Creativity is a spark that ignites progress and innovation, which sets pioneers apart. Creative thinking is driving positive change across all sectors in the Middle East. 

Businesses harness it to develop innovative products and marketing strategies, government institutions apply it to shape policies that drive affirmative change, and communities facing complex issues use it to find solutions. 

Artists also channel their creativity to make a cultural impact within their communities. These solutions, born from ingenuity and imagination, are crafting a brighter future for the region’s economy, systems, and cultural identity.

In its third edition, Fast Company Middle East’s Most Creative People in Business is honoring 43 creatives and innovators across various sectors, from entrepreneurs, artists, designers, government officials, sustainability champions, and more. 

These individuals have tackled industry challenges with groundbreaking ideas, driving meaningful change far beyond their specific sectors and offering a glimpse into a brighter future. We are proud to recognize this diverse group of honorees, united by their creative passion, and hope they inspire you.

Here’s the diverse list of honorees Fast Company Middle East recognized for their unwavering creative spirit.

FOR ADVANCING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Fatima AlKaabi, Executive Director of the bone marrow transplant program, Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center

Dr. Fatima AlKaabi is helping make advances in managing debilitating diseases in the UAE with cell therapy and regenerative medicine techniques and delivering research on stem cell and cellular therapies in one of the UAE institutions carrying out world-leading research. Her focus is transforming patient lives by using advanced technologies for clinical application and advanced research. As the executive director of the bone marrow transplant program at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center and vice chairwoman of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Dr. Al Kaabi, whose aim is to make multiple sclerosis treatment accessible for all, is exploring new boundaries – using neural stem cells and bone marrow stem cell transplants – to treat MS patients in the UAE, which has a higher prevalence of the disease than the global average. 

Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO, Hevolution Foundation

Dr. Mehmood Khan, a scientist and physician, has led research and development efforts to create breakthrough innovations and has led the Hevolution Foundation. This non-profit organization provides grants and investments in the field of healthspan science and has pursued age-related therapeutic breakthroughs since 2021. He has been driving efforts to extend a healthy human lifespan, better understand aging processes, and invest in innovative ways to extend the years people live in good health. Dr. Khan’s distinguished career has included several senior corporate roles and led programs in diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism, and nutrition. He has also received many distinctions and fellowships, including those from the Royal College of Physicians in London and the American College of Endocrinology. He is also the author of Global Healthspan Report – A New Agenda for Global Health.

Omar Al Jundi, Founder & CEO, Badia Farms

Omar Al Jundi revolutionized farming in the Middle East, a region over-dependent on imported produce, when he built the region’s first vertical farm in Dubai about six years ago. Founder and CEO of Badia Farms, Al Jundi has pioneered using energy-efficient farming methods to solve regional food insecurity and transform the agriculture industry. One of the most important factors about Badia Farms is that the farming method is sustainable, saving up to 90% water compared to traditional farming. The farm uses hydroponics technology and recycled water to sustainably grow fresh produce year-round and provide fresh fruits and vegetables to restaurants and caterers. Al Jundi has been tackling an issue that makes a difference to society while preserving natural resources such as water and providing fresh produce all year round; he has taken the lead in solving the problem of agriculture in the region through modern farming.

Shaista Asif, Co-founder & Group CEO, PureHealth

A trailblazing leader in the healthcare sector with a mission to understand every individual’s uniqueness by studying their genetic makeup and delivering care to them through personalized medicine, Shaista Asif has been driving the UAE-based healthcare conglomerate PureHealth, developing the company’s business globally and building partnerships to advance the science of longevity and to bring the next level of care into the UAE. With a large portfolio of healthcare providers, PureHealth plans to take people’s average lifespan in the UAE from 78 to 101 by 2071. Under Asif’s leadership, PureHealth is using technology to make healthcare more accessible and support individuals with all their healthcare needs, including pre-birth genetic testing, maternity and childcare, oncology, urgent care, long-term care, mental health, and stem cell therapies.

FOR BRINGING GOOD THINGS TO MORE PEOPLE 

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO, Emirates Literature Foundation

As the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Ahlam Balooki plays a leading role in fostering a love of literature across the Middle East, promoting cultural expression, and providing a platform for forward-thinking dialogue through competitions and a creative writing fellowship. She is also the director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and the Managing Director of ELF Publishing.  Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has become a staple of the UAE’s cultural calendar, with international and regional authors attending its talks and workshops. Before joining the Emirates Literature Foundation, Ahlam Bolooki was the Head of Regional Campaigns at Dubai Tourism, where she was responsible for supporting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to strengthen Dubai’s position as a world-leading tourism destination.

