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
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, 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, Emirates Steel Arkan
Advanced national manufacturing and industrial resilience as Make it in the Emirates Inspirational Leader 2025.
Hamama Obaid Khamis
Traditional Healer & Midwife; Abu Dhabi Award Recipient
Served her community in Al Dhaid for over 70 years as a traditional healer and midwife, offering herbal and cauterisation 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, 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, 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, UAE National Media Office; Chairman, 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, 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, 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, Brand & Strategic Initiatives, 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, Meem Foundation; ESAG Vice Chair
Strengthened women-focused initiatives and joined the Giving Pledge, reinforcing her commitment to global philanthropy and impact.
Amal Murad
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
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
First Emirati Female Ship Master
Expanded maritime training programs, mentoring the next generation of Emirati seafarers as the UAE’s first female ship master.
Dr Nouf Hassan Almaeeni
First Doctor of Determination in the UAE
Championed disability-inclusive healthcare, breaking barriers and motivating the next generation as the UAE’s first Doctor of Determination.
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, Dubai Culture
Chaired ICOM Dubai 2025, strengthening women’s leadership and advancing Dubai’s global role in arts and culture.
AlDhabi AlMheiri
Young Innovator & 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, 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, UAE Order for Culture & Creativity
Honoured in 2025 for longstanding cultural contributions, recognised by leadership for his dedication to enriching the nation’s heritage and identity.
Elliott Bathe
Vice Chairperson, Dubai Student Council
Selected as vice chair of Dubai’s first Student Council, representing 400,000 private-school students and helping shape youth perspectives in education policy.
Amal Musa Ali Alrebh
Rhodes Scholar 2026
Selected as one of two Emirati Rhodes Scholars, recognised 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, representing the UAE on one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships.
Siham Al Rasheedy
Para-athlete
Won discus gold in Dubai this year, earning recognition as one of the UAE’s standout para-athletes and a proud voice for representation.
Ghani Souleymane
Endurance athlete
Completed 100 triathlons in 100 days this year, using the challenge to spotlight cancer patients and push conversations around community support.
Amna Al Qubaisi
Racing driver
Featured this year in Netflix’s F1: The Academy, bringing global visibility to Emirati women in motorsport and highlighting her journey on the track.
Hussain Ahmedali Nalwala
Community volunteer
Led his annual Eid initiative this year, coordinating Qurbani and distributing meat to underserved families across Africa and parts of South Asia.
Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al Raisi
Former President, Interpol
Awarded Interpol’s highest Medal of Honour this year, recognising his leadership and contributions to strengthening global policing cooperation.
Fadie Musallet
Founder, The Giving Family
Led this year’s Ramadan campaign planning half-million meal distributions across Dubai, spearheading large-scale community support and outreach.
Mohammad Anwar
Founder, Emirati-led MDK K9 Centre
Trained top-tier police dogs this year through his Emirati-run K9 centre, helping expand the role of UAE-bred K9s in regional security work.
Ali Saeed Alkaabi
Community advocate
Helped thousands of expatriates navigate visa and legal hurdles in the UAE, giving guidance and solutions to stranded workers in need.
Rashid Al Nuaimi
Former UAE Foreign Minister & Expo 2025 Commissioner General
Returned to Osaka this year as Commissioner General, renewing the UAE’s Expo legacy and strengthening the country’s global cultural and innovation engagement.
Photo source: Emarat Al Youm
Salem & Fatima Al Mansoori
Abu Dhabi Award recipients
Honoured with Abu Dhabi Awards after donating their five-year-old daughter Zahia’s organs, saving three patients and spotlighting organ-donation nationwide. (Pictured: Salem Al Mansoori)
Mariam Al Qubaisi
MS Ambassador, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Raised visibility for multiple sclerosis in the UAE, using her advocacy role to support patients and promote wider public understanding of the condition.
Moza Mohamed Al Hafeiti
Abu Dhabi Award recipient
Veteran educator credited with creating an interactive digital prayer rug and launching a digital library to enhance students’ remote learning.
Dr Azam Badar Khan
Orthopedic surgeon & humanitarian
Provided free orthopedic treatment and trained young medics in Afghanistan this year, helping strengthen trauma-care skills in underserved communities.
Uzma Chowdary and Rehna Shajahan
Founders, Mission Employment UAE
Built Mission Employment into a community-driven platform linking jobseekers with HR teams, providing direct access and support to thousands nationwide.
Chef Nouel Catis
Dessert specialist
After Dubai Chocolate went viral, he introduced Abu Dhabi Chocolate this year, blending local flavours with inventive, UAE-born dessert craftsmanship.
Feryal Ahmadi
Chief Operating Officer, DMCC
Oversaw major expansion of DMCC’s ecosystems this year, supporting record membership growth and strengthening Dubai’s position in global trade and fintech.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi
CEO, Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park
Expanded international tech partnerships this year and advanced SRTIP’s role in strengthening the UAE’s wider innovation and research ecosystem.
Fatima Al Kaabi
Young inventor & innovator
UAE-born inventor planning an AI tool rooted in Emirati culture — blending technology with heritage to inspire the next generation.
Najla Al Midfa
Vice Chairperson, Sheraa
Helped establish Sheraa, accelerating entrepreneurship and startup support across the UAE — supporting hundreds of young ventures through mentorship, funding and guidance.
Ahmad Skaik
Professional golfer
Turned pro in 2025 after a stellar amateur career; now seeks to elevate UAE golf on international tours with ambition and grit.
Moza Khalid, Fatima Al Ansari, Mariam Al Shamsi
UAE All-Women Esports Team
Formed the UAE’s first all-women esports team, making a global debut at the World Championship in Riyadh and breaking new ground for Emirati gamers.
Noora Al Mazroui
Entrepreneur; Circular Economy Innovator
Developed a sustainable energy drink from date pits, advancing sustainable food innovation and circular economy practices in the UAE.
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