HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Recognising an entrepreneur who has achieved exceptional success through leadership, innovation, and impact. This award honours a founder whose vision and results have set new standards of excellence, inspired others, and made a measurable difference 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.

Your finalists are:

Angela Soudi - Junior Gladiator Kidpreneurs

Anna Zickerman - UPANDRUNNING 

Theresa Tsui - Skills3 Creative Enterprise for Social Impact

CRIMSON LEGAL SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Recognising female-led 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.

Your Finalists are: 

Leena V Kewlani - Artezaar LLC

Uma Bhattathiripad - Xite Live

Vanessa Gia Bayma - CBC Consultancy and Events

LETSWORK SOLOPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Celebrating women building successful 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.

Your Finalists are: 

Hala Gebran - Halo Printworks

Jennifer Stelco - Stelcart

Qadreya Al Awadhi - Bumblebee (Food)

JACKY'S BUSINESS SOLUTIONS YOUNG FEMALE FOUNDER OF THE YEAR

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.

Your Finalists are: 

Aemen Aisha - Create with Aemen

Rana El Dakkak - RED

Tia Simone Watson - LittleXWolf

IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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 fairer, more sustainable future.

Evaluation Criteria: Judges will assess measurable results of purpose-driven initiatives, long-term sustainability of the impact created, and alignment with ethical and responsible business practices.

Your Finalists are: 

Chanda Lokendra - LiZZOM

Qadreya Al Awadhi - Bumblebee (food) 

Theresa Tsui - Skills3 Creative Enterprise for Social Impact

TLB BUSINESS SERVICES 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.

Your Finalists Are: 

Latika Chawla - Giftbag.ae 

Magdalena Orzechowska - Aroma di Olio

Rita Jivani - Purple Swan FZE LLC

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.

Your Finalists are: 

Anelise Moraes - Pacific Prime Insurance Brokers LLC

Carol Glynn - Conscious Finance

Jenna Jenkins - Luxe Incorporations Corporate Services Providers LLC

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.

Your Finalists are: 

Anna Zickerman - UPANDRUNNING

Carol Glynn - Conscious Finance Coaching

ADDRESS BEACH RESORT 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.

Your Finalists are: 

Aisha Brook - Treat Me Gluten Free

Magdalena Orzechowska - Aroma di Olio

Vanessa Gia Bayma - CBC Consultancy and Events

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.

Your Finalists are: 

Kashesh Bhatia Garg - Kashesh Global

Layla Alhajjaj - Boho Salon