This article honors individuals who have elevated the UAE’s position in global, cultural, scientific, and social arenas over the past year. Celebrating the nation’s 54th UAE National Day, the list features 54 trailblazers, including pioneers, innovators, builders, humanitarians, and emerging talents, whose accomplishments embody the nation’s spirit. Their contributions, whether in government, business, education, science, arts, or sports, reflect a forward-moving nation brimming with potential.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
Promoted global dialogue on education, literacy, and culture, in her role as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture.
Shaikha Al Nowais
UN Tourism Secretary-General Elect
Became the first Emirati and woman to lead UN Tourism, marking a historic moment and elevating the UAE’s presence in global tourism.
Meera Sultan Al Suwaidi
FNC Member, Mubadala Senior Leader
Amplified the UAE’s influence in global policymaking, leading the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Sustainable Development Committee and fostering key partnerships at Mubadala.
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi
Group CEO, Emirates Steel Arkan
Promoted national manufacturing and industrial resilience, recognized as ‘Make it in the Emirates Inspirational Leader 2025’.
Hamama Obaid Khamis
Traditional Healer & Midwife; Abu Dhabi Award Recipient
For over 70 years, served her community in Al Dhaid as a traditional healer and midwife, offering herbal care and becoming a symbol of dedication.
Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship
Led initiatives empowering SMEs and women-led enterprises, driving economic growth and widening opportunities across the UAE.
Maryam Al Mulla
Director, Dubai Press Club
Enhanced the UAE’s media strategy, fostering national storytelling and supporting emerging Emirati creators at the Dubai Press Club.
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi
Marine Conservation Advocate
Directed significant ocean-protection initiatives, expanding marine conservation and the UAE’s global sustainability partnerships.
Sarah Al Amiri
Minister of Education
Introduced the UAE’s inaugural national AI curriculum, spearheading education-tech reforms and fostering international STEM collaborations.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem
President, FIA
Implemented global motorsport safety reforms, enhancing FIA standards and reinforcing its global credibility.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
Minister of Foreign Trade
Advanced the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, securing major international deals and boosting the nation’s trade and economic standing.
Abdulla Al Hamed
Chairman, UAE National Media Office; Chairman, BRIDGE Summit
Launched the BRIDGE Summit, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global hub for creative media and innovation.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak
Chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi
Boosted Abu Dhabi’s cultural profile with the opening of the Natural History Museum, enhancing the UAE’s global cultural and scientific influence.
Mohammed Saeed Harib
Creator of FREEJ
Elevated Emirati animation with new productions and international deals, boosting the UAE’s creative presence globally.
Habiba Al Mar’ashi
Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group
Unified thousands in Clean UAE 2025, one of the largest environmental initiatives across all emirates.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz
Executive Director, Brand & Strategic Initiatives, Masdar
Promoted global sustainability through the Zayed Sustainability Prize and women’s climate initiatives.
Muna Easa Al Gurg
Founder, Meem Foundation; ESAG Vice Chair
Bolstered women-focused initiatives and joined the Giving Pledge, affirming her commitment to global philanthropy.
Amal Murad
First Emirati Female Parkour Coach
Pioneered women’s movement and fitness across the UAE, inspiring the next generation through parkour.
Dr Maya Tariq AlHawary
Educational Leadership & EI Specialist
Promoted emotional-intelligence leadership training, enhancing student and teacher development across UAE schools.
Amal Jamal
FIFA/AFC Assistant Referee
Officiated international football tournaments, increasing the visibility of Emirati women in refereeing.
Captain Sahar Rasti
First Emirati Female Ship Master
Enhanced maritime training, mentoring future Emirati seafarers as the UAE’s first female ship master.
Dr Nouf Hassan Almaeeni
First Doctor of Determination in the UAE
Advocated for disability-inclusive healthcare, inspiring future generations as the UAE’s first Doctor of Determination.
Alya Abdulsalam
Formula 4 Powerboat Competitor
Shone in international Formula 4 powerboat competitions, boosting the profile of Emirati women in motorsport.
Hala Badri
Director General, Dubai Culture
Led ICOM Dubai 2025, highlighting women’s leadership and boosting Dubai’s global role in arts and culture.
AlDhabi AlMheiri
Young Innovator & AI Learning Academy Founder
Advanced AI education for youth, gaining global attention 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 as a top youth talent.
Sagarika Sriram
Environmental Youth Activist
Led youth-driven climate initiatives, launching digital campaigns to raise environmental awareness nationwide.