Ambareen Musa, CEO, Yabi 

A leading player in the Middle East’s ecosystem of successful women entrepreneurs, Ambareen Musa is the CEO and founder of Yabi (formerly Souqalmal.com). Her career spans roles in marketing, financial literacy, customer advocacy, and e-commerce at GE’s financial arm, GE Money. With more than 15 years behind her in banking and finance, Musa also plays a major role in building the region’s financial education. She also helps startup founders navigate the challenges of early-stage business building. In 2021, she launched a financial education program for Middle Eastern corporates, with e-learning modules covering budgeting and saving to managing payments. Under Musa’s leadership, Yabi has grown significantly, making her a prominent female tech leader in the Middle East. 

H.E. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

H.E. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has over two decades of experience in telecommunications, oil & gas, media, and real estate and has spearheaded transformative initiatives. Prior roles at ADNOC and du showcased her prowess in brand strategy and communications. An Emirati talent and social responsibility champion, Badri holds numerous board positions and global recognitions, driving innovation and excellence in the UAE and beyond.

Lina Sadek, Founder & CEO, StuDIYo Lab 

Lina Sadek is transforming the educational landscape through StuDIYo Lab, an inclusive maker space for children aged five and up. The woodworking and design technology studio is open to individuals of all ages, genders, and learning styles, positioning itself at the forefront of a hands-on education revolution. Lina’s commitment to inclusivity empowers diverse learners by providing a welcoming and accessible environment where they can explore creativity and develop STEAM skills. By nurturing a supportive and innovative space, Lina ensures that everyone can engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences, regardless of background.

Mohammad Abdullah, President, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)

The Middle East’s design scene is still evolving. Critical to its future is the role played by design institutes. Mohammad Abdullah of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) is at the helm of the region’s design renaissance, which provides students with an avenue to hone design thinking and creative problem-solving skills. He’s been instrumental in curating DIDI’s curriculum in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design, bolstering the region’s potential to emerge as a goldmine for designers and innovators of the future. 

Mona Ataya, Founder & CEO, Mumzworld

Mona Ataya is a prominent figure in the Middle East’s entrepreneurial landscape and the founder of Mumzworld. Since its establishment in 2011, she has built a trusted e-commerce platform for mothers and children, reaching millions across the region. Under her leadership, Mumzworld secured significant funding, propelling it to become the top-funded women-led e-commerce company in the region. Beyond her business accomplishments, Ataya’s influence extends to contributing to the ecosystem. She serves as a board member of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and advocates for women in digital trade with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

Omar Saleh, Co-founder & CEO, Khazna

Omar Saleh is a leader in financial inclusion and is dedicated to empowering Egypt’s underbanked population and micro-businesses by providing a convenient and transparent financial platform. In 2020, he launched Khazna, a mobile financial app whose user-centric design and innovative technology have garnered over 300 partnerships and 500,000 users. Prior to Khazna, Omar’s experience spanned strategic roles at WorldRemit and ADES International. He spearheaded WorldRemit’s expansion into the Middle East and North Africa, and at ADES, he led post-IPO growth, securing nearly $400 million in investments.

Sunny Varkey, Founder & Chairman, GEMS Education 

Sunny Varkey is an education entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder and executive chairman of the GEMS Education Group, which has a network of over 80 schools in over a dozen countries. Believing in the power of education to reduce poverty, prejudice, and conflict worldwide, Varkey has introduced new solutions to education challenges and forged partnerships with the World Economic Forum, Microsoft, UNESCO, and The Clinton Global Initiative. He founded the Varkey Foundation, the philanthropic arm of GEMS Education, to impact 100 impoverished children for every child enrolled at GEMS schools. He was also named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education Partnerships.

FOR CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO 

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO, Emirates Global Aluminium

As CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban plays a major role in shaping the UAE to consolidate its stance as one of the world’s largest aluminum exporters, contributing to jobs and prosperity by developing new local industries. Kalban is at the forefront of driving sustainable economic growth and the industry’s role in averting climate change, from marketing recycled aluminum to using clean energy. A strong supporter of gender diversity, Kalban is committed to changing the male-dominated aluminum industry by increasing the proportion of women in all roles at EGA — from board-level to blue-collar. Kalban is a board member of the International Aluminium Institute, the Gulf Aluminium Council, and the Emirates Research and Development Council. In 2023, Kalban was appointed UAE International Investors Council board member.

