The Lovin Dubai Community Awards 2025

The Lovin’ Dubai Community Awards 2025

Celebrate the extraordinary achievements of individuals who have made a genuine and lasting impact on Dubai this year. This isn’t about likes or followers, it’s about honoring the unsung heroes whose endless spirit spreads joy and quietly shapes the very soul of the city.
Voting is open till September 11, make sure to cast yours in time!
The winners will be officially announced at our first awards night! More updates coming soon!

Please fill out the form below to submit your selection

Lovin' Spirit7 nominees

Celebrating individuals whose endless spirit spreads joy and quietly shapes the soul of Dubai

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Ambreen Suhaib, Autism awareness advocate

A dedicated mother of twins with autism, Ambreen has become a powerful voice for autism acceptance and awareness in the UAE. Over the past year, she has used her platform as a speaker and writer to support parents facing similar challenges, openly sharing her diagnosis journey and the daily realities of life with autism. @ambreensuhaib5 aka The Warrior MommyFollow on Instagram

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Jamal Al Shafar, Man of the people

An avid walker and true man of the people, Jamal can often be found at Kite Beach every morning interviewing people as he walks and sharing their stories. Through his personal blog, he passionately promotes inclusion for people of determination and champions a beautiful, inclusive way of life in the community.Follow on Instagram

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Hollie Murphy, Founder of Heroes of Hope Sports Academy

Hollie left a 15-year teaching career to found Heroes of Hope Sports Academy. As CEO and Head Coach, she dedicates herself fully to creating a community where everyone belongs, often sacrificing family time and personal moments to make it happen. Over the past year, her passion and determination have built a safe, supportive space for people of determination to stay active through daily sports sessions and larger competitions.Follow on Instagram

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Nora & Ahmad Hiskol, Desert rescue duo

This off-roading duo spends every weekend rescuing stranded drivers in Dubai’s deserts—completely free of charge. From late-night calls to unmarked dunes, their selflessness knows no bounds. Last New Year’s Eve, they skipped the fireworks to save 35 families, driven by nothing but passion and a commitment to keep others safe.Follow on Instagram

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Marissa Postre, From housemaid to eco-gown designer

From a humble housemaid to a devoted single mother, Marissa has spent 44 years working tirelessly to give her daughter the education she never had. Now in Dubai, she’s not only a caregiver but also an award-winning eco-gown designer, turning waste into beauty—proving that resilience, love, and creativity can transform lives.Follow on Instagram

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Ebai Brilliant, Sharjah dancing traffic marshal

Known as Sharjah’s dancing traffic marshal, Ebai Brilliant turns morning traffic outside Wesgreen International School into a daily performance—grooving, and signalling with style. Inspired to bring joy to parents and kids, the 26-year-old from Cameroon uses his moves to brighten mornings, keep traffic flowing, and adding joy to the school run!Follow on Instagram

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Reema Mahajan, Founder of Indian Women in Dubai

Founder of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), Reema has built one of the largest networking platforms for Indian expat women in the UAE. Through events, podcasts, and community initiatives, she has created a safe space for connection, support, and growth, empowering thousands to build friendships, share opportunities, and thrive in Dubai.Follow on Instagram

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Lovin' Community Champion6 nominees

Individuals who go above and beyond to serve and uplift their communities

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Hamada Abu Zeid, Found and returned AED1 million in lost valuables

When Hamada discovered AED 1 million worth of gold and cash left behind in his taxi, he didn’t think twice. The long-time driver immediately reported the valuables to the police, ensuring they were returned safely to their rightful owner. His honesty earned him praise from Dubai Police, but for Hamada, it was simply the right thing to do.

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Muhammed Sajjad KP, UAE Weatherman

This self-taught weather tracker has turned his passion for chasing rain into a community movement. Every week, he organizes group trips across the UAE to find cooler weather, dramatic skies, and rare desert rain. From convoys of cars to nights under the stars, his adventures bring strangers together to share fleeting, magical moments in nature.Follow on Instagram

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Jennifer Sault, Founder of Thrift for Good, promotes sustainable fashion

Jennifer leads the UAE’s biggest charity thrift store network, turning second-hand fashion into a force for good. Through Thrift for Good, she champions sustainable shopping while funding global causes, from education to wildlife protection. Her stores have diverted thousands of items from landfills, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.Follow on Instagram

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Mohamed Alaydaroos, From bullied in school to teaching people confidence

Once mocked and sidelined in school, Mohamed turned his pain into purpose. Today, he helps individuals reclaim their self-worth and stand tall—sharing his story, tools, and techniques to nurture confidence across the UAE through inspiring TikTok content and movement-building.Follow on Instagram

