Dubai, 28 January 2025 : Senior Food & Beverage Manager Raju Gurung was honored with the title The Best Food and Beverage Manager of the Year  at a grand ceremony of Asia Nepal International Award hosted by Shaili Media Network Pvt. Ltd. on Sunday at the luxurious Canopy by Hilton Al Seef in Dubai.

The award was presented by distinguished UAE officer Walid Al Hassan, President of Nepali Society UAE Ram Bahadur Moktan, and President of NRN Dubai Vikas Shahi, recognizing Gurung’s exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry. He was awarded  Raju Gurung, a Nepalese national, has over 22 years of dedicated experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in the Food & Beverage sector. His journey began in the summer of 2003 as a waiter at Hilton Kuwait Resort.

In 2007, Gurung relocated to Dubai, where he joined the pre-opening team of The H Hotel (formerly known as The Monarch Hotel Dubai). In 2013, he moved to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel as a team leader, quickly advancing to the position of Head-Waiter, managing a team of 17 colleagues and overseeing day-to-day operations.

In 2018, Gurung took on the role of Pre-Opening Assistant Restaurant Manager at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. His career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, a passion for hospitality, and continuous professional growth. Today, as a Restaurant Manager, Gurung oversees daily operations, mentors teams, and ensures exceptional dining experiences for all guests.

With over two decades of experience, Gurung has honed his skills in guest service, team collaboration, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has successfully advanced to leadership positions, driven by a deep commitment to delivering quality and optimizing operations. Notable achievements in his career include being named Manager of the Month (Front of House), Manager of the Quarter (2022), and leading record-breaking revenue growth in 2024.

He was also recognized with the FACT Award 2024 for Best All-Day Dining in Abu Dhabi. Gurung has excelled in cost management, reducing operating costs through meticulous inventory management and supplier negotiations, as well as enhancing team leadership by recruiting, training, and mentoring high-performing teams, resulting in improved Customer Service Satisfaction (CSI) ratings. His focus on operational excellence has led to streamlined processes that reduce service times and enhance the overall dining experience.

Raju Gurung’s career is a testament to his commitment to excellence, leadership, and passion for the hospitality industry. As he continues to innovate and adapt to industry trends, Gurung is dedicated to contributing to the continued growth and success of the establishments he manages. Reflecting on his journey, Gurung states, "My career has been one of passion, dedication, and continuous growth.

I’m committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and integrating sustainable practices to ensure long-term success." His journey continues to inspire many in the hospitality sector as he remains focused on exceeding expectations and providing exceptional service.