Celebrating individuals who strengthened the UAE’s global, cultural, scientific, and social leadership in the past year. This editorial list highlights pioneers, innovators, builders, humanitarians, and rising talents – 54 people whose achievements mirror the spirit of the nation as it marks its 54th Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day. Their work – whether in government offices, boardrooms, classrooms, laboratories, oceans, creative studios, or sporting arenas – reflects a country moving forward with purpose and possibility.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, advanced global conversations on education, literacy, and culture, stepping into her role as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture.
Shaikha Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General Elect, was elected as the first Emirati and first woman to lead UN Tourism, marking a historic milestone and elevating the UAE’s leadership on the global tourism stage.
Meera Sultan Al Suwaidi, FNC Member and Mubadala Senior Leader, strengthened the UAE’s voice in global policymaking, newly chairing the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Sustainable Development Committee while driving key sovereign partnerships at Mubadala.
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, advanced national manufacturing and industrial resilience as Make it in the Emirates Inspirational Leader 2025.
Hamama Obaid Khamis, a traditional healer and midwife, served her community in Al Dhaid for over 70 years, offering herbal and cauterization care and becoming a symbol of dedication.
Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, led national efforts to empower SMEs and women-led enterprises, rolling out initiatives that fuel economic growth and expand opportunities across the UAE.
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, advanced the UAE’s media strategy this year, supporting national storytelling and empowering emerging Emirati creators through the Dubai Press Club.
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Marine Conservation Advocate, led key ocean-protection efforts this year, strengthening marine conservation programs and expanding the UAE’s global partnerships in sustainability.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, launched the UAE’s first national AI curriculum, driving major education-tech reforms and expanding international STEM partnerships.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of FIA, advanced global motorsport safety reforms this year, strengthening FIA standards and reinforcing its credibility on the world stage.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, led the UAE’s newly established Ministry of Foreign Trade, advancing major global deals and elevating the country’s trade, FDI, and economic influence.
Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office and Chairman of the BRIDGE Summit, introduced the BRIDGE Summit, elevating Abu Dhabi’s profile as an international center for creative media and innovation.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, advanced Abu Dhabi’s cultural momentum this year with the landmark opening of the Natural History Museum, strengthening the UAE’s global cultural and scientific profile.
Mohammed Saeed Harib, Creator of FREEJ, advanced Emirati animation this year with new productions and international entertainment deals, elevating the UAE’s creative and cultural footprint.
Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder of Emirates Environmental Group, drove Clean UAE 2025 across all seven emirates, uniting thousands of volunteers in one of the country’s biggest environmental efforts.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar, advanced global sustainability this year through the Zayed Sustainability Prize and championed women-led climate initiatives on the world stage.
Muna Easa Al Gurg, Founder of Meem Foundation and ESAG Vice Chair, strengthened women-focused initiatives and joined the Giving Pledge, reinforcing her commitment to global philanthropy and impact.
Amal Murad, the first Emirati female parkour coach, drove women’s movement and fitness initiatives across the UAE, inspiring a new generation through her pioneering role in parkour.
Dr Maya Tariq AlHawary, an Educational Leadership & EI Specialist, advanced emotional-intelligence leadership training, strengthening student and teacher development across schools in the UAE.
Amal Jamal, FIFA/AFC Assistant Referee, officiated major international football tournaments, raising the profile of Emirati women in global refereeing.
Captain Sahar Rasti, the first Emirati female ship master, expanded maritime training programs, mentoring the next generation of Emirati seafarers.
Dr Nouf Hassan Almaeeni, the first Doctor of Determination in the UAE, championed disability-inclusive healthcare, breaking barriers and motivating the next generation.
Alya Abdulsalam, Formula 4 Powerboat Competitor, represented the UAE in international Formula 4 powerboat competitions, advancing visibility for Emirati women in motorsport.
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, chaired ICOM Dubai 2025, strengthening women’s leadership and advancing Dubai’s global role in arts and culture.
AlDhabi AlMheiri, Young Innovator and AI Learning Academy Founder, advanced AI education for young learners, building global visibility as one of the UAE’s youngest tech pioneers.