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Shobhika Kalra, Advocates for wheelchair ramps in Dubai

This determined woman has turned her personal challenge into a mission for change. Diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia and wheelchair-bound, she’s spearheaded the installation of hundreds wheelchair ramps across the UAE. Through Wings of Angelz, Shobhika partners with volunteers, the RTA, businesses, and authorities to identify and transform inaccessible spaces, from metro station pavements to shops and restaurants, into accessible, inclusive places.Follow on Instagram

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Saygin Yalchin, Has apartments for stray cats around the city

This entrepreneur rents Dubai apartments for stray cats, giving 50 felines the ultimate VIP treatment. His purr-fect setup includes 24/7 AC to beat the heat, automatic food and water stations, and pet cams to monitor each furry resident. From comfy corners to cool floors, Saygin’s air-conditioned apartments offer the city’s strays shelter, safety, and a life fit for royalty.Follow on Instagram

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Lovin' Charitable Act of The Year6 nominees

Recognizing selfless acts of kindness that made a significant impact on the community

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Draw A Smile - Ahmad Ali, Distributing thousands of meals during Ramadan

Since he was 15, Ahmad has been driven by one simple mission: to feed those in need. Every Ramadan, he leads his team to distribute thousands of meals, but one memory stands out—the night at the Rafah border, where amid the dust and chaos, he served iftar to families desperate for hope. For Ahmad, it’s more than charity; it’s a lifeline, a reminder that even in the toughest places, kindness can light the darkest nights.Follow on Instagram

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The Giving Family, Ramadan give back community get-togethers & Umrah campaign

The number one community that people turn to, to give back during Ramadan is The Giving Family. Every Ramadan, The Giving Family unites volunteers from all walks of life to distribute hundreds of thousands of iftar meals to low-income workers across the city. Their efforts have earned recognition from Dubai Police and the Ministry of Human Resources. Beyond Ramadan, they sponsor Umrah trips for workers, ensuring that spiritual journeys are accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford them. Through these initiatives, The Giving Family fosters a culture of compassion and inclusivity.Follow on Instagram

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K9 Friends, Volunteer rescue group, a shelter that rescues abandoned dogs

Since 1989, this dedicated team has been rescuing and rehoming abandoned and stray dogs across the UAE. Operating as a non-profit organization, K9 Friends provides shelter, veterinary care, and a loving environment for dogs until they find their forever homes. They also help reunite lost dogs with their owners and educate the public on responsible dog ownership. With the support of volunteers and the community, K9 Friends continues to make a difference in the lives of countless dogs.Follow on Instagram

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Ayesha Khan, Founder of food_atm_ajman

Ayesha Khan, an engineer by profession, left her government job in Dubai to pursue a mission close to her heart: providing affordable meals to those in need. In 2019, she founded Food ATM Ajman, a non-profit initiative dedicated to serving nutritious meals to blue-collar workers across the UAE. What began with 6,000 meals a day has now grown to an impressive 50,000 meals daily, offered at prices ranging from just 50 fils to 3 dirhams. Ayesha's commitment to combating hunger and promoting dignity through food has garnered recognition, including a Guinness World Record for delivering over 50,000 meals in eight hours.Follow on Instagram

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Ashraf Thamarassery, Life dedicated to helping families repatriate bodies home

Since 2000, Ashraf has dedicated his life to repatriating the remains of expatriates who pass away in the UAE. Operating from Ajman, he has facilitated the return of over 5,000 bodies to 38 countries, offering families the dignity of a final farewell. His selfless service extends beyond paperwork; he often covers costs personally, ensuring that no one is left without support in their time of grief. Ashraf's compassion earned him the title "Guardian of the Dead" and recognition through awards like the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and a UAE Golden Visa for humanitarian workFollow on Instagram

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Dr Shamsheer, Donated AED2 million to families of students who died in plane crash

In the wake of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12, 2025, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a UAE-based healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist, pledged approximately AED 2.5 million to support the families of medical students and doctors affected by the disaster. The crash, which struck the BJ Medical College campus in Ahmedabad, resulted in the loss of four MBBS students and several family members of medical professionals. Moved by the tragedy, Dr. Vayalil, who had lived in similar hostels during his medical education, expressed deep empathy for the victims. He announced the aid, which includes AED1.5 million for each of the four deceased students' families and AED200,000 for each seriously injured student and the families of doctors who lost loved ones.Follow on Instagram

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Lovin' Rising Star7 nominees

