Lisa Ray Shines: Celebrating Indian Women at 5th IWD Awards in Dubai
Dubai shimmered with brilliance and purpose as the 5th Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) Awards unfolded spectacularly, an unforgettable evening dedicated to honouring the unstoppable spirit of Indian women in the UAE. Held under a sky full of stars and ambition on June 15 at the Zabeel Ladies Club, the event was graced by the magnetic presence of global icon Lisa Ray, who headlined the celebration as the guest of honour and keynote speaker.
An actress, author, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, Ray set the tone for the evening with a stirring address: "I entered this room and the energy is unbelievable. It's because of incredible work for the community. We can accomplish anything together,' she said, adding, 'A woman can start a revolution ." Recommended For You
Curated with elegance and energy, the evening saw the convergence of visionaries, change-makers, and trailblazers across fields. In attendance were dignitaries such as Laila Rahall (Goodwill Ambassador and head of protocol and diplomacy), Shalini Rajan (head, UAE Business Unit, Air Arabia), Nikita Agarwal (founder, Buddy Education), and Mary Del Dosso (mall director, BurJuman and Reef Mall) — each standing in solidarity with IWD's mission of empowerment through celebration.
The event culminated in a heartfelt finale led by Reema Mahajan, founder of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), who delivered a powerful message urging the community to continue recognising and celebrating those who inspire, uplift, and redefine modern womanhood. "This event has always been about more than just awards," said Mahajan. "It's a tribute to courage, compassion, and the remarkable journeys of women—those who are building businesses and raising families, challenging societal norms, and breaking barriers every single day."
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