The Middle East’s finest travel brands have been unveiled at a star-studded gala ceremony in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The elite of the Arabian travel industry gathered for the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2019 at the new Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to find out who among them had been crowned the best in the region.

Winners at the red-carpet reception included Oman Air, which celebrated a double victory by collecting trophies for both Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class and Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class, while Muscat International Airport, Oman fended off stiff competition to emerge as Middle East’s Leading Airport.

The strength of Abu Dhabi’s tourism economy was reflected in a range of victories.

The emirate was voted Middle East’s Leading Business Destination, while Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority was named the Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board.

Emirates Palace was voted the Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel and the Middle East’s Leading MICE Hotel.

Meanwhile, Etihad picked the titles of Middle East’s Leading Airline – First Class and Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew.

Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, said: “What an incredible evening it has been here in the magnificent emirate of Abu Dhabi.

“We have had the privilege of recognising the Middle East’s leading hotels, destinations, airlines and travel providers and my congratulations to each of them.”

The red-carpet evening formed the second leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2019 – a global search for the finest travel and tourism brands in the world.

Following its opening last summer, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi became the world’s first-ever Warner Bros branded indoor theme park, and represents another milestone in Abu Dhabi’s remarkable journey to establish itself as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

Mark Gsellman, vice president of theme parks at developer Farah Experiences, said: “It’s a real honour to have not one, not two, but all three of our Yas Island theme parks recognised by what is undoubtedly the travel industry’s most prestigious awards body.

“At our parks - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi - we aim to deliver nothing less than a world-class guest experience for our visitors who hail from across the globe.

“Determined by members of the public, the results of this year’s World Travel Awards are proof that our efforts have not been in vain, and only further fuels our drive to continue bringing our guests some of the region’s most immersive, thrilling and unique entertainment attractions.”

As part of the Grand Tour 2019, World Travel Awards is also hosting ceremonies in Montego Bay (Jamaica), Mauritius, Madeira, La Paz (Bolivia) and Phu Quoc (Vietnam), with the winners progressing to the Grand Final in Muscat (Oman).

Find a full list of winners on the official World Travel Awards website.