Honoring the brightest young talents making waves in their respective fields

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AlDhabi AlMheiri, the youngest Emirati entrepreneur and Guinness World Record holder

She launched the first academy dedicated to teaching artificial intelligence to children, aiming to bridge the gender gap. Far ahead of her time, AlMheiri's brainchild targets children aged seven to 13, offering a curriculum that integrates self-learning with modern AI concepts.Follow on Instagram

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Tia from Team Angel Wolf, Champion inclusion for people of determination

Tia Watson aka Little Ex Wolf is a motivational speaker and social entrepreneur. She helps Team Angel Wolf promote inclusive living for people with disabilities through sports and community events.Follow on Instagram

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Kashvi Majmundar, Netflix show star

Kashvi Majmundar, an 8-year-old performer, uses her platform to advocate for mental health. She is a Netflix show star and has partnered with top brands like Etihad Airways.Follow on Instagram

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World Youngest Cuber Security Analyst - Elia Tannous, Young security analyst

Elia Tannous, the youngest speaker at GITEX-Dubai and the youngest participant at GISEC Global, has been recognized for his exceptional skills in cybersecurity and his involvement in mentorship programs.Follow on Instagram

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Zahra Ahmed Ajetunmobi, SDG Advocate, TEDx Speaker

Zahra is a passionate advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She has spoken at prestigious events like the United Nations Climate Change Conference and uses her platform to raise awareness on climate justice and youth leadership.Follow on Instagram

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Ayshka Najib, Climate justice activist

Ayshka Najib is a climate justice activist and organizer working to integrate climate change education into the UAE's education system. She has represented youth at events like COP27 and MENA Climate Week.Follow on Instagram

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Shaurya Yashesh Thakkar, Exceptional 8-year-old student

Shaurya Yashesh Thakkar, an 8-year-old math prodigy, has been recognized for his outstanding academic achievements and was awarded the Grand Honors SET recognition from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

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Lovin' Pillar of Culture5 nominees

Recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to preserving and promoting cultural heritage

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AlRamsa Institute founded by Hanan AlFardan, Promoting Emirati culture through education

AlRamsa Institute, founded by Hanan AlFardan, is dedicated to teaching the Emirati dialect and promoting Emirati culture through immersive courses and educational resources for non-native speakers.Follow on Instagram

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Afra Atiq, Award-winning Emirati poet and cultural ambassador

Dr. Afra Atiq is a renowned Emirati poet and public speaker whose work explores heritage, culture, identity, and legacy. She has mentored young writers and conducted workshops for students and writers across the region.Follow on Instagram

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Nayla Al Khaja, Film Producer/Director

Nayla Al Khaja is the first female film director in the UAE, known for her feature films and advocacy for women in cinema. She is also the founder of The Scene Club, Dubai\’s first licensed film club.Follow on Instagram

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Rafia Ghubash, founder of womens Museum

In 2012, Ghubash founded Women's Museum - the first and only one of its kind in the entire Arab region. The museum is a national archive and documentation centre, dedicated to the women of the UAE. As a contemporary cultural centre, it explores the activities of Emirati women in the arts, academia, business, culture, politics and society in general. The Museum aims to acquaint visitors in UAE with the various aspects of the daily lives of women in UAE. Professor Ghubash has played an important role in the empowerment of women in UAE society.Follow on Instagram

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Chef Sumaya Obaid, Emirati chef, cultural ambassador

Sumaya Obaid is one of the most acclaimed Emirati chefs, sharing recipes of her own traditional cooking while also creating fusions between Arab flavours and international cuisine. With a journey that started on YouTube, Obaid has now travelled worldover - from Maldives to Armenia - to showcase her talent at prestigious hotels. She has empowered and supported many women entrepreneurs around the world through her work as an ambassador for high-profile culinary brands. Her cooking and recipes have been aired on morning shows in the UAE. Via her social media, Obaid posts several content related to recipes, grocery shopping, live cooking sessions, masterclasses and more.Follow on Instagram

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Lovin' Business Visionary8 nominees

Recognizing entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries and making an impact in the UAE

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Steve Flawith, Founder & CEO of Pickl

Steve Flawith is the founder of Pickl, a rapidly growing homegrown burger brand known for its fresh, fast food. Under his leadership, Pickl has earned industry recognition and expanded both locally and internationally.Follow on Instagram

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Yousuf Bhai, Master perfumer and founder

Dr. Yusuf Madappan, known as Yusuf Bhai, is a master perfumer and founder of a luxury perfume brand. His fragrances blend traditional artistry with modern mastery, resonating deeply with his customers.Follow on Instagram

