gulf region, according to the public’s choice, in recognition of the quality of service, design, and integrated experience it provides to its guests.
Timur Ilgaz, Deputy General Manager of Rotana Group Hotels in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, also won the “Hospitality Visionary Award” in recognition of his leadership role and experience in developing the hospitality system and raising standards of hotel service and performance.

In tourism technology, Wego won the Traveler Gateway Award, in recognition of its role in redefining the traveler’s experience digitally, by making it easier to discover destinations, compare travel options, and plan trips with confidence and ease.

Within the “Impact Maker Awards in Tourism and Traveler Experience” category, Dr. Hossam Darwish won the “Tourism Impact Leader Award” in recognition of his career and influence in developing the sector through vision, innovation and sustainable achievement.

Doaa Al-Ajmi also won the “Golden Heart” award, in recognition of harnessing her presence, influence, and platforms to serve others and create a positive humanitarian impact that goes beyond personal success to community giving.
Mahmoud Al-Jishi, editor-in-chief of Al-Rahla newspaper, said: “The Golden Journey Awards were not built to be just an honoring ceremony, but rather to become an Arab platform that recognizes the real impact on the tourism industry. “We are looking for the destination that changed, the organization that innovated, the leader that left an impact, and the experience that stayed in the traveler’s memory.”