Hotelier Middle East has announced the addition of two well-respected industry experts to the independent judging panel for the 2010 Hotelier Middle East Awards.

First to join the panel is Mohammed K. Al Dhaheri, quality and performance management manager in the strategy and policy division of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

He has held his current role since 2007 but has worked with ADTA since 2003 and been involved with both the transportation committee and the technical committee for the evaluation of hotels classification tenders.

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Al Dhaheri has a sharp eye for detail and a thorough understanding of the skills required to succeed in the tourism and hospitality industry, plus as a UAE national he brings a local perspective to the panel.

Also new to the Hotelier Middle East Awards this year is Naim Maadad, who brings with him 24 years’ experience in luxury hotel operations and development.

Maadad has recently taken on the role of vice president development Middle East, Far East and Africa for Rixos Hotels, which operates 12 hotels and is currently developing its first property in the region on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

Previous experience includes senior, regional roles with Minor International and Six Senses.

Al Dhaheri and Maadad join last year’s returning panel of judges including: Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management MD Ron Hilvert; Viability director Guy Wilkinson and Charterhouse Partnership director Travis Cowgill.

Representing Hotelier Middle East will be online editor Jamie Knights, also new to the 2010 Awards, and group editor for hospitality, Louise Oakley.

Nominations for the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2010 are live now and the deadline is August 15, 2010.

The glamorous Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 14 October at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai with more than 600 hoteliers expected to attend.

To nominate members of your team, visit www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/awards.

For nominations enquiries, contact: louise.oakley@itp.com

For sponsorship enquiries, contact: diarmuid.omalley@itp.com or sarah.worth@itp.com

For table bookings, contact annie.chinoy@itp.com