Step 1 — Category Selection
The first step is choosing the right categories. Most successful entrants compete in two to four categories, balancing corporate-level recognition (such as Developer Of The Year) with project-level recognition (such as Luxury Property Of The Year). Multi-category entries qualify for discounted fees and increase the probability of winning at least one category.
Regional category selection is equally important. Entrants can compete at country level, regional level (Asia, Europe, Middle East, Americas, Africa, Oceania, GCC) and global level — with separate jury scoring at each stage. Country-level recognition is particularly valuable for developers and agencies operating in a single market.
- Pick categories where your evidence is strongest — verified outcomes, quality photography.
- Mix corporate-level and project-level recognition for maximum coverage.
- Consider regional categories first — the field is narrower than global.
- Don't over-extend — three strong entries reliably beat six weak entries.
- If unsure, contact the awards team for category consultation.
Step 2 — Evidence Preparation
Strong entries are evidence-led. Before drafting the written submission, prepare the supporting evidence package: high-resolution photography, drawings, masterplans, renderings, performance data (financial, operational, sustainability), customer testimonials, third-party certification documentation and any independent press coverage.
Visual evidence carries significant weight, particularly in architecture, luxury and design categories. The awards' archive is shared with international press partners — strong photography compounds the recognition's commercial value. Where possible, use professional architectural and editorial photography rather than marketing-led brochure imagery.
Step 3 — Writing The Entry
The written entry is the heart of the submission. Strong entries are 600–900 words per category, evidence-led, with a clear narrative structure: what the work is, why it matters, how it performs and what makes it distinctive. Generic positioning language — 'unparalleled', 'world-class', 'iconic' — without specific evidence consistently underperforms.
Quantification is critical. Strong entries quote specific numbers — units delivered, completion timeline, sales velocity, occupancy, embodied-carbon performance, customer satisfaction scores. Where independent third-party data is available, it carries significant weight. Marketing claims without supporting evidence score poorly across all category sets.
Step 4 — Online Submission
Submit the entry online via the official entry portal. Each category takes 20–30 minutes per category to complete, with the form accepting written submissions, project images (JPG, PNG), drawings (PDF), short video (MP4) and supporting documentation. The portal saves draft entries and allows multiple edits before the entry-close deadline.
We recommend submitting at least two weeks before the published deadline to allow time for any clarification requests from the awards secretariat. Late submissions cannot be considered after the published deadline.
Step 5 — Entry Fees
Entry fees vary by category and entry window. The 2026 calendar runs in three windows: early-bird (closes early Q2, discounted fees), standard (closes mid-Q3, standard fees) and late entry (closes Q4, premium fees). Specific pricing is published on the official entry portal.
Multi-category entries qualify for discounted fees — typically a 15–25% discount on the third and subsequent categories. The awards team can confirm specific pricing for multi-category entrants.
Step 6 — After Submission
Once submitted, the entry is acknowledged by the awards secretariat and progresses through eligibility review, jury scoring, shortlisting and final winner announcement. Throughout the process, entrants receive scheduled updates on category progress and gala details. The secretariat may request clarifications or additional evidence during review; prompt responses ensure smooth progress.
Shortlisted entrants are notified directly ahead of the gala and receive a 'shortlisted' recognition asset. Final winners are revealed live at the gala in Dubai in November, with recognition assets — trophy, digital seal, print seal, editorial profile, winners directory listing — issued shortly afterwards.
Submit Your Nomination Now
Nominations are accepted via the official entry portal. Detailed category-specific entry resources, sample entries and judging criteria are published throughout this site. The awards team can be contacted at awards@goldentreeawards.com or via WhatsApp at +971 585862014 for entry consultation.
