International Restaurant Awards: Award Details for Participants
International Restaurant Awards: the award process and 2027 schedule, the categories, the selection criteria and jury review, what participation costs and what winners receive — the facts before you nominate.
If the nominee is selected as a winner, a Winner Package order is mandatory to activate the award title, logo rights, trophy and certificate.
Winner Package Cost →About the Awards
International Restaurant Awards — Overview
The International Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants by cuisine and format, cafés, cloud kitchens, catering companies and food brands for culinary quality, guest experience and consistency — judged on merit within the category and market entered.
111 countries in total, counted from the published winners' directory.
What the award recognises
Judged within your market
- Category, industry and competition level — City, Country, Regional or World — frame every review.
177 categories
- By industry and sector, so a business is compared with its real peers.
Merit only
- Nomination fees, Winner Package orders and gala attendance never influence the result.
Figures are counted from the published winners' directory — unique winners and their countries. Nominations are never counted or listed.
Browse the International Restaurant Awards winners → · Start a nomination →
About the Awards
Award Process
Seven stages take a nomination from a two-minute form to the trophy on stage in Dubai. Every nomination follows the same path, nothing is skipped, and nothing commercial changes the outcome at any stage.
- 1NominationFree · one simple form
- 2First Level ReviewEligibility & completeness
- 3Voting10-day client & partner voting
- 4Final Jury ReviewFinalists & winners confirmed
- 5Internal Winner AnnouncementOrder the Winner Package · 10 days
- 6Activate Winner Title & PromotionsRights, certificate, publicity
- 7Gala CeremonyTrophy on stage · Dubai
Voting is a 10-day stage in which every nominee collects votes from its clients and business partners, using the voting banners and materials from the Award Portal; the final selection is then made by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree against the published criteria.
Stage by stage
| Stage | What happens | You (the nominee) | Golden Tree | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Nomination | The nomination is received and registered against the award programme. Nomination is free — no nomination fee, no registration fee. | Submit the form (two minutes); choose the award category in your Award Portal; upload the company logo or the nominee’s photo. | Registers the nomination, opens the Award Portal, confirms receipt by e-mail. | Registered nomination with a category |
| 2 · First Level Review | Eligibility, completeness and category fit are checked; additional information is requested where needed. | Complete the profile and add the achievements and evidence that support the category. | Awards committee reviews eligibility and profile suitability; requests the final jury data. | Approved for evaluation — or closed with a recorded reason |
| 3 · Voting | Once a nomination is moved to the Voting stage, the company receives a 10-day voting period to collect votes from its clients and business partners. | Download the voting banners and materials from your Award Portal and share them with clients and partners for 10 days. | Provides the banners and materials, counts the votes and records them with the nomination. | Votes recorded with the nomination |
| 4 · Final Jury Review | The strongest nominations in each category and competition level are reviewed again; one winner per category and level; conflicts resolved. | Respond to any final clarification request. | Confirms finalists, decides winners and winning categories; documents every decision. | Finalists confirmed · winners decided |
| 5 · Internal Winner Announcement | Winners are notified privately by e-mail on the announcement date of their nomination window; Winner Package ordering opens. | Order the Winner Package within 10 days; choose the tier. | Sends the winner confirmation and the package order link; answers questions. | Winner Package ordered |
| 6 · Activate Winner Title & Promotions | The award title in the winning category is activated; rights to the award name, title and logo are granted; promotion begins. | Use the title, logo and digital certificate and badge; share the win; provide the success-story material. | Issues certificate, badge and logo files; lists the winner in the directory; publishes magazine, website and social promotion by tier. | Published, usable win |
| 7 · Gala Ceremony | Winners are revealed and celebrated live at the gala in Dubai — trophy on stage, networking, interviews, photographs and entertainment. | Attend with the gala passes of your tier; collect the trophy, plaque and medal on stage. | Hosts the ceremony; publishes the gallery, highlights and winner announcements across its channels. | Trophy presented · win announced publicly |
About the Awards
Schedule 2027
Award Year 2027 runs on a monthly schedule. Nominations received in a calendar month are reviewed during the following month, and the winners of that month are confirmed and notified privately on the 10th of the month after. All 2027 winners are celebrated at the Global Gala Ceremony in Dubai.
Free to nominate · judged on merit · 10-day voting stage
About the Awards
Award Categories
All 177 categories of the International Restaurant Awards, grouped by industry and sector. A category must describe the nominee's main activity — the jury reviews each nomination within the category, industry and competition level it enters, never against unrelated nominees.
Restaurant / F & B
177 categoriesRestaurants by cuisine and format, cafés, cloud kitchens, catering and food brands.
