Sheikh Hamdan names six new winners of Dubai-it Award across key sectors

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has announced six new winners of the Dubai-it Award, recognizing achievements across banking, real estate, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and other sectors.

The award celebrates individuals, companies, and projects that reflect Dubai’s approach to turning ambitious ideas into tangible results through speed, quality, and innovation.

“We launched the Dubai-it Award to showcase Dubai’s philosophy of work in action across every field: extraordinary achievement, in record time, with excellence,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Emirates NBD received the award in the Institutions category for the economic sector, recognizing its regional expansion and digital transformation. The bank has doubled the size of its business in recent years, with digital service adoption reaching 91%. It has also developed an integrated digital banking ecosystem offering more than 220 services.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), was recognized in the Project Managers category for strengthening Dubai’s position as a global trading hub.

Under his leadership, DMCC has expanded to accommodate more than 26,000 companies from over 180 countries, employing more than 90,000 people. His contributions have also supported Dubai’s growth as a major centre for the trading of diamonds, gold, coffee, and tea.

In real estate, Mahdi Amjad, founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT, received the award for transforming architectural concepts into landmark developments. His projects include The Opus, designed by Zaha Hadid, and The Lana, which combines architecture by Foster + Partners with Dorchester Collection’s hospitality expertise.

Meanwhile, luxury e-commerce platform Ounass, developed by Khalid Al Tayer, won in the Services category for redefining online luxury shopping through rapid delivery and customer experience. The platform offers more than 1,300 regional and international brands and has achieved an average delivery time of 89 minutes in Dubai.

Charlie Wright, founder of Humantra, received the Entrepreneurs award for building a Dubai-based electrolyte brand with an international presence. The company has expanded into 10 markets, reaching more than two million customers within 15 months and securing over 80% of the UAE electrolyte market.

In hospitality, Chef Izu Ani was recognized for developing restaurant concepts that have expanded beyond Dubai into international destinations, including London, Miami, Marbella, and Monte Carlo.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said the diversity of the winners reflects Dubai’s development model and its emphasis on translating ambition into measurable achievements.

He highlighted the importance of encouraging institutions, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to raise their ambitions and deliver greater impact in shorter periods.

The announcement completes the list of winners for the inaugural Dubai-it Award, which has also recognized achievements by Emirates Airline and Group, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Emaar Properties, Ziina, and Fix Dessert Chocolatier, among others.

Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan, the annual award aims to strengthen a culture of excellence, efficiency, and achievement across Dubai’s public and private sectors.