2026
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

Future Leader Award

In Partnership With

The Future Leader Award celebrated young, ambitious talent shaping the future of hospitality, tourism, and gastronomy in Saudi Arabia. This award recognised individuals aged 18 to 35 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact, contributing to the Kingdom’s thriving and evolving hospitality industry.

AWARD CEREMONY AT FHS SAUDI ARABIA 2025

The winner of the Future Leader Award for 2025 was Lama AlQawasmi, Co-Founder & COO, Hospitality Talents. Read more here.



Criteria for Nomination:


The Candidate must:

  • Be between 18 and 35 years old.
  • Be currently working or studying in hospitality, tourism, gastronomy, or a related field.
  • Be a Saudi resident, either working in Saudi Arabia or studying abroad with a clear commitment to contributing to the Kingdom’s hospitality sector.
  • Have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and impact through initiatives such as entrepreneurial ventures, sustainability projects, business improvements, or industry leadership roles.


Evaluation and Selection

A prestigious jury panel will evaluate the nominations based on three key criteria:

  • Innovation: Creativity and originality of the project or contribution
  • Impact: Measurable outcomes in business performance, sustainability, or community engagement
  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills and potential to inspire others

Prize Details

The award recipient received:

  • A complimentary ticket to attend FHS Saudi Arabia 2025
  • Access to Sommet Education's alumni networks, internships, and job placement opportunities
  • Scholarships from Sommet Education Foundation full tuition coverage, including room and board, from Sommet Education’s portfolio of Master’s degrees, Executive Master’s, or Executive part-time education at Glion Institute of Higher Education or Les Roches Global Hospitality in the UK, Switzerland, and Spain. These exclusive scholarships are designed to recognise and support exceptional talent in the global hospitality industry—future innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in three distinctive fields: digital innovation, sustainability, and social advancement.

(The exact program will be offered based on the candidate’s profile, career objectives, and time available for study.)

JURY MEMBERS

2025 WINNNER