Recognizing individuals who have enhanced the UAE’s global, cultural, scientific, and social prominence over the past year. This editorial list showcases leaders, innovators, builders, philanthropists, and budding talents—54 people whose accomplishments embody the nation’s spirit as it commemorates its 54th Eid Al Etihad, known as UAE National Day. Their contributions—whether in government, corporate boardrooms, educational settings, laboratories, maritime environments, creative studios, or sports arenas—illustrate a nation advancing with determination and potential.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
Fostered international dialogues on education, literacy, and culture, embracing her role as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture.
Shaikha Al Nowais
UN Tourism Secretary-General Elect
Made history as the first Emirati and first woman to lead UN Tourism, enhancing the UAE’s presence on the global tourism map.
Meera Sultan Al Suwaidi
FNC Member, Mubadala Senior Leader
Amplified the UAE’s influence in international policy, now leading the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Sustainable Development Committee and advancing major partnerships at Mubadala.
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi
Group CEO, EMSTEEL
Drove national manufacturing growth and industrial resilience as the Make it in the Emirates Inspirational Leader 2025.
Hamama Obaid Khamis
Traditional Healer & Midwife; Abu Dhabi Award Recipient
Dedicated over 70 years to serving Al Dhaid as a traditional healer and midwife, offering herbal and cauterization care, symbolizing devotion.
Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship
Guided national initiatives empowering SMEs and women-led businesses, launching programs that stimulate economic growth throughout the UAE.
Maryam Al Mulla
Director, Dubai Press Club
Enhanced the UAE’s media strategy this year, supporting national narratives, and empowering emerging Emirati creators through the Dubai Press Club.
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi
Marine Conservation Advocate
Led significant ocean protection efforts, enhancing marine conservation programs and expanding the UAE’s global sustainability partnerships.
Sarah Al Amiri
Minister of Education
Introduced the UAE’s first national AI curriculum, spearheading major education-tech reforms and expanding international STEM collaborations.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem
President, FIA
Advanced global motorsport safety standards, reinforcing FIA’s credibility and leadership on the international stage.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
Minister of Foreign Trade
Led the UAE’s new Ministry of Foreign Trade, advancing significant global agreements and increasing the nation’s trade and economic impact.
Abdulla Al Hamed
Chairman, UAE National Media Office; Chairman, BRIDGE Summit
Initiated the BRIDGE Summit, boosting Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for creative media and innovation.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak
Chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi
Propelled Abu Dhabi’s cultural momentum with the opening of the Natural History Museum, strengthening the UAE’s global cultural and scientific standing.
Mohammed Saeed Harib
Creator of FREEJ
Boosted Emirati animation with new projects and international deals, elevating the UAE’s creative and cultural influence.
Habiba Al Mar’ashi
Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group
Launched Clean UAE 2025 across all emirates, mobilizing thousands of volunteers in one of the nation’s largest environmental initiatives.
Dr Lamya Fawwaz
Executive Director, Brand & Strategic Initiatives, Masdar
Promoted global sustainability through the Zayed Sustainability Prize and led women-focused climate initiatives internationally.
Muna Easa Al Gurg
Founder, Meem Foundation; ESAG Vice Chair
Enhanced women-centric initiatives and joined the Giving Pledge, affirming her commitment to global philanthropy and impact.
Amal Murad
First Emirati Female Parkour Coach
Promoted women’s fitness and movement initiatives in the UAE, inspiring a new generation through her pioneering parkour role.
Dr Maya Tariq AlHawary
Educational Leadership & EI Specialist
Advanced emotional intelligence leadership training, enhancing student and teacher growth across UAE schools.
Amal Jamal
FIFA/AFC Assistant Referee
Officiated major international football events, elevating the status of Emirati women in global refereeing.
Captain Sahar Rasti
First Emirati Female Ship Master
Expanded maritime training programs, mentoring future Emirati seafarers as the UAE’s first female ship master.
Dr Nouf Hassan Almaeeni
First Doctor of Determination in the UAE
Promoted disability-inclusive healthcare, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations as the UAE’s first Doctor of Determination.
Alya Abdulsalam
Formula 4 Powerboat Competitor
Represented the UAE in international Formula 4 powerboat competitions, boosting visibility for Emirati women in motorsport.
Hala Badri
Director General, Dubai Culture
Chaired ICOM Dubai 2025, enhancing women’s leadership and advancing Dubai’s global role in the arts and culture.
AlDhabi AlMheiri
Young Innovator & AI Learning Academy Founder
Promoted AI education for young learners, gaining global recognition as one of the UAE’s youngest tech pioneers.
