The judging panel for AHEAD MEA 2026 has been announced, chaired by Hakan Ozkasikci, a luxury hospitality consultant formerly in senior design roles at Kerzner and Aman.

Together with the Middle East & Africa’s leading architects, interior designers and developers from across the hospitality industry, the judges will assess outstanding new hotels, resorts and projects developed in association with hospitality brands.

The winners will be announced on 2 November when AHEAD MEA returns to Dubai’s Bluewaters Forum.

Hakan Ozkasikci (Chair) | Founder & CEO – 3 Square Meters
Alexandra Woop | Executive Director, Interior Design (Luxury & Lifestyle) – Accor
Bedour Alswayeh | Development Hospitality Design Director – KAFD DMC
Diana Espejo | Regional Director, Design & Technical Services (MEA) – Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Frederico Cruz | Director, Design & Architecture – Kerzner International
Jamie Coyne | Managing Director – SKS Studio (Dubai)
Leila Abdulrahim | Global VP, Design – Kempinski Hotels
Maliha Nishat | Director, Interior Design, Global Design (EMEA) – Marriott International
Michele Rhoda | Principal – ARRCC
Rahul Shankhwalker | Partner – HBA (Dubai)
Ralf Steinhauer | Global Hospitality Lead & Executive Director – RSP
Shahab Lutfi | Founder & Director – Bright Start
Simon Thompson | Executive Director, Interior Architecture – Red Sea Global
Tarek Hegazy | Principal & CEO – Living Design
Wissal Jarjour | Director, Interior Design – Beyond Properties

www.aheadawards.com