Hana Al Nabulsi, Sportswoman

Driven to compete for UAE glory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Emirati triathlete Hana Al Nabulsi has captured hearts with her dedication. Her journey is documented in the 2023 short film The Iron Woman of Dubai. Al Nabulsi’s achievements are impressive. In 2021, she became the youngest Emirati to conquer Mexico’s grueling 113 km Ironman, clocking in at an awe-inspiring 7 hours and 9 minutes. Her dominance continued at the 2022 Dubai Women’s Triathlon, where she secured a first-place finish in the Olympic distance race with a time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 24 seconds.

Joe Kawkabani, CEO, OSN 

Joe Kawkabani, CEO of OSN Group, has driven the company’s transformation and growth strategy since assuming the role in 2022. With over two decades of experience in strategic leadership and investments across various industries, Kawkabani orchestrated a significant deal merging OSN’s streaming platform, OSN+, with Anghami Inc. in 2023. Before his tenure at OSN Group, Kawkabani served as Group Chief Investment Officer at Kuwait Projects Company, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s investment strategy and driving overall value creation.

Dr. Maha Al-Mozaini, Senior Advisor & Medical Scientist, The Research, Development and Innovation Authority

Dr. Maha Al-Mozaini has extensive clinical infectious disease research expertise from her postgraduate studies at Imperial College School of Medicine, UK, and Harvard Medical School, US. With over 27 years of commitment to research, she has implemented strategies to enhance health and scientific programs nationwide. Recently, she joined the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority to lead health-related projects aligned with Vision 2030. Her interests span research, development, innovation, health, science investments, and biotech, reflecting her dedication to advancing healthcare and scientific endeavors in Saudi Arabia.

Marilena di Coste, Disability Advocate & Social Entrepreneur

Marilena di Coste has over 20 years of experience in disability advocacy. Under her leadership, Butterfly Foundation, the first UAE advocacy agency for people of determination, introduced the Inclusive Employment Ecosystem, transforming business employment networks for workplace inclusion and accessibility and significantly changing the public’s perception of those with disabilities. She is also a key enabler of the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi Disability Strategy. Her impact spans the region as she drives social justice, and her advocacy programs redefine disability rights discourse, contributing to building connected local communities.

Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency

Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany is a trailblazing champion in the energy sector, renowned for her remarkable efforts in addressing energy challenges and advocating for renewable energy and gender equality within the energy industry. She is a global figure at the forefront of climate diplomacy, fostering collaboration and empowerment to create a greener and sustainable future. Her career spans across various sectors, including government, business, and academia, and she has held positions on several boards and intergovernmental bodies, including Sustainable Energy for All. Dr. Al-Hosany is highly regarded for her expert counsel and has launched the UAE-led Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) initiative. She is also a prolific writer and one of the first two Emirati women to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, leaving a mark as a true inspiration for all.

Sophie Doireau, CEO, Cartier, Middle East, India, Africa, and Turkey 

Given her decade-long work and understanding of women entrepreneurs’ challenges, Sophie Doireau has been at the helm of opening up opportunities for women worldwide through the Cartier Women’s Initiative, which has supported 330 women entrepreneurs in 66 countries, and the initiative has awarded over $9,500,000 in grant funding to support fellows’ businesses. Doireau shares a passion for Maison’s mission to maximize the impact of luxury space through jewelry.

Zain Masri, Founder & CEO, Tirazain 

Zain Masri, a tech leader, is passionate about creating opportunities for women in the Arab world and helping them equip themselves with digital skills. She has led the launch of Maharat min Google, a digital skills program that helped 1,500,000 individuals gain digital skills, and YouTube Batala, a hub featuring hundreds of female content creators. She also launched Tirazain, a digital archive of embroidery from the Arab world, to document embroidery patterns, identify their origin, and make them accessible. 

