Frequently asked questions

World Real Estate Excellence Awards Frequently Asked Questions Everything you need to know — participation, schedule, judging, fees and the gala

Plain-English answers about the programme. Founded in 2021 in Dubai and operated by Golden Tree Events LLC — selection is merit-based, with no public voting.

Who Can Participate

Property developers, architects and design studios, real estate brokers and agencies, interior designers, construction and engineering firms, property management companies, proptech innovators and luxury property brands — of any size, in any region.
Yes. Self-nominations are welcome, as are nominations submitted on behalf of another organisation.
Both. Individual professionals such as agents and brokers can enter relevant categories, alongside companies and projects.
Yes. Category structures let boutique and emerging firms compete fairly, not only large international brands.
Yes. Firms actively operating in a region can enter that region's categories, judged in the appropriate market context.
No. Entries are judged on merit and evidence, not on size or turnover.
Yes. Both organisations and individual projects can be entered in the categories that fit them.
Yes. You can enter multiple categories; higher nomination packages allow more categories.
Depending on your package, you can enter up to three award programmes in the same year.
No. The programme is global. The gala is held in Dubai, but entrants come from 40+ countries.
No. There is no public voting at any stage. Selection is independent, merit-based jury evaluation only.

Schedule

Nominations open in May 2026.
The early window closes on 30 July 2026.
Nominations close on 15 September 2026.
Independent jury review runs in the third and fourth weeks of September 2026.
The shortlist is finalised internally in October 2026.
The gala is held on 14 November 2026, where winners are announced live.
Yes. Nominations are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
No. Entries cannot be accepted once nominations close or capacity is reached.
Yes. Key dates and updates are shared with registered entrants by email.
From entry to gala spans roughly six months, from the May opening to the November ceremony.

Judging

Independently, on merit, by a senior jury scoring against published criteria. There is no public voting.
No. There is no public voting. Winners are selected purely on merit by the independent jury.
Excellence and quality, innovation and design, market and commercial impact, sustainability and ESG, client experience, and leadership and team.
Weightings total 100%: Excellence 25%, Innovation 20%, Market Impact 20%, Sustainability 15%, Client Experience 10%, Leadership 10%.
Senior developers, master architects, real estate fund executives, sustainability specialists and academic experts, appointed by the jury chair.
No. No payment influences selection. The nomination fee covers participation and evaluation only.
Through verified performance and credible certification — marketing claims without supporting evidence score poorly.
Individual scores are kept confidential to protect jury independence.
Eligibility queries can be raised during review, but final jury scoring decisions are not subject to challenge.
Jurors declare conflicts and recuse themselves from any entry where independence cannot be guaranteed.
Winners are revealed live at the gala on 14 November 2026.

Fee & Costs

Yes. A nomination fee is required to enter and be evaluated by the jury.
No. Paying never guarantees winning. Winners are chosen on merit by the independent jury.
Official portal access, participation in your chosen award and categories, and — on higher packages — branding visibility and logo and name usage after results.
Five packages — Silver, Gold, Diamond, Platinum and Titanium — scaling from one category to maximum participation.
No. Nomination fees are non-refundable.
No. Nominations are non-transferable and cannot be carried forward; credits are valid for the same-year programme only.
An optional package of recognition assets — trophy, plaque, medal, certificate, badge, features and branding rights — for confirmed winners.
It is optional, but it is required to enjoy and use the physical and branding winner benefits.
Only confirmed winners may order, and ordering never influences selection.
All nomination and winner package figures are on the Fees & Costs page.

Gala Ceremony

On 14 November 2026 at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.
From 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Black-tie.
Doors and meet & greet, red carpet, opening entertainment, awards presentation, winners' speeches, gala dinner and networking, evening entertainment.
No. Nominees and guests can attend; winners receive complimentary gala passes through their Winner Package.
Winner Packages include gala passes — from 2 passes on Classic up to 10 on Royal.
Yes. The number of passes depends on your Winner Package tier.
Yes. Winners are announced live on stage during the awards presentation.
Yes. Professional photography and video capture the red carpet, presentation and speeches.
Yes. The gala dinner and reception are built around networking with global industry leaders.

Still Have Questions?

Reach the awards team directly, or start your nomination on the official form.

Nominate Now › Contact The Team