HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Tala was this evening awarded the title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Travel Personality’ at the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2011, held at the Armani Hotel Dubai.

As the highest honour that an individual can receive at the World Travel Awards, HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Tala was honoured with this accolade due to his exceptional contribution to the travel and tourism industry.

Globally renowned and respected, HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Tala owns stakes in Fairmont Hotels, Four Seasons, New York’s Plaza Hotel, the London Savoy, Monte Carlo Grand Hotel and Euro Disney. He is also backing what will become the tallest building in the world, the mile-high Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia.

(His Royal Highness Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud was recipient of the top award, collected on his behalf by his Private Secretary, Dr Nahla Alanbar, pictured here with Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards)

HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Tala stands out as one of the world’s most generous philanthropists, particularly in his funding of educational initiatives to build ties between Western and Islamic communities.

Other winners on the night included world class companies such as Etihad Airways, Rotana, Hotels Suites and Resorts, Emaar Hotels & Resorts and Jumeirah Hotels Resorts and Residencies, amongst others.

Winners from this event will now go on to World Travel Awards Grand Final at the end of the year.