Jury announced for 2025 Edition of Excellence Awards by Gulf News and BeingShe
Behind every powerful platform that celebrates women is a community of changemakers who believe in their strength. For an event as meaningful as the Excellence Awards 2025, it takes a jury that embodies the very values the awards stand for — leadership, vision, and purpose.
Gulf News, in partnership with BeingShe, has officially revealed the jury panel for the fifth edition of the Excellence Awards, scheduled for June 14, 2025, in Dubai.
This year's esteemed jury includes Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation; Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels; Omer Elamin, President of Orient Group; Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager, Visa UAE; Samia Bouazza, Group CEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group; and Dr. Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr, former Director General of Smart Dubai.
With more than 20 major award categories, this year's awards allow nominees to choose sub-categories aligned with their expertise. A new addition this year is the 'Women Under 30 – Rising Stars of the Future' category, dedicated to highlighting the next generation of bold, purpose-driven women.
The announcement of the jury adds further momentum to the event, bringing together voices from across sectors who are passionate about recognising and empowering women.
What moved me to join the jury panel this year was the opportunity to listen to and learn from women whose journeys reflect courage, creativity, and purpose,' said Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. 'The Excellence Awards offer a space to shine a light on stories that often go unheard, particularly those of young women who are already shaping their industries in meaningful ways. Recognition can be a powerful motivator when it comes from a place of authenticity. What matters most is that these moments of celebration help open doors, widen networks, and build confidence — not just for the winners, but for every woman who sees herself reflected in their story.'
Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels, noted: 'The Excellence Awards play a vital role in empowering women in the UAE. Creating visibility and celebrating the achievements of those who are making a difference in various sectors, the awards are also a source of inspiration for the next generation of leaders. Being part of the jury panel allows me to witness the incredible talent, resilience, and vision that women across the UAE bring to the table. It's deeply rewarding to be in a position where I can support and contribute to a culture that celebrates ambition, empowerment, and inclusion.'
'I am thrilled to be a part of the esteemed jury panel for the Excellence Awards 2025,' said Omer Elamin, President of Orient Group. 'I believe the Excellence Awards have a significant impact on empowering women in the UAE. These awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of exceptional women entrepreneurs, ensuring they receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve. Being a firm believer in the leadership capabilities of women and their vital role in society, I am inspired to contribute to this selection process. I am eager to share my perspectives and support the acknowledgment of these outstanding women.'
'It's an honour to join the jury for this year's Excellence Awards,' said Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager, Visa UAE. 'From business and technology to healthcare, the arts, and public service, these awards shine a light on the women leading change across the UAE. It's inspiring to see their impact and to help bring their stories to light. I have seen how powerful it can be when women are given the support and recognition they deserve. Yet many still face challenges when it comes to access — whether that's funding, visibility, or the right networks. Through initiatives like She's Next, Visa has had the opportunity to support women entrepreneurs and see firsthand the difference the right resources can make in helping them grow their businesses and reach their goals. That's why being part of this again this year is so meaningful to me.'
Samia Bouazza, Group CEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group, added: 'These awards go beyond recognition — they're a reminder to every woman in the UAE that power starts from within. When you see women being celebrated for pushing boundaries, for showing up relentlessly despite resistance — it sparks self-belief and ambition in others. Being part of the jury is about championing that mindset — one that values not just the outcome, but the discipline, clarity, and resilience it takes to get there. It's about spotlighting women who didn't wait for a green light — they built their own paths and stayed focused on the bigger picture.'
The Excellence Awards have been a powerful platform for recognising women's leadership, innovation, and resilience. From entrepreneurship and technology to the arts and philanthropy, these awards have honored women who are not just breaking barriers but are rewriting the rules of success.
The 2024 edition saw keen participation from women across a variety of sectors including business, health, media, the arts and technology. More than 40 exceptional women from diverse domains were honoured at the 2024 edition at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on 8 June.
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