The quiet revolution behind the bar ninja awards

The 2026 winners represent bartenders, barbacks and beverage professionals whose precision, consistency and dedication shape the UAE’s bar scene.

Mastery without noise

The Silent Shaker Award went to Zoltan Agh, assistant bar manager at LPM Dubai. The award recognizes consistency, precision and service delivered without unnecessary showmanship. Denis Pashkov, brand ambassador at Thomas Henry & iCY, received The Zero Waste Master. His approach combines fermentation and applied microbiology with practical sustainability.

The Service Shadow recognized Saurabh Jadhav, assistant bar manager at Sushisamba Dubai. The award highlights professionals who anticipate guest needs before they are expressed. Midhun K M, bar supervisor at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, received The Flavor Architect. The category celebrates structured thinking and balance in beverage creation.

Meanwhile, Lahiru Wickramarathne, senior bartender at Coya Dubai, received The Iron Shift Award. The recognition highlights stamina, composure and consistency during demanding service.

Craft meets creativity

The Rising Sun Award recognized Zahra Azmoodeh, bartender at Carbone, Atlantis Royal. The award highlights emerging talent and considered creativity behind the bar. Samy Rathnayake, bar manager at Sexy Fish Dubai, received The Bar Sensei Award. His recognition reflects mentorship, technical knowledge and team development.

At Roka Dubai, Kaleb Barry, bar manager, received The Precision Pour Award. The category recognizes accuracy and repeatable execution across every service. Askar Choriev, beverage manager at Honeycomb Hi Fi, received The Comeback Ninja Award. The award recognizes resilience, reinvention and the ability to return stronger after setbacks.

The Best Ninja Buddy went to Angelo Mendez, head bartender at Amelia. The recognition highlights the teamwork and support that underpin successful bar operations.

Consistency, resilience and authenticity

The No Excuses Award went to Angelo Immorlano, beverage manager at Nobu Dubai, Atlantis Palm. The category recognizes professionals who maintain standards regardless of circumstances. Roman Tanasiev, beverage manager at Attiko Dubai, received The AntiHype Operator. The award recognizes a results focused approach built around menus, collaborations and lasting teams.

At Salmon Guru Dubai, Masahalya Timothy, barback, received The Last One Standing. The award recognizes dedication and resilience among the professionals working behind the scenes.

Sahil Chauhan, trade ambassador at Bacardi UAE, received The Real One Award. The recognition celebrates authenticity and a genuine connection with the spirits industry.

The program’s highest honor, The Ultimate Bar Ninja, went to Nana Sechere, beverage innovation manager at Monin. Her career includes nearly a decade of regional influence, a seat on the Business Committee of Tales of the Cocktail, and three consecutive years on Drinks International’s Bar World 100.

Recognizing the people behind the bar

Founded by Tauland Hyka, the Bar Ninja Awards focus on professionals whose work can often remain unnoticed. Nominations are gathered through peer recommendations, guest feedback and firsthand scouting across the region. The process does not rely on public voting or self submission. Instead, nominees are reviewed by the wider team before Hyka approves the final selection. The awards also highlight the wider UAE bar community, including bartenders, barbacks and beverage managers. Their daily work contributes directly to service quality, guest experiences and the reputation of the region’s hospitality sector.

The Bar Ninja Awards Dinner was supported by Campari, Les Vergers Boiron, Nikka Whisky, Woodford Reserve and Cocchi. Their support helped bring the 15 winners together to celebrate their contribution to the industry.

Ultimately, the awards celebrate a simple principle: exceptional hospitality does not always need to be loud. Sometimes, excellence is defined by doing the job exceptionally well, every single time.