Riyadh : Catrion Catering Holding Company, a global leader in integrated hospitality, has secured two regional awards for the Middle East and Africa at the FAB World Hospitality Awards 2026. The ceremony took place in Bengaluru, India, marking a significant milestone that underscores the rapid evolution of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector and the growing prominence of national companies on global specialized platforms.
The company was recognized for its exceptional hospitality offerings in two key categories:
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“Best Airport Lounge” – Regional Winner, Middle East & Africa
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“Best Hospitality Experience” – Regional Winner, Middle East & Africa
This dual recognition on an international stage highlights the transformation of airport hospitality in Saudi Arabia—moving beyond basic services to deliver integrated experiences that blend service quality, operational excellence, innovation, and traveler-centric care. These efforts strengthen the competitiveness of the aviation and tourism sectors while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position on the global hospitality map.
Dr. Rashid Al-Arfaj, Executive Vice President of Catrion’s Air Catering Sector, commented: “Catrion operates within an integrated national framework to advance the aviation and tourism sectors. Our solutions span the entire traveler journey—from airport hospitality and in-flight catering to specialized operational services—enhancing guest experiences and aligning with the Kingdom’s sustained growth trajectory.”
Catrion at the FAB World Hospitality Awards
He added: “This achievement reflects the dedication of our teams to delivering hospitality experiences that meet international benchmarks. It validates our strategy centered on quality, innovation, and operational excellence. Winning two regional awards at this global forum demonstrates the ability of Saudi companies to compete at the highest level and reinforces Catrion’s standing as a trusted partner for airports and airlines.”
With over four decades of experience, Catrion has established itself as a premier Saudi provider of integrated hospitality solutions across aviation, hospitality, healthcare, and events. The company leverages a comprehensive operational framework that combines deep expertise, efficiency, and rigorous quality standards.
Catrion manages hospitality services across numerous airport lounges throughout the Kingdom, elevating traveler experiences, supporting the growth of air transport and tourism, and solidifying its role as a strategic partner in developing a hospitality ecosystem that aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitious growth objectives.
Raising Standards in Saudi Arabia’s Airport Hospitality
Catrion’s recognition at the FAB World Hospitality Awards 2026 reflects the growing importance of premium airport services as international travel continues to expand. Airport lounges have become an essential part of the passenger journey, offering travelers a place to relax, dine, work and prepare for their flights in a comfortable environment. As expectations evolve, service providers are increasingly focusing on personalized experiences, high-quality food offerings and efficient operations to distinguish their services.
Winning regional awards in both airport lounge and hospitality experience categories highlights Catrion’s emphasis on combining operational performance with guest satisfaction. These areas are particularly important in a competitive aviation market, where airports and airlines seek partners capable of delivering consistent service standards while responding to the needs of diverse passenger groups.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Aviation and Tourism Ambitions
Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector is creating new opportunities for companies that provide services across the aviation and hospitality industries. As the Kingdom welcomes more international visitors and strengthens its air connectivity, airport facilities and passenger services play an important role in shaping first and last impressions of the destination.
Catrion’s integrated approach, which includes airport lounge management and in-flight catering, enables it to contribute to multiple stages of the travel experience. Consistency across these services can help airlines and airport operators maintain quality standards while improving convenience for passengers.
The company’s experience across healthcare, events and other hospitality settings also demonstrates the breadth of its operational capabilities. Applying quality management, workforce expertise and service innovation across different sectors can support more efficient operations and strengthen long-term partnerships.
Innovation and Service Quality at the Centre
Maintaining international hospitality standards requires ongoing investment in staff training, service processes, food quality and operational technology. As passenger preferences change, providers must also adapt their offerings to accommodate different dietary requirements, travel purposes and expectations around comfort and convenience.
For Catrion, the awards provide an opportunity to reinforce its reputation and build on its existing presence in the regional market. Continued attention to customer feedback, service consistency and operational improvement will remain important in sustaining this recognition.
The achievement also highlights the contribution of Saudi companies to the wider global hospitality industry. As the Kingdom develops its aviation and tourism infrastructure, experienced local providers can play an important role in delivering services that meet international expectations while reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions as a travel destination.
Related reading: Caterion & Ikram Food Bank Renew Partnership for Food Preservation
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