Dr Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi
Group CEO, Miral
Partnered with Disney to create the Middle East’s first Disney theme park resort on Yas Island.
Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi
Recipient, UAE Order for Culture & Creativity
Honored in 2025 for his cultural contributions, recognized for enriching the nation’s heritage and identity.
Elliott Bathe
Vice Chairperson, Dubai Student Council
Chosen as vice chair of Dubai’s first Student Council, representing 400,000 private-school students and shaping youth perspectives in education policy.
Amal Musa Ali Alrebh
Rhodes Scholar 2026
Selected as an Emirati Rhodes Scholar for academic excellence and dedication to global health and social policy.
Fatima Mohammed Abdulla AlNuaimi
Rhodes Scholar 2026
Awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for her leadership and academic success, representing the UAE in one of the world’s top scholarships.
Siham Al Rasheedy
Para-athlete
Won discus gold in Dubai, recognized as a prominent UAE para-athlete and a voice for representation.
Ghani Souleymane
Endurance athlete
Completed 100 triathlons in 100 days, raising awareness for cancer patients and community support initiatives.
Amna Al Qubaisi
Racing driver
Featured in Netflix’s F1: The Academy, showcasing Emirati women in motorsport and her journey on the track.
Hussain Ahmedali Nalwala
Community volunteer
Led an annual Eid initiative, coordinating Qurbani and distributing meat to underserved families in Africa and South Asia.
Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al Raisi
Former President, Interpol
Received Interpol’s top Medal of Honour for leadership and contributions to global policing cooperation.
Fadie Musallet
Founder, The Giving Family
Led Ramadan campaign, organizing half-million meal distributions in Dubai, promoting community support.
Mohammad Anwar
Founder, Emirati-led MDK K9 Centre
Trained elite police dogs, expanding the role of UAE-bred K9s in regional security through his K9 centre.
Ali Saeed Alkaabi
Community advocate
Assisted expatriates with visa and legal issues in the UAE, providing guidance to stranded workers.
Rashid Al Nuaimi
Former UAE Foreign Minister & Expo 2025 Commissioner General
Returned to Osaka as Commissioner General, renewing the UAE’s Expo legacy and strengthening its cultural engagement.
Photo source: Emarat Al Youm
Salem & Fatima Al Mansoori
Abu Dhabi Award recipients
Donated their daughter Zahia’s organs, saving three lives, earning Abu Dhabi Awards, and raising awareness for organ donation.
Mariam Al Qubaisi
MS Ambassador, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Increased awareness for multiple sclerosis in the UAE, using her advocacy to support patients and educate the public.
Moza Mohamed Al Hafeiti
Abu Dhabi Award recipient
Developed an interactive prayer rug and digital library, enhancing remote learning for students.
Dr Azam Badar Khan
Orthopedic surgeon & humanitarian
Provided free orthopedic care in Afghanistan, training medics to improve trauma care in underserved areas.
Uzma Chowdary and Rehna Shajahan
Founders, Mission Employment UAE
Developed a platform connecting jobseekers with HR, supporting thousands with direct access and assistance.
Chef Nouel Catis
Dessert specialist
Following the success of Dubai Chocolate, introduced Abu Dhabi Chocolate, blending local flavors with innovative dessert crafting.
Feryal Ahmadi
Chief Operating Officer, DMCC
Oversaw DMCC’s ecosystem expansion, supporting record membership growth, enhancing Dubai’s global trade position.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi
CEO, Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park
Strengthened international tech partnerships, advancing SRTIP’s role in the UAE’s innovation and research ecosystem.
Fatima Al Kaabi
Young inventor & innovator
Develops an AI tool inspired by Emirati culture, merging technology with heritage to inspire future generations.
Najla Al Midfa
Vice Chairperson, Sheraa
Co-founded Sheraa, boosting entrepreneurship and startup growth in the UAE through mentorship and funding.
Ahmad Skaik
Professional golfer
Turned professional in 2025, aiming to elevate UAE golf on international tours with determination.
Moza Khalid, Fatima Al Ansari, Mariam Al Shamsi
UAE All-Women Esports Team
Debuted globally at the World Championship in Riyadh, breaking new ground for Emirati women in esports.
Noora Al Mazroui
Entrepreneur; Circular Economy Innovator
Created a sustainable energy drink from date pits, advancing sustainable food innovation and circular economy in the UAE.