FOR DELIGHTING US 

Abdulla Lutfi, Artist

Abdulla Lutfi is an accomplished Dubai-based artist known for his distinct black-and-white drawings of the UAE’s skylines and landscapes. His detailed renderings have several stories recounted organically on the same canvas. His unique drawing style, an insightful documentation of everyday life, is displayed at DXB Terminal 3. He has organized speed drawing workshops and demonstrations at schools and corporate events and shared his journey as a person on the autism spectrum through quirky drawings. Lufti has sold out solo exhibitions and illustrated a children’s coloring book.

Ali Al Sayed, Comedian

Ali Al Sayed is a stand-up comedian and a central pillar of the UAE’s comedy scene. He co-founded Dubomedy, which helped pave the way for young Arab comedians by establishing the region’s first and only comedy and urban arts school. He introduced stand-up comedy from an Arab perspective. He is also the founder of Viva Arts, a local entertainment company. Al Sayed also has a weekly segment on Abu Dhabi TV and is an OSN consultant, producer, and presenter. 

Kelvin Cheung, Chef and Partner, Jun’s

Kelvin Cheung’s unique culinary style is a delightful fusion of his Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and classical French training. In 2021, the acclaimed chef embarked on a new adventure in Dubai with Three Layer Hospitality, taking on the role of Chef & Partner at Jun’s, a modern dining establishment celebrated for its playful, inventive, borderless cuisine. Chef Kelvin stands out as a trailblazer and advocate of Third Culture Food in the region. His commitment to sustainability was also showcased at a recent initiative at Soneva Maldives Resort, where he helped raise awareness about regenerative efforts in the industry, reflecting his dedication to sustainable practices.

Nour Al Ghandour, Actress & UNHCR High-Profile Supporter

Nour Al Ghandour, an Egyptian actress, has been a dedicated UNHCR High-Profile supporter. She actively engages in fundraising initiatives and visits refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, and Kenya. Her efforts include hosting live fundraisers, promoting social cohesion, and supporting emergency appeals such as the Sudan emergency and the Libya earthquake. She has continued mobilizing her audience to support refugees worldwide through her impactful humanitarian work.

Paolo Petrocelli, Head of Dubai Opera

Paolo Petrocelli is a leading cultural figure. As Head of Dubai Opera, he oversees performing arts development in the Middle East and beyond. His efforts extend beyond promoting artistic excellence; he actively fosters inclusivity, accessibility, and education in the arts, nurturing a sense of cultural appreciation and belonging. Petrocelli’s visionary leadership has positioned Dubai Opera as a hub for cultural exchange, enriching the UAE community. 

Reim El Houni, CEO, Ti22 Films

Reim El Houni is a well-known TV media consultant and video strategist whose passion for the media industry has led her to develop many brands, including multiple award-winning production company Ti22 Films, and Dubai ON demand, which has evolved into a video-based personal branding membership community for business owners and thought leaders. She is the executive producer of the lifestyle show on Dubai One, DXB Today. El Houni has served on the jury for the New York Festival Television & Film Awards for eight years and is a long-standing member of the Young Arab Leaders. 

Salam Daqqaq, Chef-owner, Bait Maryam  

From a teaching career to becoming a celebrated chef and founder of the Dubai-based restaurant Bait Maryam, Chef Salam Daqqaq’s journey epitomizes creativity and passion. Named after her mother, the eatery honors familial traditions through its meticulously crafted Levantine cuisine, which draws inspiration from authentic recipes spanning generations. With a keen eye for distinctive spices and a dedication to using high-quality produce, she infuses every creation with her personal touch, elevating the dining experience for visitors. Beyond her culinary prowess, Daqqaq’s innovative spirit and entrepreneurial acumen position her as one of the most creative figures in business, transforming her passion into a successful enterprise that celebrates heritage and culinary excellence.

Sandeep Walia, COO – Middle East, Marriott International

Sandeep Walia, the Chief Operating Officer for Marriott International in the Middle East, who has about 25 years of industry experience and joined Marriott International in 2005, has been a leading figure in the hospitality industry.  With a career marked by a passion for operational excellence, Walia’s people-first, sustainability-oriented approach has helped to manage Marriott’s vast portfolio across the region, from Egypt to Turkey. He has been responsible for the Middle East operations since 2021, including 230 operational hotels and resorts. Having worked across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, he has a global perspective on consumer landscapes and evolving needs.

