As part of its mission to highlight the unmatched appeal of Dubai as an ideal cosmopolitan hub to build lasting roots, Bayut, the region’s leading property portal, has announced the launch of the first-ever truly people’s choice awards, the Bayut Your Home Your Choice Awards 2021.

During this special year when the world is coming to experience the wonder of Dubai, Bayut’s new initiative will celebrate and reward the people, places and organisations that have made this city such a great place to live in.

The methodology to shortlist nominees for the Bayut Your Home Your Choice Awards included a thorough evaluation of big data from public reviews on digital platforms like YouTube, Google, Trip Advisor, and from city stakeholders. All inputs have been audited by an unbiased independent auditing firm, following which the jury members shared their recommendations to narrow down the five finalists.

Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Haider Ali Khan, the CEO of Bayut & dubizzle & Head of EMPG MENA, said: “The year 2021 has been an exciting one for Dubai as we are hosting the world at the Expo 2020 to celebrate the best of the human spirit in the city. We wanted to add to the celebrations with this unique initiative, the first ever Bayut Your Home Your Choice Awards 2021. The awards have been conceptualised as a tribute to the vision of Dubai’s leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, towards making our home, Dubai, the happiest city on earth. As a home-grown success story that has prospered thanks to the wonderful infrastructure and the support of the people of Dubai, we at Bayut are committed to enhancing the appeal of our home and highlighting the unique opportunities offered here. We invite you all to vote for your favourites in Dubai.”

Bayut has garnered the support of luminary community members who know the city well and are leaders in their respective fields to moderate and oversee the choice of the nominees and winners, to ensure that the awards showcase the best of Dubai in the fairest possible manner. The jury panel included: Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director, Dubai Internet City, Derya Matras, Vice President, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Facebook; Alyza Beg, Group Head – Corporate Affairs, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Sania Mirza, Professional International Tennis Player and Six Grand Slam Titles Winner and a proud resident of Dubai and the Special Advisor to the Jury, Sahar Khan, Director of Marketing at Bayut & dubizzle.

Ammar Al Malik, the Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, commented: “Dubai is a city that celebrates innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. As the region’s largest tech hub for professionals, entrepreneurs, startups, and multinationals, we at Dubai Internet City have always been supporting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of cementing Dubai as a launchpad for those with ambitious ideas. Bayut is one of those inspiring stories that started in Dubai internet city and grew in the region and beyond, therefore, we are happy to be part of this initiative that aims to recognize the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Dubai across several categories. We look forward to your participation in selecting your favourites in Dubai.”

Derya Matras, Vice President, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Facebook, commented: “I’m glad to join and be part of the Bayut Your Home Your Choice Awards 2021 as a jury member. Over the years, Dubai became home for people from all around the world from different cultures, religions and perspectives and provided them with undeniable opportunities to grow thanks to the bold vision of the wise leadership. This city has taught us so much and given us so much. It’s time to give back to this city and come together to celebrate and recognize the best of the best through this initiative and reward the innovative and creative brands who impact our lives every day.”

Alyza Beg, Group Head – Corporate Affairs at the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group commented on her participation in the jury panel: “Dubai is a land of peace, opportunity and happiness. I came to Dubai over 15 years ago, and since then this city has been my home. It has given me a tremendous sense of belonging and the ability to grow as a person and professional. I’m excited to be a jury member for the Bayut Your Home Your Choice 2021 Awards and take part in celebrating the best our city has to offer.”

Sania Mirza, International Tennis Player and Former World No. 1, said: “I’m very excited to be part of Bayut Your Home Your Choice Awards 2021 as a jury member. Dubai is the city I call home as I’ve been living here for the past decade, and it has given me so much as it does to a lot of people from all over the world. Therefore, it’s an honour to be part of this initiative to give back to this city and celebrate the choice of Dubai’s people.”

All winners will be publicly announced in the final ceremony on the 2^nd of November at a gala event which will be held at the Dubai Opera.