Cafes & Coffee Brands · 10
- Best Artisan Café Concept
- Best Boutique Coffee Shop
- Best Café Brand
- Best Café Experience Concept
- Best Café Service Experience
- Best Coffee Shop Experience
- Best Modern Café Brand
- Best Premium Coffee Brand
- Best Specialty Coffee Brand
- Best Urban Café Concept
Casual Dining Restaurants · 16
- Best Casual Dining Experience
- Best Casual Dining Restaurant
- Best Customer Experience Restaurant
- Best Everyday Dining Brand
- Best Family Dining Restaurant
- Best Farm-to-Table Inspired Casual Dining Brand
- Best Fast-Casual Restaurant Brand
- Best Healthy Dining Concept
- Best Innovative Restaurant Chain
- Best Italian Restaurant
- Best Modern Casual Restaurant
- Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
- Best Neighbourhood Restaurant
- Best Popular Dining Restaurant
- Best Restaurant Service Experience
- Best Urban Dining Concept
Cloud Kitchen & Delivery Brands · 10
- Best Cloud Kitchen Brand
- Best Delivery Experience Brand
- Best Delivery-Only Restaurant
- Best Digital Food Brand
- Best Food Delivery Brand
- Best Food Tech Restaurant
- Best Multi-Brand Kitchen Concept
- Best Online Food Service Brand
- Best Scalable Cloud Kitchen
- Best Virtual Restaurant Concept
Experience-Based Restaurants · 10
- Best Ambience Experience Restaurant
- Best Destination Dining Restaurant
- Best Dining Experience Restaurant
- Best Entertainment Dining Concept
- Best Family Experience Restaurant
- Best Romantic Dining Restaurant
- Best Rooftop Restaurant
- Best Social Dining Concept
- Best Themed Restaurant Concept
- Best Waterfront Dining Restaurant
Fine Dining Restaurants · 19
- Best Asian Fusion Fine Dining Restaurant
- Best Authentic Korean Restaurant
- Best Chef-Led Fine Dining Restaurant
- Best Contemporary Fine Dining Brand
- Best Contemporary Japanese Restaurant
- Best Contemporary Korean Restaurant
- Best Elegant Dining Experience
- Best Fine Dining Restaurant
- Best Gourmet Dining Restaurant
- Best Hotel Lounge Experience
- Best Japanese Fine Dining Restaurant
- Best Korean Steakhouse
- Best Luxury Cocktail Bar
- Best Luxury Fine Dining Brand
- Best Luxury Fine Dining Restaurant
- Best Premium Dining Experience
- Best Rooftop Lounge
- Best Signature Fine Dining Concept
- Best Sky Bar
Healthy & Sustainable Dining · 10
- Best Clean Eating Restaurant
- Best Eco-Friendly Dining Concept
- Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant
- Best Green Restaurant Brand
- Best Healthy Dining Restaurant
- Best Nutrition-Focused Restaurant
- Best Organic Food Restaurant
- Best Sustainable Restaurant
- Best Vegan Dining Brand
- Best Wellness Dining Experience
Innovation & Performance · 10
- Best Brand Experience Restaurant
- Best Customer Engagement Restaurant
- Best Digital Dining Experience
- Best Food Innovation Restaurant
- Best Innovative Restaurant Concept
- Best Operational Excellence Restaurant
- Best Restaurant Business Model
- Best Restaurant Marketing Strategy
- Best Restaurant Technology Adoption
- Best Revenue Growth Restaurant
Luxury Restaurants · 10
- Best Elite Dining Restaurant
- Best Exclusive Dining Restaurant
- Best Fine Dining Luxury Restaurant
- Best High-End Restaurant Concept
- Best Luxury Culinary Experience
- Best Luxury Restaurant Brand
- Best Luxury Restaurant Service
- Best Michelin-Level Restaurant
- Best Premium Gourmet Restaurant
- Best Signature Luxury Dining Experience
Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) · 10
- Best Efficient Service Restaurant
- Best Fast Casual Restaurant
- Best Fast Food Brand
- Best Food Chain Brand
- Best High-Volume Dining Brand
- Best QSR Brand
- Best Quick Dining Experience
- Best Quick Service Restaurant
- Best Scalable Restaurant Brand
- Best Urban QSR Concept
Restaurant Brands & Chains · 10
- Best Brand Expansion Restaurant
- Best Franchise Restaurant Brand
- Best Growing Restaurant Brand
- Best International Restaurant Brand
- Best Multi-Outlet Restaurant Brand
- Best Premium Dining Brand
- Best Restaurant Brand
- Best Restaurant Chain
- Best Restaurant Group Brand
- Best Scalable Restaurant Business
Specialty Cuisine Restaurants · 30
- American Restaurant
- Arabic Restaurant
- Argentinian Restaurant
- Bangladeshi Restaurant
- Brazilian Restaurant
- Chinese Restaurant
- Ethiopian Restaurant
- Filipino Restaurant
- French Restaurant
- German Restaurant
- Greek Restaurant
- Indian Restaurant
- Indonesian Restaurant
- Iranian Restaurant
- Italian Restaurant
- Japanese Restaurant
- Korean Restaurant
- Lebanese Restaurant
- Malaysian Restaurant
- Mexican Restaurant
- Moroccan Restaurant
- Nepali Restaurant
- Pakistani Restaurant
- Peruvian Restaurant
- Singaporean Restaurant
- Spanish Restaurant
- Sri Lankan Restaurant
- Thai Restaurant
- Turkish Restaurant
- Vietnamese Restaurant
General — Restaurant / F & B · 32
- Best Authentic Georgian Restaurant
- Best Authentic Greek Restaurant
- Best Authentic Indian Cuisine
- Best Cafe & Cakery
- Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurant
- Best Contemporary Middle Eastern Restaurant
- Best Custom Cake Company
- Best Georgian Cuisine Restaurant
- Best Greek Restaurant
- Best Grill and Steakhouse
- Best Grill Restaurant
- Best Healthy Restaurant
- Best Indian Cuisine
- Best Indian Restaurant