Sawsan Al Bahiti, Opera Singer

Sawsan Al Bahiti is the first classically trained female Saudi opera singer and the first opera singer in Saudi Arabia. She founded The Soulful Voice Institute, the country’s first vocal training center, to spread classical music and opera culture in Saudi Arabia. She is also a qualified voice coach at the New York Vocal Coaching Center. In 2020, Al Bahiti made her singing debut in Riyadh, accompanying the Teatro alla Scala Academy Orchestra, where she performed the Saudi national anthem. She sings in Italian, French, German, and English.

FOR REWRITING THE RULES

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia

From helming Saudi Arabia’s first Ministry of Tourism to driving the kingdom’s cultural and economic renaissance, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb is a true visionary. With over 25 years of experience in finance and a proven track record of transforming institutions, Al-Khateeb is a key figure shaping Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030.

Beyond his role as Chairman of the Saudi Fund for Development, his diverse portfolio includes leading the Quality of Life Program, fostering entertainment as a national priority, and overseeing the development of groundbreaking projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Development Company.

His dedication extends to preserving Saudi Arabia’s heritage, as evidenced by his leadership roles in developing Diriyah Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amal Dokhan, General Partner, 500 Global 

Amal Dokhan, General Partner at 500 Global, has over 15 years of industry expertise, managing the firm’s $2.4 billion global assets as of June 2023. She is engaged in diverse board and advisory roles. She contributes to the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, Cranfield University in Saudi Arabia, and the King Abdulaziz University female advisory board. Dokhan, a 2022 Kauffman fellow, has been a mentor at esteemed events like Gitex Dubai, STEP Dubai, Rise Up Saudi, and LEAP Riyadh. At King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), she led initiatives such as the TAQADAM accelerator program and Corporate Innovation efforts. Dokhan’s advocacy for angel investing led to launching programs in Saudi Arabia and organizing the nation’s First Angel Investing Forum during her tenure at the KAUST Seed Fund.

Ammar Al Assam, CEO, Dewan Architects + Engineers

Ammar Al Assam’s strategic acumen has steered Dewan Architects + Engineers towards unprecedented growth and success, established regional offices in key markets like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, fortified its presence across the Gulf, the Levant, and North Africa, and facilitated the acquisition of a majority stake in Design Lab, a prestigious Singapore-based hospitality design firm. He places sustainability as a key component to designing buildings. He has pushed for innovation in design and technology, leveraging advanced solutions to enhance operational efficiency and drive excellence in project delivery. Additionally, his talent development programs, like Dewan Young Leaders, underscore his commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and social responsibility within the firm. 

Dr. Boutheina Khaldi, AUS Professor, Literary Critic and Novelist 

Dr. Boutheina Khaldi stands out as one of the most creative minds in academia. Her approach to literary studies embodies innovation and originality. Her ability to bridge diverse cultural and linguistic spheres and pioneering research methodologies showcase her creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Beyond her academic endeavors, Dr. Khaldi’s multidimensional contributions to literature and academia exemplify the essence of creativity, making her a trailblazer in her field and the broader landscape of intellectual inquiry and cultural exchange.

Ibrahim S. Koshy, Aviation Industry Expert 

Ibrahim S. Koshy is a senior executive in the aviation industry and has been an air transport pilot for 30 years. He served as CEO of Saudia Air Transport Company and has undertaken digital transformation, incorporating AI tools, such as the new virtual assistant, to help travelers complete their transactions and innovative communication tools for employees. He was previously COO, responsible for the safe operations of Saudia’s fleet. Formerly Director General of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Investigation Bureau, he has held board positions in aviation service and safety organizations.

Karen Wazen, Entrepreneur & UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador 

Karen Wazen, a prominent entrepreneur in the Middle East, supports UNHCR’s campaigns and initiatives, engaging with refugees directly and leveraging her online presence to raise awareness and funds for various humanitarian causes. Her advocacy extends beyond online platforms to offline events, including the Abu Dhabi Dream Ball and UNHCR’s International Women’s Day event. In 2022 and 2023, she focused on promoting social cohesion in Lebanon and engaging in psychosocial support sessions with children. Wazen’s approach to advocacy and humanitarian work highlights her significant impact in supporting refugees and displaced populations in the region. 

Loulou Khazen Baz, Entrepreneur

Loulou Khazen Baz is the founder and CEO of Nabbesh.com, the Middle East’s first online work marketplace connecting businesses with freelancers from the world’s emerging markets, focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region. The organization was founded to fill the gap between talent demand and encourage businesses to hire experts within the region. After Nabbesh.com was acquired by Ureed, an online marketplace, in 2020, Baz started her active investor network in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan called Spade Ventures. She also kickstarted a podcast discussing entrepreneurship and technology trends called Conversations with Loulou.

