Gala dinner · 30 September 2026 · Dubai
Operator-judged. Data-verified. Free to enter.
Awards recognise real work and results — never bought placements or sponsor favours.
Sponsors make the night possible. They have zero say in who wins.
Entry is free for every operator, in every category, every single year.
How verification works
The STR Club verifies every claim against independent data sources — AirDNA, PriceLabs, DET data, and public records. Operators don't have to assemble evidence packs; we do the research.
Performance is judged on the 2025 calendar year. The only document we ask for is a PMS statement, and only for Best Revenue Management.
The categories
The UAE's most complete operator across 2025 — numbers, growth, compliance and guest outcomes that hold up under examination. The headline award.
View categoryThe strongest operator whose centre of gravity is Abu Dhabi, recognising the distinct regulatory and inventory profile of that market.
View categoryOperators running fewer than 50 units who win on quality, distinctiveness and unit economics — not scale. The best small operator in the UAE.
View categoryOperators running more than 200 units who maintain quality, compliance and unit economics at scale.
View categoryThe sharpest revenue management on a single Dubai apartment over a full year, decided on documented 2025 net revenue across four sub-categories.
View categoryThe most thoughtful design execution across a portfolio — consistency, distinctiveness and commercial impact, not single hero units.
View categoryOperators who have meaningfully changed how their business runs through AI — built in-house or adopted — measured on impact, not novelty.
View categoryA specific sustainability initiative — energy, water, waste, sourcing or community — with measurable 2025 outcomes. Credible action over branding.
View categoryThe person doing the most to lead and shape the UAE short-term rental industry — pushing standards, ideas and the market forward. Decided by a member vote, regardless of age or tenure.
View categoryThe single most effective marketing campaign of 2025. The only Year 1 category open beyond operators — vendors and internal departments may enter.
View categoryOperators running 50 to 200 units who pair the discipline of scale with the attention of a boutique. The UAE's strongest mid-size operator.
View categoryThe jury
An independent jury reviews operator entries alongside our verification, and scores the design, AI, sustainability and marketing categories.
Director, Strategy Cues
Twenty-one years across global hotel brands and leading STR operators, leading operational transformation, property launches and performance turnarounds. Today he drives operational excellence for hotels and holiday homes at Strategy Cues.
Managing Director, Scale Middle East
Twenty years at the intersection of strategy and execution across consulting, hospitality and technology — leading cross-functional teams, building scalable platforms, and helping high-growth companies scale without sacrificing quality or culture.
Co-Founder & CEO, Scale
Over 20 years in travel and short-term rentals. Founder of Scale and The Book Direct Show — leading conferences for professional property managers, connecting and educating thousands of hospitality operators worldwide.