- Best Innovative Cake Brand
- Best Japanese Restaurant
- Best Luxury Dining Experience
- Best Luxury Mountain Restaurant
- Best Mediterranean Restaurant
- Best Mexican Restaurant
- Best Plant-Based Restaurant
- Best Premium Patisserie
- Best Premium Steakhouse
- Best Scenic Dining Experience
- Best Seaside Restaurant
- Best Vegan Restaurant
- Best Waterfront Dining Experience
- Chef & Restaurant Consultant of the Year
- Culinary Entrepreneur of the Year
- Leading Woman in Culinary Excellence
- Luxury Patisserie of the Year
- Outstanding Woman in Hospitality
No category matches that search. Try a shorter word — or nominate anyway: our team suggests the closest category.
How a category is chosen
Submit the nomination form first — it asks for no category. Then choose the category in your Award Portal; the portal shows the International Restaurant Awards categories by industry and sector and highlights the strongest matches for your business. Our team can suggest a category if none seems right, and may assign the most appropriate winning category at the finalist stage.
About the Awards
Selection Criteria
Recognition based on merit, selection based on performance. Every business and organisation nomination is reviewed against the nine published criteria for businesses, within its award, industry, category and competition level, using the achievements, performance and evidence the nominee submits.
Selection criteria for business awards
Every business and organisation nomination is reviewed against the same nine published criteria, applied according to the award programme, the category and the competition level entered. They are presented equally — no fixed percentage weighting is published or applied.
The nine selection criteria for business awards
Every business and organisation nomination is reviewed against the same nine criteria, as published for all business award programmes. They are applied according to the award programme, the category and the competition level entered.
- 1Business performancegrowth, operating and market performance, measurable results, sustainability of the business.
- 2Customer experiencesatisfaction, service quality, retention, reputation, guest / client experience.
- 3Innovationinnovative products and services, technology adoption, process improvement, new business models.
- 4Leadership & managementmanagement quality, strategy, execution, team development.
- 5Market impactindustry contribution, market influence, brand strength, competitive positioning.
- 6Quality & excellencequality standards, consistency, operational and professional standards.
- 7Growth & achievementmajor milestones, expansion, accreditations where relevant, measurable progress.
- 8Sustainability / social impactenvironmental responsibility, social contribution, community impact.
- 9Supporting evidencemeasurable data, documents, media, client evidence, certifications, verifiable information.
Nine criteria, applied according to the relevance of each award programme and category. No fixed percentage weighting is published or applied, so the chart presents the criteria equally.
Each spoke is one criterion; its length is the number of indicators the published criteria name for it (4 to 6). It shows how fully each criterion is described — not how much it weighs.
Segments are sized by the indicators each theme carries. The themes only help a nominee organise a submission; the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree reviews all nine criteria.
Where the evidence comes from
The nine criteria in plain terms
What strong business nominations have in common
Data for a business award is collected from the company’s website and online medium — Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, online reviews, listing websites, media & PRs — together with the material submitted with the nomination.
What decides the result — the jury review ↓ · Full selection process →
About the Awards
Jury Review
Every nomination travels through the same seven stages. Depending on the programme, the review is conducted by the Jury team, by the authorised management evaluation team of Golden Tree, or by both in different stages — always against the published criteria and only on the information submitted.
What the reviewers look at
- The completed nominee profile: what the business or leader does, where, for whom and at what scale.
- The completed nominee profile, the company’s website and its online medium — Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, online reviews, listing websites, media & PRs: what the business does, where, for whom and at what scale.
- The completed nominee profile, the nominee’s professional (LinkedIn) profile and the online medium — Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, online reviews, listing websites, media & PRs: role, organisation led, scale and tenure.
- Achievements and results — financial outcomes, growth, innovation outcomes, leadership milestones, impact reports.
- Supporting evidence uploaded with the nomination: documents, data, media, client evidence, certifications.
- Fit with the chosen category and competition level — entries are compared within their own category, never across unrelated fields.
