The winners of this year’s awards were announced digitally.

The AHEAD MEA shortlist has been announced, with the nominated projects ranging from a new farmstead in the heart of Greater Kruger National Park – from the same owners who brought us 2018 winner, The Silo Hotel – to the Opus building with an ‘eroded’ centre, home to Dubai’s ME Hotel.

The judging days took place over Zoom on 30 September and 1 October, where the panel scored the projects on their exceptional design and commercial viability.

From Resorts, Spa and Wellness and Lounges, to Lodges and Cabins, and with a focus on Renovation, Restoration & Conversion, the 11 categories cover a diverse array of locations – from Dubai and Morocco, to Johannesburg and Saudi Arabia.

Shortlisted studio include: Zaha Hadid Architects, Godwin Austen Johnson, Stickman Tribe, LW Design, Emre Arolat Architecture and others, featuring global leaders in hospitality design.

The winners were announced on Monday 9 November from via a digital ceremony which will featured exclusive content from the judges and the nominees. The event was broadcast across aheadawards.com and dezeen.com from 2pm (GST) / 10 (GMT).