Melanie Grace Francis
UAE Jiu-Jitsu Prodigy
Maintained an unbeaten jiu-jitsu streak, representing the UAE internationally as one of the nation’s top youth talents.
Sagarika Sriram
Environmental Youth Activist
Led youth-driven climate initiatives, spearheading digital campaigns that elevated environmental awareness nationwide.
Dr Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi
Group CEO, Miral
Collaborated 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
Recognized in 2025 for significant cultural contributions, honoured for his dedication to enriching the nation’s heritage and identity.
Elliott Bathe
Vice Chairperson, Dubai Student Council
Elected as vice chair of Dubai’s inaugural Student Council, representing 400,000 private-school students and shaping youth perspectives in education policy.
Amal Musa Ali Alrebh
Rhodes Scholar 2026
Chosen 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 outstanding leadership and academic achievement, representing the UAE on one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships.
Siham Al Rasheedy
Para-athlete
Won discus gold in Dubai this year, acclaimed as one of the UAE’s prominent para-athletes and a strong voice for representation.
Ghani Souleymane
Endurance athlete
Completed 100 triathlons in 100 days, using the challenge to highlight cancer patients and foster community support discussions.
Amna Al Qubaisi
Racing driver
Featured in Netflix’s F1: The Academy, increasing global visibility for Emirati women in motorsport and showcasing her racing journey.
Hussain Ahmedali Nalwala
Community volunteer
Led his annual Eid initiative, organizing Qurbani and distributing meat to underserved families in Africa and parts of South Asia.
Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al Raisi
Former President, Interpol
Awarded Interpol’s highest Medal of Honour, celebrating his leadership and contributions to enhancing global policing cooperation.
Fadie Musallet
Founder, The Giving Family
Directed this year’s Ramadan campaign, planning half a million meal distributions across Dubai, leading community support and outreach.
Mohammad Anwar
Founder, Emirati-led MDK K9 Centre
Trained elite police dogs through his Emirati-run K9 centre, advancing the role of UAE-bred K9s in regional security.
Ali Saeed Alkaabi
Community advocate
Assisted thousands of expatriates in navigating visa and legal challenges in the UAE, providing solutions to stranded workers.
Rashid Al Nuaimi
Former UAE Foreign Minister & Expo 2025 Commissioner General
Returned to Osaka as Commissioner General, reviving the UAE’s Expo legacy and boosting the country’s global cultural and innovation initiatives.
Salem & Fatima Al Mansoori
Abu Dhabi Award recipients
Honored with Abu Dhabi Awards after donating their daughter Zahia’s organs, saving three patients and raising awareness about organ donation.
Mariam Al Qubaisi
MS Ambassador, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Enhanced awareness for multiple sclerosis in the UAE, supporting patients and promoting broader public understanding.
Moza Mohamed Al Hafeiti
Abu Dhabi Award recipient
Innovative educator credited with creating a digital prayer rug and launching a digital library to enrich students’ remote learning.
Dr Azam Badar Khan
Orthopedic surgeon & humanitarian
Provided free orthopedic care and trained medics in Afghanistan, bolstering trauma-care skills in underserved areas.
Uzma Chowdary and Rehna Shajahan
Founders, Mission Employment UAE
Developed Mission Employment, linking jobseekers with HR teams, providing access and support to thousands nationwide.
Chef Nouel Catis
Dessert specialist
Following the success of Dubai Chocolate, he introduced Abu Dhabi Chocolate, combining local flavors with innovative dessert craftsmanship.
Feryal Ahmadi
Chief Operating Officer, DMCC
Managed significant expansions in DMCC’s ecosystems, supporting record membership growth and reinforcing Dubai’s global trade and fintech position.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi
CEO, Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park
Expanded international tech collaborations and advanced SRTIP’s role in enhancing the UAE’s broader innovation and research ecosystem.
Fatima Al Kaabi
Young inventor & innovator
Developing an AI tool rooted in Emirati culture, merging technology and heritage to inspire future generations.
Najla Al Midfa
Vice Chairperson, Sheraa
Helped establish Sheraa, accelerating entrepreneurship and startup support, assisting hundreds of young ventures through mentorship and funding.
Ahmad Skaik
Professional golfer
Turned professional in 2025 after an impressive amateur career; now aims to elevate UAE golf on international tours with ambition and resolve.
Moza Khalid, Fatima Al Ansari, Mariam Al Shamsi
UAE All-Women Esports Team
Formed the UAE’s first all-women esports team, debuting globally at the World Championship in Riyadh, pioneering new avenues for Emirati gamers.
Noora Al Mazroui
Entrepreneur; Circular Economy Innovator
Created a sustainable energy drink from date pits, advancing sustainable food innovation and circular economy practices in the UAE.