How a nomination is scored
Scoring uses only the facts, claims and materials in the submission. No points are assigned for general reputation, activity outside the nomination, promotional effort or external influence.
Principles of the review
- Independent. The review operates separately from sales and partnerships; sponsors do not participate.
- Structured. Eligible nominations progress through the established stages in order.
- Merit only. Fees, packages, sponsorship or gala purchases do not determine selection.
- Documented. Every decision is recorded, so any outcome can be traced end to end.
- Confidential. Winners are notified privately before the public reveal at the gala.
Join the jury
Sector specialists with senior industry experience can apply to join the Golden Tree jury.
Our commitment
Paying a nomination fee, ordering a Winner Package or attending a gala ceremony does not guarantee or influence selection as a winner. Commercial activities are administered separately from evaluation and carry no weight in the outcome of any nomination.
What decides the result
Commercial activities are administered separately from evaluation and carry no weight in the outcome of any nomination.
What influences a result — and what does not
Influences winner selection
- Nominee achievements
- Business performance
- Leadership impact
- Innovation
- Supporting evidence
- Client & partner votes received in the voting stage
- Category relevance
- Jury / management evaluation
Does not influence winner selection
- Nomination payment or plan
- Winner Package order
- Gala ticket purchase
- Sponsorship or advertising
- Commercial relationship
- Size of any purchase
- Paid votes, or likes and followers on social media
Nomination process, step by step → · How entries are judged →
About the Awards
Voting
Voting is one of the important stages of the awards. Every company gets a 10-day voting period to receive votes from its clients and business partners. The voting banners and materials are available in your Award Portal as soon as your nomination is moved to the “Voting” stage.
How the voting stage works
Counts in the voting stage
- Votes from clients, guests and customers
- Votes from business partners and suppliers
- Votes gathered through the official banners and link
- Votes received within the 10-day period
Never accepted
- Paid votes or vote-buying campaigns
- Automated, duplicate or fake votes
- Bought likes, shares or followers
- Votes received after the period closes
Why voting matters
The voting stage shows the jury how the people who actually work with a company — its clients and its partners — regard it. It is one input among the published criteria: the final selection is made on merit by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree, and no payment, plan or package has any influence on it.
Where voting sits in the award process ↑ · The jury review ↓
Gala Ceremony
Gala Ceremony — Venue & Date
Winners of every programme are celebrated together at the Golden Tree Awards gala in Dubai — a black-tie evening of award presentations, networking with industry leaders, stage moments, photographs, interviews and entertainment. Winners are notified privately before the ceremony; the public reveal happens on stage.
Date & venue
Who attends
- Confirmed winners and their guests, with gala passes included in the Winner Package by tier (complimentary, first-come-first-served).
- Chief guests, jury members, partners and the international press.
Dress code & format
- Black tie / formal evening wear; a seated gala dinner with the awards ceremony on stage.
- Participation details, the final programme and timings are shared with confirmed winners.
Getting there
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates — the venue, travel and accommodation guidance are sent with the winner confirmation.
- Trophies and plaques can be collected at the ceremony or shipped at additional cost.
Gala Ceremony
Agenda & Activities
From the red carpet to the closing networking — what happens during the evening, and what each winner can take part in.
- Red-carpet arrivalRegistration, welcome drinks and the winners’ photo wall
- Networking with leadersMeet CEOs, GMs, founders and award winners from every region
- Opening & welcomeOpening address and the evening’s programme
- Award presentationWinners called to the stage, trophies presented programme by programme
- Share your success storyWinner’s moment on stage and the speech video
- Photo & video sessionOfficial photographers, stage and photo-wall moments
- Interview sessionOn-camera winner interviews for the award channels
- Gala dinner & entertainmentDinner with live performances
- Closing networkingIntroductions, partnerships and the after-ceremony networking
The final agenda and timings are confirmed to winners ahead of each ceremony.
Gala Ceremony
Few of our Chief Guests
Below are a few of the chief guests who have graced our previous award gala ceremonies — senior government, industry and institutional figures who present the awards on stage and join the winners’ networking.
The chief guests of the next ceremony are confirmed in the weeks before the gala; confirmed winners receive the final list with the gala programme.
Gala Ceremony
Highlights
Two previous gala ceremonies — the videos play here on this page.
Fee / Cost Involved
Nomination Fee
Nomination is free. There is no nomination fee and no registration fee. Paid nomination plans exist for nominees who want more programmes, more categories, a higher competition level and promotional visibility — they never influence the evaluation.
Nomination is FREE — for a limited time
The complimentary nomination plan is a limited-time offer. It can be withdrawn at any time and without prior notice; once it ends, participation in an award programme starts from USD 170. Every nomination submitted while the offer is open remains free — nothing to pay at nomination, nothing to pay for registration, and nothing further unless you are selected as a winner.
A free nomination is evaluated on merit, exactly like a paid one. Secure your place in the 2027 award year while the offer stands.
