ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

The flagship award celebrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable success. This award recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate outstanding business performance, inspire others through their work, and make a positive impact within the UAE’s entrepreneurial community.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess measurable business results, innovation and originality, leadership and influence, and contribution to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Celebrating small businesses achieving exceptional growth through clear strategy, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence. This award recognises founders building sustainable success, creating opportunities for their teams, and establishing strong foundations for long-term impact.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess measurable growth, effective team leadership, strategic decision-making, operational excellence, and contribution to the wider business community.

SOLOPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Celebrating women building thriving businesses single-handedly through expertise, creativity, and determination. This award recognises founders who manage every aspect of their business, from strategy to delivery, and achieve strong, measurable results while working independently.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess evidence of consistent performance, quality of client results, innovation or originality in approach, and the ability to grow and sustain the business without a team.

VISIONARY LEADER

Celebrating founders whose foresight, ideas, and leadership are transforming their industries. This award recognises entrepreneurs who inspire others to think differently, challenge convention, and drive meaningful change across the business landscape.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess thought leadership, innovation, and measurable influence in shaping progress within their industry or community.

YOUNG FEMALE FOUNDER (UNDER 30)

Celebrating emerging entrepreneurs aged 29 or under who are building high-impact businesses early in their careers. This award recognises ambition, creativity, and the next generation of leadership shaping the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess evidence of business growth, innovation or originality, leadership potential, and contribution to positive change within the industry or community.

IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Celebrating founders integrating purpose and sustainability into their business models to create measurable, lasting impact. This award recognises entrepreneurs whose work drives meaningful social or environmental change and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess evidence of purpose-driven initiatives, measurable results achieved, and the long-term sustainability of the impact created.

TECH & INNOVATION AWARD

Celebrating entrepreneurs using technology to transform industries, improve efficiency, or create innovative products and services. This award recognises founders leveraging digital tools in scalable and creative ways, driving innovation and shaping the future of business.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess evidence of technological innovation, effective integration of digital tools or platforms, measurable impact on business or customers, and potential for wider industry influence.

ECOMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Celebrating excellence in online retail, recognising businesses redefining digital commerce through customer experience, innovation, and brand strength. This award honours founders building scalable, high-impact ecommerce businesses that set new standards for online success.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess customer experience, innovation in digital sales or fulfilment, measurable growth, and the overall strength and visibility of the brand’s online presence.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Celebrating excellence in professional services, from consulting and legal to finance, marketing, communications, and beyond. This award recognises businesses that demonstrate outstanding expertise, client impact, and innovation in delivering results-driven services.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess quality of client outcomes, innovation in service delivery, measurable business growth, and contribution to professional standards or industry excellence.

HEALTH & WELLNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Celebrating businesses improving physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing through innovative products, services, or education. This award recognises founders helping individuals and communities live healthier, more balanced lives.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess measurable health or wellness impact, client or community outcomes, and business growth achieved through a focus on wellbeing.

FOOD & BEVERAGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Celebrating innovation and excellence in the food and beverage sector. This award recognises founders delivering exceptional products, experiences, or services that stand out for quality, creativity, and sustainable growth.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess product innovation, customer experience, measurable business growth, and positive contribution to the UAE’s food and beverage industry.

FASHION & BEAUTY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Celebrating innovation, creativity, and sustainability in fashion, beauty, and personal care. This award recognises founders building brands that combine design, purpose, and impact, shaping the UAE’s growing style and wellness industries.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess creativity in product or brand development, measurable growth and customer engagement, innovation in design or sustainability, and overall influence within the fashion or beauty sector.