Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced six more winners of the inaugural Dubai-it Awards. The latest recipients include Emirates NBD, DMCC Executive Chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem, OMNIYAT founder Mahdi Amjad, luxury retailer Ounass, Humantra founder Charlie Wright and chef Izu Ani. The awards recognise achievements across banking, trade, real estate, retail, entrepreneurship and hospitality, highlighting businesses and individuals contributing to Dubai’s growth.
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Organisation: Dubai-it Awards
- Status: Six additional winners announced on November 4, 2026
- Who is recognised: Businesses, entrepreneurs and industry leaders
- Business impact: Recognition across six major economic sectors
- What’s next: The Dubai-it Awards will continue as an annual initiative
Dubai has announced six more winners of the inaugural Dubai-it Awards, with Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recognising achievements across business, real estate, retail and hospitality. The announcement, made on November 4, 2026, includes major names such as Emirates NBD, DMCC’s Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Ounass.
The Dubai-it Awards recognise individuals, companies, institutions and projects that deliver strong results through speed, quality and effective execution. The latest announcement also highlights the range of industries supporting Dubai’s economic development and international business reputation.
Who Are the Six New Dubai-it Award Winners?
According to the Dubai Government’s announcement, the six recipients were recognised across different categories based on their contributions to their respective industries.
Here is a closer look at the winners:
1. Emirates NBD – Institutions in the Field of Economy
Emirates NBD received recognition for its regional growth, expansion and continued improvements to its banking products and services. As one of the UAE’s major banking groups, the institution plays an important role in supporting businesses, individuals and financial activity across the region.
2. Ahmed Bin Sulayem – Project Managers
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), received the award for his contribution to developing Dubai’s diamond trade and establishing trading hubs across several sectors.
DMCC has helped strengthen Dubai’s position as an international commodities trading destination, particularly through its work in diamonds, precious metals and other commodities.
3. Mahdi Amjad – Real Estate Projects
Mahdi Amjad, founder of OMNIYAT Group, was recognised for developing landmark properties in Dubai and bringing designs by internationally renowned architects to the city.
OMNIYAT is known for its luxury residential and hospitality developments, which contribute to Dubai’s high-end property market.
4. Ounass – Services
Luxury online retailer Ounass received recognition for building a Dubai-based shopping platform. Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted Khalid Al Tayer’s role in developing the business.
The platform has established a presence in the region’s luxury e-commerce market, serving customers looking for designer fashion, beauty and lifestyle products.
5. Charlie Wright – Entrepreneurs
Charlie Wright, founder of Humantra, was recognised for building an electrolyte brand in Dubai and expanding its reach internationally.
The recognition highlights the role of entrepreneurs in developing consumer brands from the UAE and taking them into wider markets.
6. Chef Izu Ani – Hospitality
Chef Izu Ani received the hospitality award for developing 30 hospitality projects and expanding his brand internationally.
His work across Dubai’s restaurant industry has contributed to the city’s diverse dining scene, which attracts residents and international visitors.
What Is the Dubai-it Award and Why Was It Introduced?
The Dubai-it Award is an annual initiative introduced under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan. It recognises individuals, projects, companies and institutions that turn ambitious ideas into measurable achievements.
The initiative follows the Dubai-it philosophy, which focuses on delivering results through speed, quality, efficiency and effective execution.
The inaugural edition covers 10 key fields, including government, real estate, economy, business, technology, sports, society, education, services and health.
According to the official award information, the first edition considered achievements delivered from 2023 onwards. The nomination period ran from August 10 to September 10, 2026, with more than 1,000 applications received.
The awards are structured around three main segments: Individuals, Projects, and Institutions and Companies. This allows the initiative to recognise both individual leadership and wider organisational achievements.
Who Were the Other Recipients of the Inaugural Dubai-it Awards?
The six latest winners join several individuals and organisations recognised earlier in the inaugural edition.
Previous announcements included Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his contribution to Dubai’s aviation sector and Emaar Properties in the real estate category.
Other recognised names and projects include the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai’s Red Carpet project, fintech company Ziina, SWS Board Technology and Fix Dessert Chocolatier.
These earlier recognitions demonstrate the award’s broad coverage, from government services and transport to business innovation, property development and consumer brands.
Rather than focusing on one industry, the Dubai-it Awards aim to highlight achievements across the sectors that contribute to Dubai’s development.
Why It Matters?
The latest Dubai-it Awards announcement is relevant to Dubai residents, business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals because it highlights the people and organisations shaping the emirate’s economy.
For businesses, the recognition provides visibility for achievements in areas such as banking, retail, property and international trade. Entrepreneurs also gain recognition for building brands and expanding their operations from Dubai.
The awards also reflect the emirate’s wider focus on business growth, innovation and efficient delivery.
For residents and visitors, the recognised sectors have a direct connection to everyday life, from banking and shopping to property, restaurants and hospitality.
The initiative is expected to continue annually, providing another platform to recognise achievements across Dubai’s public and private sectors.
FAQs About the Dubai-it Awards 2026
1. Who announced the six Dubai-it Award winners?
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the six additional winners on November 4, 2026.
2. Who are the six latest Dubai-it Award winners?
The recipients are Emirates NBD, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Mahdi Amjad, Ounass, Charlie Wright and chef Izu Ani.
3. What is the purpose of the Dubai-it Awards?
The annual awards recognise individuals, projects, companies and institutions that deliver exceptional results through speed, quality and effective execution.
4. How many fields does the Dubai-it Award cover?
The inaugural edition covers 10 fields, including government, real estate, economy, business, technology, sports, society, education, services and health.
5. Is the Dubai-it Award an annual event?
Yes. The Dubai-it Award is an annual initiative designed to recognise achievements and contributions across different sectors in Dubai.
The latest six Dubai-it Award winners reflect the range of businesses, entrepreneurs and industry leaders contributing to Dubai’s development. From Emirates NBD’s banking operations and DMCC’s trading activities to Ounass’s retail platform and Chef Izu Ani’s hospitality projects, the inaugural awards recognise achievements across several important sectors.
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