Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, emphasized Dubai’s unique model of development and sustainability, inspired by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He highlighted Dubai’s role as a hub where creativity and enterprise converge to shape a future that meets global aspirations.
Sheikh Ahmed stated, “Dubai’s vision for economic excellence is anchored in our strong belief in the business community’s critical role as our primary partner in achieving success. This belief has transformed Dubai into a breeding ground for major companies striving for excellence. In Dubai, excellence is a well-established norm. It’s a competition where everyone participates and benefits, as our goal is to serve society and our people.”
He made these remarks while honoring the winners of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award at an event organized by Dubai Chambers at Union House, Dubai. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers.
Congratulating the awardees, Sheikh Ahmed encouraged them to continue advancing their businesses, noting, “Leadership demands ongoing diligence and hard work, especially in our rapidly evolving world where innovation is essential. Sustained excellence is our goal for Dubai’s business community.”
He added, “Your success sends a message to the world that Dubai embraces business and creativity, striving to shape a better future. Together, we aim to build a more sustainable tomorrow for everyone.”
The awards recognize excellence in four categories aligned with Dubai Chambers’ strategic objectives: Outstanding Business Award, Family Business Award, Global Expansion Award, and Digital Innovation Award. The winners include Procter and Gamble Arabia (Outstanding Business Award), Seddiqi Holding (Family Business Award), DP WORLD GCC (Global Expansion Award), and the Emirates Group (Digital Innovation Award). These companies were honored for their commitment to excellence and improving business strategies and performance.
Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair commented, “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award is the highest recognition for organizations contributing to Dubai’s sustainable development and serves as a platform for continuous performance improvement.”
He added, “These winners have shown a strong commitment to promoting a culture of excellence, embodying the award’s goal of facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience to showcase leadership across all areas of business.”
Launched originally in 2005 under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s patronage, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award has undergone a comprehensive restructuring to align with Dubai’s vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The reimagined award, now part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, integrates with the Dubai Quality Award and features enhanced evaluation criteria focusing on leadership, strategy, workforce management, ESG, digital transformation, and financial performance.
The Outstanding Business Award is sponsored by Dubai Chambers, the Family Business Award by Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the Global Expansion Award by Dubai International Chamber, and the Digital Innovation Award by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. This initiative aims to foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the local business community and elevate overall standards. All applicants receive detailed evaluation reports, and winners are encouraged to share best practices with other companies.