Nominate Free NowThe Free plan
- One award programme, one category, City-level competition — for one company per award year.
- Exactly the same evaluation as a paid plan: the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree review every nomination the same way.
- The Free plan is not available to a nominee previously declared a winner who did not order a Winner Package; such nominations are accepted under a paid plan, from USD 170 per award participation.
Paid plans add
- More award programmes and more categories per award.
- Country-level competition (Silver, Gold) and Regional-level competition (Diamond, Platinum).
- Promotional visibility: featured nominee listing, links to your website and social media, social-media posts and, on Platinum, an exclusive success-story article.
- Fees are non-refundable; if the nominee is not selected, the fee can be used once as a credit towards a nomination in the following award year.
Nomination Plan pricing — comparison
Nomination is free. The Free plan is the default for every nominee. The paid plans are optional upgrades for nominees who want more programmes and categories, a higher competition level and promotional visibility — the evaluation is identical on every plan.
| Benefit | FreeFREE · default | Silver | Gold | Diamond | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination plan price (USD) | FREE | 170 | 299 | 650 | 980 |
| Award programmes | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Categories per award | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Total categories you can enter | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 9 |
| Competition level | City | Country | Country | Country / Regional | City / Country / Regional |
| Featured in the nominees section | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Link to your website & social media | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social-media post (Instagram & LinkedIn) | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Winner Package if selected as a winner | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
Fee / Cost Involved
Winner Package Cost
Winning is decided on merit; the Winner Package is what turns that decision into an accolade you can use. It activates your winning category, grants the licence to the award name, title and logo, and delivers the trophy, certificate, gala experience and promotion — five tiers from USD 820 to USD 3,860, ordered once per award programme after the winner announcement. The complete comparison — every package, its price and every inclusion — is below, exactly as published on the Winner Package page.
Your Achievement Deserves Extraordinary Recognition
Choose your Winner Package and celebrate your success with prestigious awards, international exposure, exclusive branding opportunities and unforgettable gala experiences. Scan across a row to see which packages carry an inclusion, and down a column to see everything a package includes.
| Inclusion | DigitalUSD 820Order Now | ClassicUSD 1,640Order Now | DeluxeUSD 3,000USD 2,200Order Now | ⭐ Most PopularSuper DeluxeUSD 4,300USD 2,740Order Now | ⭐ Best ValueRoyalUSD 6,610USD 3,860Order Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Official recognitionTurn your award-winning achievement into a powerful symbol of credibility and distinction. | |||||
| Rights to use Award title, logo and nameProudly showcase your official recognition across your website, marketing and business communications. | |||||
| Digital Winner CertificateCelebrate your achievement with a personalised certificate you can display and share worldwide. | |||||
| Digital Email signature & Winner BadgeMake every email and online interaction a showcase of your award-winning status. | |||||
| Winners' listingSecure your place in our official winners' directory and showcase your achievement. | |||||
Gala ceremonyCelebrate your achievement on an international stage and connect with industry leaders. | |||||
| Network with LeadersConnect with award-winning founders, CEOs and General Managers from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and other regions. Build valuable partnerships, exchange ideas and open doors to new markets and opportunities. | |||||
| Gala passesCelebrate your success with your team and network with international business leaders. Complimentary, first-come-first-served. | 2 passes | 4 passes | 6 passes | 10 passes | |
| Winner's speech videoCapture your proud moment on stage and share your achievement with the world. | |||||
| Priority seatingEnjoy a premium gala experience with preferred seating close to the stage. | Second | First | |||
| Share your success story on stageInspire an international audience with your achievements, vision and journey. | |||||
| Brand (logo) on the Photo wallShowcase your brand at a prominent gala photo opportunity. | |||||
| Brand (logo) on the Stage LEDPut your brand in the spotlight during the awards ceremony. | |||||
| Play your product video on the Stage LEDPresent your brand, products and achievements on the stage screen during the networking and dinner time. | |||||
Trophy, plaque & medalTransform your achievement into a lasting symbol of excellence, beautifully crafted to display with pride. | |||||
| Winner Plaque (A3 size)A custom A3 plaque displaying your award-winning excellence — black acrylic or gold-coloured finish, as listed per package. | Black acrylic | Gold colour | Gold colour | ||
| Winner TrophyA personalised trophy celebrating your achievement, crafted to display with pride. | Crystal Trophy | ||||
| Winner MedalAn elegantly crafted medal commemorating your achievement and professional distinction. | |||||
