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The Lovin Dubai People of the Year Awards 2021 Celebrates Impactful Individuals Of The Dubai Community!
As the year draws to an end, Lovin Dubai shines a light on some accomplished people’s greatness!
The People of the Year Award 2021 is a simple shout out and huge congratulations to the Dubai folk who have had a smashing year inspiring people and spreading lots of positivity. Their valuable influence on the Dubai community goes a long way and we believe their hard-work should be recognized – we see you!
So without further ado, here are the 5 categories of the award and their winners!
1. Unsung Hero Of The Year: Ibtihal Makmahi-Tarik (@kindness_exchange)
Caped crusader Ibtihal Makmahi-Tarik is your friendly neighbourhood Superwoman! A resident of Dubai, Ibtihal encourages kindness through her Facebook group, the Kindness Exchange, which distributes aid to families in need.
During the summer, the group ran a weekend superhero mission where residents delivered meals to labourers in Dubai – all dressed in superhero costumes! Ibtihal encourages compassion and comes to the rescue of low-income families when they need it most.
Watch Ibtihal Makmahi-Tarik’s interview here.
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2. Sports Person Of The Year: Yousuf Al Matrooshi (@yousufmatrooshi)
18-year-old Yousuf Al Matrooshi took part in the Tokyo Olympics earlier this year and he was the youngest UAE Flag Bearer! What a moment of absolute PRIDE!
The Emirati swimmer competed in the men’s 100-metre freestyle race. Yousuf is a national record holder and a solid inspiration to all aspiring swimmers and Olympians out there. We couldn’t be more proud!
Watch Yousef Al Matrooshi’s interview here.
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3. Foodie Of The Year: Neha Deepak Shah (@nehadeepakshah)
Chef extraordinaire Neha Deepak Shah was a finalist for Masterchef India season 4! She is the co-founder of restaurants Meraaki Kitchen and Cafe White Sage and is a cooking host on the TV channel Foodxp UK.
On her instagram handle, she makes everyday cooking fun, easy and super yum! We assure you, one look at her account will have you drooling.
Watch Neha Deepak Shah’s interview here.
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4. Influencer Of The Year: Tom Jauncey (@tomjauncey)
Tom Jauncey is a director and the head of content creation for the breathtaking instagram travel page @beautifuldestinations which has a following of over 22 million. The New Yorker moved to Dubai at the beginning of this year and has already won many hearts in the community.
His incredible content includes sleeping overnight in one of the pod’s of the Ain Dubai – the video for which garnered MILLIONS of views in less than a week. He is also widely known for walking down NYC roads dressed up as Spiderman.
Watch Tom Jauncey’s interview here.
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5. Media Personality Of The Year: Lady Mayowa (@theladymayowa)
Lady Mayowa Adegoke is an award-winning TV host, international journalist and one of the leading media personalities and emcees based here in Dubai! She reports stories for the black and African audience and is recognized as one of the 12 Inspirational & Entrepreneurial Women of the UAE 2021.
She deeply values her responsibility of telling African stories for a global audience by amplifying their voices. Lady Mayowa has had 10 years of experience in the field.
Watch Lady Mayowa’s interview here.
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View the announcement of the People of the Year Award 2021 here:
Lovin Dubai’s People of the Year Awards 2021 pic.twitter.com/EdF2sTxR2F
— Lovin Dubai | لوڤن دبي (@lovindubai) December 30, 2021
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