Melanie Grace Francis, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Prodigy, maintained an undefeated jiu-jitsu streak, representing the UAE internationally and emerging as one of the nation’s top youth talents.
Sagarika Sriram, Environmental Youth Activist, advanced youth-led climate initiatives, spearheading digital campaigns that boosted environmental awareness across the country.
Dr Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, led Miral’s collaboration with Disney to develop the Middle East’s first Disney theme park resort on Yas Island.
Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Recipient of the UAE Order for Culture & Creativity, honored in 2025 for longstanding cultural contributions.
Elliott Bathe, Vice Chairperson of the Dubai Student Council, selected as vice chair of Dubai’s first Student Council, representing 400,000 private-school students.
Amal Musa Ali Alrebh, Rhodes Scholar 2026, selected as one of two Emirati Rhodes Scholars, recognized for academic excellence and commitment to national development in global health and social policy.
Fatima Mohammed Abdulla AlNuaimi, Rhodes Scholar 2026, named a Rhodes Scholar for her standout leadership and academic achievement.
Siham Al Rasheedy, Para-athlete, won discus gold in Dubai this year, earning recognition as one of the UAE’s standout para-athletes.
Ghani Souleymane, Endurance Athlete, completed 100 triathlons in 100 days this year, spotlighting cancer patients and community support.
Amna Al Qubaisi, Racing Driver, featured this year in Netflix’s F1: The Academy, bringing global visibility to Emirati women in motorsport.
Hussain Ahmedali Nalwala, Community Volunteer, led his annual Eid initiative, coordinating Qurbani and distributing meat to underserved families across Africa and South Asia.
Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, Former President of Interpol, awarded Interpol’s highest Medal of Honour this year.
Fadie Musallet, Founder of The Giving Family, led this year’s Ramadan campaign, planning half-million meal distributions across Dubai.
Mohammad Anwar, Founder of the Emirati-led MDK K9 Centre, trained top-tier police dogs, expanding the role of UAE-bred K9s in regional security work.
Ali Saeed Alkaabi, Community Advocate, helped expatriates navigate visa and legal hurdles in the UAE, providing guidance to stranded workers.
Rashid Al Nuaimi, Former UAE Foreign Minister and Expo 2025 Commissioner General, returned to Osaka as Commissioner General, renewing the UAE’s Expo legacy.
Salem & Fatima Al Mansoori, Abu Dhabi Award recipients, honored for donating their daughter Zahia’s organs, saving three patients.
Mariam Al Qubaisi, MS Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, raised visibility for multiple sclerosis in the UAE.
Moza Mohamed Al Hafeiti, Abu Dhabi Award recipient, created an interactive digital prayer rug and digital library for remote learning.
Dr Azam Badar Khan, Orthopedic Surgeon & Humanitarian, provided free orthopedic treatment and trained young medics in Afghanistan.
Uzma Chowdary and Rehna Shajahan, Founders of Mission Employment UAE, built a community-driven platform linking jobseekers with HR teams.
Chef Nouel Catis, Dessert Specialist, introduced Abu Dhabi Chocolate, blending local flavors with innovative dessert craftsmanship.
Feryal Ahmadi, COO of DMCC, oversaw major expansion of DMCC’s ecosystems, supporting record membership growth.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park, expanded international tech partnerships, advancing SRTIP’s role in innovation.
Fatima Al Kaabi, Young Inventor & Innovator, planning an AI tool rooted in Emirati culture, blending technology with heritage.
Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, helped establish Sheraa, supporting entrepreneurship and startup support across the UAE.
Ahmad Skaik, Professional Golfer, turned pro in 2025, seeking to elevate UAE golf on international tours.
Moza Khalid, Fatima Al Ansari, Mariam Al Shamsi, UAE All-Women Esports Team, formed the UAE’s first all-women esports team, debuting at the World Championship in Riyadh.
Noora Al Mazroui, Entrepreneur and Circular Economy Innovator, developed a sustainable energy drink from date pits, advancing sustainable food innovation.