Maha AlQattan, Group CSO, DP World

Maha AlQattan is a prominent regional sustainability expert and plays a pivotal role in DP World Group’s sustainability efforts. She is in charge of integrating sustainability into the company’s daily operations, leading the way to a greener future and positively impacting communities where the company operates globally. Maha leads various sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and mobilizing green finance to reduce the company’s carbon footprint through collaborations and innovative technologies. She believes sustainability is key to unlocking more possibilities through smarter thinking and creative innovations. 

H.H. Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, Founder, Nuun Jewels

HRH Princess Nourah bint Mohammed AlFaisal, an entrepreneur, and a designer, shaping Saudi Arabia’s creative industry. She showcases a profound passion for design through NUUN Jewelry, while her entrepreneurial ventures, Adhlal for Design, resonate with Vision 2030 goals. Beyond her design prowess, Princess Nourah is a dedicated philanthropist, championing youth empowerment through community initiatives and public speaking engagements.

Neha Anand, Founder & Managing Director, Three Layer Hospitality 

With a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for discovering new culinary experiences, Neha Anand has cultivated a reputation for pushing boundaries and redefining traditional norms in the F&B industry. Anand’s ability to identify promising brands and nurture them into successful ventures speaks volumes about her visionary leadership. She thrives on fostering a culture of creativity within her team, encouraging experimentation, and embracing diversity in ideas. By strategically investing in chef-driven concepts, she demonstrated her forward-thinking approach and commitment to supporting rising talent in the culinary world. Her track record of turning around businesses and driving profitability underscores her astute business acumen and unwavering dedication to excellence. 

Rami Al Ali, Fashion Designer

Rami Al Ali is the eponymous designer of his label, known for sophisticated designs, creativity, and craftsmanship prized by celebrities. He has dressed celebrities such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, and Julianne Moore. His journey has been marked by continuous growth. His couture collections are regularly featured on leading fashion weeks in London, Paris, and New York.

He also mentors young designers and founded Ard Dyar, an initiative dedicated to empowering upcoming Syrian talents by connecting them with accomplished leaders.

FOR SAVING THE PLANET

Chandra Dake, Executive Chairman & Group CEO, Dake Group

Entrepreneur and public speaker Chandra Dake leads efforts to position the UAE as a global hub for innovation and sustainability. As Executive Chairperson and CEO of Dake Group, he drives major sustainability initiatives, focusing on transformative technologies for arid environments. His leadership in desert farming techniques promotes agricultural sustainability, enhancing the UAE’s food security. Chandra enhances urban resilience by advocating for “Sponge City” concepts in urban planning. Through public engagements and strategic partnerships, he attracts global talent and investments, advancing the UAE’s pioneering vision in sustainability.

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO & Vice Chairman, Beeah Group

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of Beeah Group has led the company’s transformative journey from waste management to a diversified conglomerate shaping a sustainable future. Since August 2009, his leadership has spurred growth, expanding the workforce to over 13,000 and diversifying into clean energy and healthcare sectors. Beeah’s sustainability achievements under his leadership include Sharjah’s 90% landfill waste diversion. Strategic alliances with global corporations like Masdar and Tesla have amplified Beeah’s impact. Beyond Beeah, Khaled chairs Emirates Waste to Energy Company and re.life. Through initiatives, Al Huraimel drives a future where Beeah leads in sustainability. 

Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Scientist and Activist

Rumaitha Al Busaidi is a marine scientist and environmental advocate focusing on sustainable diversification and energy transition strategies. She has served as an advisor to the Omani government and worked on various international projects. Al Busaidi advised the US administration on developing a climate resilience standard for US foreign aid and the Arab League on empowering Arab youth in climate change negotiation spaces. She is a member of the first-ever Arab Youth Council on Climate Change and co-authored the youth recovery plan, which features policy recommendations from over 2 million young people worldwide. Al Busaidi also advocates for gender equity and founded WomeX, a platform that teaches negotiation skills to Arab women, which helps emerging female entrepreneurs in the Arab region. Lastly, she holds the record for being the youngest Omani to step foot on the South Pole.