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Sara Hamouda, Founder of Fix Chocolate

Sara Hamouda is the founder of Fix Chocolate, a rapidly growing brand known for its unique flavors and ethical ingredients, gaining loyal customers across the UAE and beyond.Follow on Instagram

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Avinash Babur, Founder & CEO of Insurance Market

Avinash Babur is the founder and CEO of Insurance Market, which has revolutionized the UAE’s insurance market with its transparent approach and widespread brand visibility.Follow on Instagram

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Huda Al-Lawati, Founder & CEO of Aliph Capital

Huda Al-Lawati is the founder of Aliph Capital, the first female-founded private equity firm in the Middle East, and an influential venture capitalist backing innovative startups across the region.Follow on Instagram

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Mark Chahwan, Nadine Mezher, and Jad Sayegh, Co-founders of Sarwa

Mark, Nadine, and Jad have built Sarwa into one of the UAE’s leading robo-advisors, providing personalized investment advice and reshaping how the Middle East approaches personal finance.Follow on Instagram

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Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures

Noor Sweid is the founder of Global Ventures, the first female-led venture capital firm in the Middle East, supporting startups using technology to solve global challenges.Follow on Instagram

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Mona Kattan - Kayali

This past year, Mona has leveled up Kayali, turning it into a global fragrance sensation. Her unique scents, inspired by her Middle Eastern roots, have won over fans everywhere. Mona’\s vibe is all about mixing luxury with everyday wearability, making Kayali the go-to brand for perfume lovers who want something fresh, bold, and relatable.@monakattanFollow on Instagram

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Lovin' Feed Favourite10 nominees

Celebrating the influencers and content creators who have captured the hearts of their audiences

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Glory Joseph, Female Delivery Rider

One of the few women working as a delivery driver in Dubai, Glory has become an icon for breaking stereotypes. Her positivity and inspiring social media presence motivate others to chase their goals.Follow on Instagram

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Anas Bukhash, Entrepreneur and Host of #ABtalks

Anas Bukhash has built a platform that is redefining storytelling in the region through his #ABtalks series, offering raw, honest conversations with celebrities, athletes, and changemakers.Follow on Instagram

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Kindy Man, Content Creator

With over 1 million followers, Kindy Man shares powerful stories about bullying, spreading the message of self-love, kindness, and resilience to his audience.Follow on Instagram

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Ebraheem Al Samadi, TV Personality

Best known for his role on Dubai Bling, Ebraheem has made an impact on and off the screen, using his platform to raise awareness about important social issues while staying true to himself.Follow on Instagram

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Rashed Belhasa Money Kicks, Dubai-born Influencer & Entrepreneur

Rashed Belhasa, aka Money Kicks, is known for his luxury lifestyle, celebrity friends, and massive sneaker collection. He uses his platform to host charity events and give back to the community.Follow on Instagram

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Kris Fade, Radio Host & Media Personality

Kris Fade has spent the past year connecting with millions through his popular radio show and engaging social media presence. Known for his humor, relatable vibes, and honest conversations, he’s built a loyal audience who tune in for his take on life, love, and everything in between. Beyond entertainment, Kris uses his platform to inspire and support his community with positivity and real talk.Follow on Instagram

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Mais Vault, Content Creator

Mais Vault has captured hearts with her relatable videos featuring everyday moments with her mom, sharing the highs of their close bond. Over the past year, she’s been open about her cancer journey, inspiring her followers with honesty, strength, and hope. Through her authentic storytelling, Mais creates a space where others feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep pushing forward.Follow on Instagram

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Twinkle Stanly, Internet Personality

Twinkle Stanly has made a name for herself with her relatable storytelling and sharp take on social issues across the UAE. Her honest, engaging content has connected deeply with followers, making her a trusted voice on trending topics and everyday life. Twinkle’s mix of humor and insight continues to inspire and entertain a growing audience.Follow on Instagram

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Youmna Khoury, Lifestyle Influencer & Entrepreneur

Youmna has been in the spotlight recently after her beautiful engagement party and fancy wedding in Italy went viral. She’s known for her stylish looks and fun content that fans love to follow. Besides sharing her special moments, Youmna talks about fashion, beauty, and business in a way that feels real and inspiring. Her recent events have made her one of the most talked-about influencers in the region.Follow on Instagram

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Ayman Yaman, Entrepeneur and Content Creator

Best known for his viral “What do you do for a living?” videos, Ayman has spent the past year creating content that’s both entertaining and inspiring. By turning everyday encounters into engaging stories, he’s built a massive online following while highlighting unique success stories from people around the world.Follow on Instagram

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Lovin' Made In Dubai6 nominees

celebrates homegrown brands that were born in our city and are now making waves across the globe. These are the innovators carrying Dubai’s spirit, creativity, and ambition to the world—proving that what starts here can inspire everywhere.

