Impact CEO Awards Gala 2026 Sets New Momentum for Global Leadership

Dubai reaffirmed its position as a hub for international business leadership as the Impact CEO Awards Gala returned on January 16th, 2026, at the Metropolitan Hotel. Held under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi and organized by Impact Events, the autumn edition brought together influential figures committed to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable economic progress. The ceremony was led by prominent UAE business leaders, including CEO Dunston Pereira of the Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Ahmad Al Mahmood from Sharjah Government Advisory, and Eng. Zayed Ahmad Al Tamimi, Founder and CEO of Nobel International Group.

This year’s gala drew an exclusive audience of CEOs, innovators, investors, and dignitaries for an evening of high-impact discussions and networking. Keynote speakers, CEO Dunston Pereira, Premal Patel, Dr. Ravi Shankar, and Dr. Prithvi Priyadarshini, addressed evolving leadership models, team performance, and wellness-driven productivity. Designed for forward-thinking professionals across multiple sectors, the event offered a platform for exchanging insights and strengthening business ties.

Executives representing Healthcare, Technology, Cybersecurity, Space Research, Banking, Finance, Education, Lifestyle, Wealth Management, Sustainability, Retail, and other industries attended from nearly ten countries, including France, Serbia, the UAE, USA, UK, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. Their participation underscored the expanding global reach of the Impact Leadership Program and its mission to support business communities worldwide.

The evening combined professional engagement with curated entertainment, encouraging meaningful interaction among top-tier industry leaders. Impact Leadership Program Founder and CEO of Impact Events, Nousheen Mukhtar, addressed the audience with a message focused on empowering the next generation of business pioneers. Widely recognized for her advocacy in leadership development, she commended the achievements of emerging and established professionals across diverse fields.

Honorees included Dr. Reshma Khan, Letizia Mantovani MSc, Premal Patel, Dr. Prithvi Priyadarshini, and Senthuran Kanthasamy. Technology leaders such as Padam Kafle, Lara Alsafadi, Kashif Ali, Ghassan Brinji, Sunnykumar Kamani, Dr. Saeed Almansoori, and Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Elnabawy were also recognized. Additional awards celebrated excellence in business and finance, honouring Dr. Ravi Shankar, Sirine Dia, Zeina Akkawi, Sajida Younis, Jon Ane, Fatima Al Bashrahi, Muhammad Hisan, Sasa Pejic, Dr. Mohamed Adel Badawy, Shivanee Deshpande, Anu Sharma, and Amjad Khan.

The 2026 gala distinguished itself through its strong emphasis on purpose-driven leadership. From the outset, the event fostered an atmosphere of ambition and collaboration, with honorees representing stories of innovation, resilience, and social impact. The program’s seamless execution and compelling storytelling elevated the evening into a meaningful celebration of global leadership.

A defining highlight was the event’s ability to translate inspiration into actionable opportunity. The gathering evolved into a dynamic environment where CEOs, investors, policymakers, and innovators explored shared goals and potential partnerships. Reflecting on the momentum, CEO Nousheen Mukhtar announced plans for the next major leadership event in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for April. She noted that the expansion aligns with Impact Events’ mission to strengthen global economic development by building a thriving international community of leaders. With each new edition, the Impact Leadership Program continues to grow its network of industry icons and elevate expectations for future summits.