Global Brand Awards 2026 to Honour Leading Brands in Dubai on 2 October

Mr Yaqoob Al Ali, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, to present this year's awards at Address Sky View

LONDON, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Brands Magazine (GBM) is all set to host the 14th Global Brand Awards at Address Sky View, Dubai, on Friday, 2 October 2026. The evening will recognise brands that have led their markets over the past year across real estate, banking, education, hospitality, automotive, technology and lifestyle.

Guests of Honour

This year's awards will be presented by Mr Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, together with Dr Sunil Ambalavelil, Lawyer and Global Executive Chairman, Kaden Boriss; and Mr Hussain Yaslam Binsumida, Director – Investments, Office of Al Shaikh Ahmed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum.

Selection of Winners

Winners were chosen by GBM's research team and reviewed by independent evaluators, who looked at market performance, innovation, customer experience and how consistently each brand delivers on its promise.

Mr Jay Reddy, Chief Executive Officer, Global Brands Magazine, said: "Over fourteen editions, the Global Brand Awards have become a recognised benchmark for brand leadership across international markets. This year's honourees have set new standards in their industries, combining strong commercial performance with a clear commitment to the customers they serve. Dubai's position as a global centre for business and innovation makes it a fitting host, and we are privileged to recognise these achievements in the presence of such distinguished guests."

Keynote Speakers

Two distinguished keynote speakers will address the role of artificial intelligence in building brands.

Mr Mervyn D'Couto, Chief Marketing Officer at HeyBobo, an AI-powered personal wellness companion, will present "Say Hello to HeyBobo – Your Personal Wellness Companion." With 25 years of experience spanning BPO, service delivery, offshoring and organisational leadership, Mr D'Couto brings a distinctive perspective on where business, customer experience and artificial intelligence meet. At HeyBobo, he champions a vision of AI that goes beyond simple conversation, understanding context to deliver personalised, actionable support in everyday life.

Ms Rachel Meuleman, Founder of The Bizz Advisors and BizzAngels, will present "AI Can Build Your Brand. Humans Make People Believe It." A Dubai-based sales and marketing specialist with more than three decades of experience, including 16 years in the Gulf, she began her career in media with NY1 News, Nickelodeon and HBO before founding The Bizz Advisors in 2019.

Sponsors

GBM is grateful to the three partners whose support has made the 2026 edition possible.

HeyBobo, an AI-powered personal wellness app based in India and Platinum Sponsor of the Global Brand Awards 2026, is redefining what a personal AI can do for people. Far more than a chatbot, its wellness companion learns each user's goals, routines and circumstances, and brings expert guidance on health, fitness, diet, grooming, education and travel together in a single app. By putting personalised support within everyone's reach, HeyBobo stands at the forefront of a new generation of consumer AI.

Dyaan, an independent geospatial analytics platform, is an Earth-observation service that turns public satellite and geospatial data into clear, measurable insights about places around the world. By making complex environmental information accessible and reproducible, it helps individuals and organisations track change, understand local conditions and make better-informed decisions.

Zaga Urban, an interior design and architecture company based in India, is changing the way Bengaluru builds. Founded in 2021 by IIT and IIM alumni, the company brings architecture, engineering, interiors and construction under one accountable team, delivering commercial, institutional, healthcare and residential projects from first sketch to final handover.

Previous Editions

Previous GBM ceremonies have welcomed brands such as Emirates, Dubai Duty Free, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Microsoft, Malaysia Airlines and Harley-Davidson, at venues including Grand Hyatt Dubai, Waldorf Astoria Dubai, Address Downtown and The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok.

Event Details

The ceremony begins at 15:30 Dubai time (GST) at Address Sky View, Dubai. Attendance is by invitation only. Past winners can be viewed at https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/brand-awards-winners/

About Global Brands Magazine

Global Brands Magazine (GBM) is a UK-based publication providing independent insights, analysis, and recognition of brands shaping industries worldwide. Through its editorial platform and annual awards programme, GBM evaluates organisations on performance, innovation, relevance, and long-term impact across global markets.