Arab Finance: Otis has been named Vertical Transportation (VT) Manufacturer of the Year at the 2026 Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Middle East and North Africa (CIBSE MENA) Awards, held in Dubai on October 29, as per an emailed press release.
The award comes in the first year that the CIBSE MENA Awards introduced dedicated categories for vertical transportation, recognizing Otis' engineering expertise and its commitment to developing solutions that meet customer expectations and evolving market needs, Youssef Wazni, Managing Director of Otis UAE, said.
Wazni noted that the UAE's urban expansion and the growth of its real estate, commercial, and infrastructure sectors are driving demand for safer, more efficient, and reliable elevator and escalator systems.
He also added that meeting these requirements requires combining engineering expertise, technological innovation, and service excellence.
Safety remains a central priority for Otis throughout the lifecycle of its elevators and escalators, from design and manufacturing to installation, servicing, and modernization, Wazni explained, adding that maintaining performance and reliability standards also requires continued investment in employees, advanced technologies, and operational practices.
Wazni also highlighted the role of digital transformation and connected technologies in improving operational efficiency, passenger experiences, predictive maintenance, and system reliability.
Otis has operated in the UAE for 50 years and has contributed to several major developments, including Dubai's Burj Khalifa and One Za'abeel, as well as the World Trade Center in Abu Dhabi.
The company's priorities in the UAE include improving customer service, strengthening operational capabilities, and expanding long-term partnerships with stakeholders in the construction and real estate development sectors.
Wazni, who previously oversaw Otis operations in Qatar and Kuwait before leading its Global Distribution Network, also highlighted his experience managing partnerships across more than 70 countries.
He pointed out that the experience would support Otis' efforts to strengthen its UAE operations by drawing on its international expertise while addressing local market requirements. Otis will continue focusing on safety, innovation, and reliability to support the UAE's evolving built environment.