Highlight Your Success StoryShare the journey behind your success and inspire customers, partners and industry leaders worldwide. | |||||
| Exclusive Profile pageYour dedicated online showcase highlighting your achievements, brand and award-winning journey. | |||||
| 1 Success Story article @ Awards WebsiteYour success story published on the award website where you won, showcasing your achievement to its industry audience. | |||||
| 1 Success Story article @ Leadership AwardsOne article about your Founder, Chairman, CEO, Women Leader or GM published on WorldCEOawards.com, GoldenEntrepreneurAwards.com, WorldGMawards.com or GoldenWomenAwards.com. | |||||
| 1 Success Story article @ Golden Tree Awards Global WebsiteYour story featured on goldentreeawards.com, the global hub of the award network, reaching an international audience across every programme. | |||||
Magazine & websiteExtend your recognition beyond the ceremony and showcase your success to an international audience. | |||||
| Digital magazine featureTell your success story in our digital magazine and celebrate your achievements with a wider audience. | Half page | One page | 2 pages | 3 pages | 4 pages |
| Highlight on Award WebsiteGain prominent visibility on our official award website and showcase your winning distinction. | In Home page | ||||
| Branding on Photo wall & Stage LED (gala)Elevate your brand's presence with prominent exposure throughout the gala celebration. | |||||
Social mediaAmplify your achievement across professional and social networks and reach new audiences. | |||||
| Instagram postCelebrate your victory with an engaging post designed for social sharing. | |||||
| LinkedIn postShowcase your professional excellence and achievements to business leaders worldwide. | |||||
| Facebook postShare your proud achievement and strengthen your brand's social presence. | |||||
Digital Authority Benefits (SEO / AI Search Engines)Links from our award website strengthen the authority of your website and social profiles with search engines and AI search assistants. | |||||
| Link to your websiteDirect interested visitors to your official website to explore your business. | |||||
| Link to your InstagramAttract visitors to your Instagram profile and showcase your brand's visual story. | |||||
| Link to your FacebookGrow your social presence and connect with potential customers and followers. | |||||
| Link to your LinkedIn pageStrengthen your professional visibility and connect with business leaders and partners. | |||||
| Order Digital | Order Classic | Order Deluxe | Order Super Deluxe | Order Royal | |
Included Not included Prices in USD; strike-through figures are the standard prices. Packages are available exclusively to confirmed winners; ordering does not influence or guarantee the outcome.
From confirmed winner to published win
What the Winner Package activates
Activates your winning category
- Your award title in the winning category becomes official and is published in the winners’ directory.
- Without a package the title is not activated and lapses after the 10-day window.
Rights to use the award name, title & logo
- A licence to use the official award name, your winner title and the award logo across your website, marketing, PR, social media, e-mail signatures and profiles.
- Brand-safe, verified files — the rights that let you announce the win legitimately.
Official recognition items
- Digital winner certificate and badge on every tier; crystal trophy, A3 plaque and medal on higher tiers.
- Each item is personalised with your name, category and award year.
Gala ceremony & stage
- Complimentary gala passes by tier; your moment on stage with the trophy.
- Priority seating, a speech video and photo-wall / stage-LED branding on the top tiers.
Promotion & visibility
- Digital magazine feature, highlight on the award website and social-media posts.
- A permanent profile and success-story options that keep working after the ceremony.
Digital authority
- Links from the award websites to your website and social profiles strengthen your authority with search engines and AI search assistants.
The ordering window
Winners have 10 days from the official announcement to order; one package covers one award programme, however many categories were won in it. Ordering never influences who wins — selection is decided on merit before any package is offered.
Winner Package — important notes
- Order within 10 days of the official announcement; otherwise Golden Tree may cancel the title and assign it to the next standing nominee, and complimentary participation in future programmes is lost.
- A win may not be published, announced or claimed — on a website, social media, marketing, PR or profiles — before a Winner Package is ordered. If no package is ordered, every reference to the award, title and logo must be removed within 15 days.
- One award title corresponds to one Winner Package; several categories won within one programme need only one package.
- The package is 100% non-refundable once paid: production of personalised items and the grant of branding rights begin immediately.
- Physical items are shipped at additional cost or collected at the gala ceremony. Gala passes are complimentary and first-come-first-served, with no refund if unused.
- Award title, logo and branding rights apply only once the Winner Package is ordered and approved for its tier. Winner Package terms & conditions apply.
Fee / Cost Involved
Winner Package Inclusions
What Is Included in the Winner Package?
Celebrate your award-winning achievement with official recognition, premium awards, global visibility, exclusive branding benefits and international networking opportunities.