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Humantra

Humantra is redefinig wellness in the UAE with premium, locally-produced supplements that blend science and nature. Known for their high-quality ingrediants and focus on everyday health optimization, Humantra has built a loyal following among those seeking cleaner, more effective ways to support their active lifestyles. From hydration solutions to performance boosters, their products are designed to help people feel their best-naturally.

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Rikas Group

Rikas Group has carved out a reputation as one of Dubai's most creative hospitality collectives, bringing bold cullinary concepts and unforgettable dining experiences to the city. With a portfolio spanning some of the region's most talked-about restaurants, Rikas Group is known for blending elevated cuisine with stylish, contemporary spaces. Their vision is simple: make every meal a moment worth remembering.

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Nightjar Coffee Roasters

Nightjar Coffee Roasters is Dubai's go-to for specialty coffee lovers, roasting small batches with big personality. With a focus on direct trade and ethical sourcing, Nightjar works closely with farmers around the globe to bring exceptional, fresh coffee to the UAE. Whether you're sipping in their industrial-chic cafe or brewing at home, Nightjar turns every cuo into a caffinated work of art.

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Salt

Salt started as a humble food truck on Dubai's beaches and has since grown into one of the UAE's most beloved burger brands. Known for their playful, Instagram-worthy vibe and delicious menu staples like the classic waygu sliders, Salt has built a community around good food, good times, and a laid-back beach culture. Their success proves that sometimes, the best things really do start small.

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Fix Chocolate

Fix Chocolate is on a mission to change the way people think about indulgence, one handcrafted chocolate at a time. Using premium ingrediants and a keen eye for flavor balance, Fix offers everything from rich bars to decadent spreads, all made to satisfy without compramise. Each Creation is a perfect fusion of artistry and taste, giving chocolate lovers their ultimate fix.

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Huda Beauty

Founded by global beauty icon Huda Kattan, Huda beauty has become one of the most influencial makeup brands in the world. Known for its high-preformance products and bold, trend-setting launches, the brand has transformed how millions approach beauty. From cult-favorite eyehsadow palettes to skin-perfecting foundations, Huda beauty continues to empower people to epress themselves through makeup.

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Lovin' Talk Of The Town Restaurant7 nominees

Celebrating the most talked-about dining spots in town

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Lovin' Dubai GOAT7 nominees

Celebrating the greatest of all time in sports and adventure

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Ramy Naouss, Cancer survivor and endurance athlete

Ramy Naouss, a cancer survivor, has broken world records in endurance sports. Recently, he ran a marathon blindfolded and barefoot, inspiring others to overcome hardship with resilience and determination.Follow on Instagram

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Ghani Soulemayne, Endurance athlete and humanitarian

Ghani Soulemayne is attempting to complete 100 Ironmans in 100 days to raise funds for children in need. His journey is about pushing human limits while supporting global causes.Follow on Instagram

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Menathon Dubai, Redefining men’s mental health through movement

Menathon is Dubai’s first male-only fitness support group, creating a space for men to focus on physical and mental well-being, building strength, and showing up for each other.Follow on Instagram

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TriDubai, A triathlon community for all levels

TriDubai is a welcoming community for triathletes of all levels. With free training sessions and a focus on inclusivity, TriDubai brings athletes together to support and motivate each other.Follow on Instagram

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Hamda Al Qubaisi, Pioneering Emirati racing driver

Hamda Al Qubaisi is one of the UAE’s first female professional racecar drivers. Through her racing, she inspires young women and promotes confidence, strength, and a love for speed.Follow on Instagram

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Elizaveta Ignatova, Rising UAE figure skating star

Elizaveta Ignatova, a talented figure skater, is part of the UAE National Team. She recently took second place at the National Champion competition and continues to make strides in skating and the arts.Follow on Instagram

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Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, young Emirati mountaineer

At just 17, Fatima became the youngest Emirati to summit Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak. It’s part of her journey to complete the “Seven Summits” challenge, which began with Kilimanjaro in 2023. She raised the UAE flag at the top and dedicated her climb to the country’s leadership. Fatima hopes to inspire Arab youth, especially young women, and is planning environmental and humanitarian projects to make a difference.Follow on Instagram

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Stay tuned to find out your winners — chosen by you! Event details will be shared.