ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Dubai, UAE: Dubai played host to an international gathering of business leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs and innovators as the Global Business Leaders Summit & Awards 2026 concluded at Ramee Dream Hotel in Business Bay. Organised by Media Waves, the event brought together senior officials, investors, executives, professionals and changemakers from a range of industries and nationalities, creating a platform for business dialogue, networking and international collaboration. The summit featured keynote addresses, business presentations, networking sessions and an awards ceremony recognising individuals and organisations for achievements in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact.
Among the distinguished guests attending the event were H.E. Jeff Goonewardena, Consul General of Sri Lanka and Chairman of Citiwalk Hospital Dubai; Yasir Mohamed Alnaqbi, Board Member of the UAE Handball Federation and Chairman of its Referees Committee; Major Dr Omar Almarzooqi, Ambassador Extraordinary, Government Relations Manager at Aroma International and President of the Asian Dueball Federation; Christophe Moons, Board Member of the Belgian Business Council; Manabu H., Consul and Chief of the Economic Section of Japan; and Mahesh Krishnan, Chief Advisor at Senior Chamber International.
The event was led by Dania Hussain and Thasveer M. Salim, Directors of Media Waves, with a focus on creating stronger links between business communities in the UAE and international markets. International media personality RJ Sophiya Anjam hosted the ceremony, which was held in association with Exaibo and StartVisa. “The Global Business Leaders Summit & Awards is more than an awards ceremony, it is a platform where inspiring individuals, organisations and ideas come together,” said Hussain. She added that the participation of business leaders, partners, speakers and delegates had strengthened Media Waves’ vision of building meaningful global business connections from Dubai.
Salim said the initiative was designed to go beyond recognising professional achievements by helping participants develop relationships that could lead to future partnerships and opportunities. We are proud to bring together distinguished leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators through the Global Business Leaders Summit & Awards 2026,” he said. “This platform is designed not only to recognise remarkable achievements, but also to create meaningful relationships and new opportunities for collaboration.”
A key highlight of the evening was the Global Business Leaders Awards, which recognised entrepreneurs, executives, professionals and emerging leaders across several sectors. Among those honoured was Hasna Cader of Jewel Avenue, who received the Global Coloured Stones & Jewellery Excellence Award, while Kiran Khawaja, CEO of Fajar Realty, was recognised as CEO of the Year in Real Estate Development & Growth.
Dr Niyas Maheen received the SME Sustainability Excellence Award, including special recognition for supporting sustainable manufacturing practices. Sophiya Anjam received the Best RJ Award, while Bathisha, founder of tubblor, was named Best Cinematographer. RJ Anandhu was recognised as Emerging Entertainment Digital Creator of the Year – UAE, while Fahad Mukhtar, Executive Director at Al Huda C.I.B.E. Financials, received the Excellence in Islamic Finance Leadership Award.
Sam Cleetus, Founder and CEO of Sam Music Global, was recognised in the Best Music Academy category. Rahul Vinod Rane, Vice President at New Insurance Brokers, was also among the professionals honoured during the ceremony. The programme also saw the participation of Ajmal, Director of Exaibo, and Riyas, Director of StartVisa GCC, contributing to discussions around entrepreneurship, innovation and international business opportunities.
Among the initiatives presented during the summit were the launch of StartVisa and the UAE Chapter of the Australia New Zealand India Business Chamber. The initiatives reflected the summit’s broader objective of encouraging cross-border partnerships and creating new channels for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking growth in the UAE and international markets.
With Dubai continuing to attract entrepreneurs, investors and companies from around the world, events bringing together different business communities are increasingly playing a role in facilitating connections and opening conversations around investment, innovation and expansion. Media Waves said it plans to build on the 2026 edition and expand the Global Business Leaders Summit & Awards into a broader international platform in future editions.
The UAE-based media, events, branding and public relations organisation works across corporate summits, networking programmes, awards, media campaigns and strategic partnerships, with a focus on connecting businesses and professional communities. The successful conclusion of the summit highlighted Dubai’s continuing role as a meeting point for global enterprise, entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration.