🏅Official Recognition & Awards 12
- 🏆Rights to Use Official Award Title
- 🏷️Rights to Use Official Award Name
- ®️Rights to Use Official Award Logo
- 📜Personalised Digital Winner Certificate
- 🎖️Digital Winner Badge
- ✉️Digital Winner Email Signature
- 📇Official Winners’ Directory Listing
- 💎Personalised Crystal Winner Trophy*
- 🪧Premium A3 Winner Plaque*
- ⬛Black Acrylic Winner Plaque*
- 🟨Gold-Coloured Winner Plaque*
- 🥇Commemorative Winner Medal*
🎟️Gala Ceremony & Networking 11
- 🎟️Complimentary Gala Ceremony Passes*
- 🤝Networking with International Industry Leaders*
- 👔Networking with Award-Winning CEOs & Founders*
- 🧑💼Networking with General Managers*
- 🎥Professional Winner Speech Video*
- 💺Priority Gala Seating*
- 🎤Opportunity to Share Your Success Story on Stage*
- 🖼️Company Logo on Gala Photo Wall*
- 📺Company Logo on Stage LED Screens*
- 🎬Product or Corporate Video on Stage LED Screens*
- 🎉Gala Recognition & Celebration Opportunities*
🌐Global Exposure & Publications 7
- 🪪Exclusive Winner Profile Page*
- 📰Success Story Article on Award Website*
- 📝Leadership Success Story Article*
- 🌍Success Story on Global Awards Website*
- 📖Digital Magazine Feature — Half Page to Four Pages*
- ⭐Featured Highlight on Award Website*
- 🏠Premium Homepage Visibility*
📣Social Media & Digital Visibility 7
- 📸Instagram Winner Announcement Post*
- 💼LinkedIn Winner Announcement Post*
- 👍Facebook Winner Announcement Post*
- 🔗Link to Your Official Company Website*
- 🔗Link to Your Instagram Profile*
- 🔗Link to Your Facebook Page*
- 🔗Link to Your LinkedIn Page*
🚀Additional Promotional Opportunities 6
- 🎨Winner Branding Materials for Marketing
- 🗂️Official Winner Assets for Websites & Presentations
- 🎙️Speaking Invitation Opportunities*
- 🏛️Industry Event Participation Opportunities*
- 📣Press Release Distribution Opportunities*
- 🛠️Branding & Promotional Support*
* Package-dependent benefits. Not every benefit is included in every package. Gala passes vary by package and availability. Physical item shipping is charged separately. Digital magazine features are not printed copies.
Fee / Cost Involved
Important Notes
The points participants most often ask about before nominating. The full Terms & Conditions, Winner Package terms and Refund Policy apply to every nomination and order; the Winner Package notes sit with the Winner Package Cost section above.
Nomination
- Nomination is free: no nomination fee, no registration fee. Paid plans are for additional participation and visibility only.
- Selection is merit-based; no payment, sponsorship or recommendation influences the outcome. The 10-day voting stage records the support of your clients and business partners, and the final selection is made by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree against the published criteria.
- One award programme per company per award year on the Free plan; winners who order a Winner Package remain eligible to nominate in the following years.
- A nominee previously declared a winner who did not order a Winner Package is not eligible for the Free plan (paid plans from USD 170 per award participation apply).
- Information submitted must be accurate and verifiable; a nomination may be closed at any stage with a recorded reason.
- Nomination fees are non-refundable; an unsuccessful paid nomination carries a one-time credit towards the following award year.
Selection & participation
- Winners are selected by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree against the published criteria. Voting takes place in a dedicated 10-day stage in which each nominee collects votes from its clients and business partners; paid votes are never accepted.
- A nomination may be closed at any stage with a recorded reason; finalists are confirmed before any winner is announced.
- Winners are notified privately by e-mail on the announcement date of their nomination window, ahead of the public reveal at the gala.
- The limited-time free nomination offer can be withdrawn at any time; nominations already submitted under it remain free.
- The Winner Package notes — mandatory order, the 10-day window, publication rights and refunds — are listed under Winner Package Cost.
- Gala attendance is not a condition of winning; participation details are shared with confirmed winners.
Terms & Conditions → · Winner Package terms → · Privacy Notice →
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions participants ask most often, grouped by topic. Anything not covered here — write to the team or ask through your Award Portal.
About nomination
Who can nominate?
Any organisation or individual may submit a nomination — self-nominations and nominations of another company or leader are both accepted. The nomination form asks for the nominee, the award programme and the nominator’s contact details.
Can I nominate myself or my own company?
Yes. Self-nominations are evaluated exactly like third-party nominations, against the same criteria and evidence.
Are individual leaders eligible as well as companies?
Yes. The World CEO, World GM, Golden Entrepreneur and Golden Women Awards recognise individuals; every other programme recognises organisations, properties, products and services.
Can a newly launched business or a newly appointed leader be nominated?
Yes, provided the nomination can show achievements and evidence relevant to the chosen category. New businesses compete in their own category and competition level.
What information and documentation is required?
A completed nominee profile, the achievements being put forward and supporting evidence such as results, documents, media, client evidence or certifications. Leadership nominations also include the nominee’s role and professional profile.
How long does the process take?
Nominations received in a calendar month are reviewed during the following month, and the winners of that month are notified privately on the 10th of the month after. Winners of the award year are celebrated at the gala in Dubai.
Do I have to attend the gala?
Gala attendance is not a condition of winning. Winners are notified privately before the public reveal, and the gala passes included in a Winner Package are complimentary and optional to use.
Can I nominate in more than one programme or category?
The Free plan covers one award programme and one category per company per award year. Paid plans add programmes and categories — up to three programmes with three categories each on Platinum.
Can a product, project or property be nominated rather than the whole company?
Yes. Business categories cover companies, properties, products and services. Nominate the entity the category describes — a hotel, a restaurant, a product line, a development project — and provide the evidence for that entity.
Who can nominate a CEO, general manager, entrepreneur or woman leader?
The leader, their organisation, a colleague, a board member, a client or a partner. The nomination names the individual, their role and the organisation they lead; the evidence is the nominee’s professional profile and achievements.
What is the difference between the World CEO Awards and the World GM Awards?
The World CEO Awards recognise chief executives, founders and managing directors who lead an organisation as a whole. The World GM Awards recognise general managers who run a property, unit, plant or operation. A leader is nominated in the programme that matches their role.
Selection process
Is the evaluation merit-based?
Yes. Every nomination is assessed on the achievements, performance, impact and evidence submitted, against the published criteria for its award, industry, category and competition level.
Who reviews the nominations?
The Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree, according to the award programme. In some programmes the jury are subject specialists; in others a dedicated internal evaluation team reviews the entries; sometimes both are involved in different stages.
Is there a voting stage?
Yes. Once your nomination is moved to the Voting stage you have 10 days to collect votes from your clients and business partners, using the voting banners and materials in your Award Portal. Votes are recorded with the nomination; paid votes and bought engagement are never accepted, and the final selection is made by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree against the published criteria.
Does paying increase my chances of winning?
No. Nomination fees pay for participation and promotional services only; the reviewers do not see which plan a nominee holds, and no payment, package or sponsorship can guarantee shortlisting, selection or winning.
Do you visit the business or sample the product?
Evaluation is based on the submitted nomination: the profile, achievements and supporting evidence. Verifiable documents, data and media carry the weight; reviewers do not rely on general reputation or on activity outside the submission.
What happens if my nomination is not selected?
The nomination is closed with a recorded reason. Paid promotional benefits remain in place, and a paid nomination fee can be used once as a credit towards a nomination in the following award year.
Can I become a juror?
Sector specialists with senior industry experience can apply through the jury sign-up page. Jury members operate independently of sales and partnerships.
Nomination fee
Is there a nomination fee?
No. Nomination is free — there is no nomination fee and no registration fee. The Free plan covers one award programme in one category at City level. Paid plans start with Silver at USD 170.
What do the paid plans add?
More award programmes and categories, Country-level competition (Regional level on Diamond and Platinum), and promotional benefits such as a featured nominee listing, links to your website and social media, social-media posts and — on Platinum — an exclusive success-story article.
Does a nomination plan include a Winner Package?
No. Nomination fees cover the nomination process and the promotional benefits of the plan only. Winner Packages are separate and become available only to nominees selected as winners.
Can I upgrade my plan later?
Yes. You can move to a higher plan from your Award Portal while nominations are open; the added capacity activates as soon as payment is received and your existing entries stay in place.
Are nomination fees refundable?
All nomination and registration fees are non-refundable once paid, in line with the Refund Policy and the Terms and Conditions. An unsuccessful paid nomination carries a one-time, non-transferable credit towards the following award year.
Who cannot use the Free plan?
A nominee previously declared a winner who did not order a Winner Package. Such nominations are accepted under a paid plan, from USD 170 per award participation.
Winner Package cost
Is ordering a Winner Package mandatory?
Yes — it is the one rule every nominee should know before entering (see the note at the top of this page). The package activates the award title, grants the logo rights and delivers the trophy and certificate; winners order within 10 days of the announcement.
How much does a Winner Package cost?
Five tiers are available: Digital USD 820, Classic USD 1,640, Deluxe USD 2,200, Super Deluxe USD 2,740 and Royal USD 3,860 (all prices in USD). Physical items are shipped at additional cost or collected at the gala.
What happens if I do not order within 10 days?
Winners have 10 days from the official announcement to order. After that, Golden Tree reserves the right to cancel the title and award it to the next standing nominee, and the winner permanently loses eligibility to take part in the programmes on a complimentary basis.
Can I publish my win without a Winner Package?
No. The win may not be published, announced, displayed or otherwise claimed — and the award name, title or logo may not be used — until a Winner Package has been ordered, because the package is what grants those rights.
If I win several categories, do I need several packages?
No. One Winner Package covers the whole programme, however many categories were won within it. One package is required per award programme.
Is the Winner Package refundable?
No. The package is 100% non-refundable once paid: each order immediately starts personalised production of the trophy, plaque and certificate and grants the branding rights.
Does ordering a package affect who wins?
Never. Winners are selected purely on merit by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree before any package is offered; only confirmed winners can order, and only after the announcement.
Can I order extra trophies, plaques or medals?
Yes. Beyond what the tier includes, additional items can be ordered at extra cost — for offices, branches or team members.