Latest news with #AbuDhabiReview
Zawya
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Review honours UAE's 'Year of Community' initiative with inaugural Community Champions Awards in Q4 2025
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Review, the digital local news and event guide, is celebrating local people (nationals and expats alike) who make a difference in the capital with a special new event, the ADR Community Champions Awards 2025. The capital is set to shine a spotlight on its most dedicated changemakers as nominations open for the awards, a landmark event designed to recognise the individuals, groups, and organisations making a lasting impact on Abu Dhabi's communities. Organised by Abu Dhabi Review (ADR), the awards feature ten categories honouring contributions across youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, health and wellness, and more. With over 100 guests expected to attend, the evening promises to be a heartfelt celebration of those who give selflessly to enrich the lives of others. Founded by Asha Sherwood, a leading media innovator and CEO of Abu Dhabi Review, the awards reflect her long-standing mission to champion local voices and create meaningful connections across the city. Asha has spent over a decade helping reshape Abu Dhabi's media landscape through storytelling that highlights the spirit and diversity of its people. The ADR Community Champions Awards 2025 is a natural extension of this vision, providing a platform to recognise those who go above and beyond for their community. Asha says, 'These awards are a celebration of the people who make the capital extraordinary. In the spirit of the UAE's Year of Community, we're honouring those who uplift others, nurture belonging, and help co-create our shared future.' From grassroots organisers to everyday role models, this platform shines a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make a difference in their neighbourhoods, workplaces, and communities. 'Abu Dhabi is home to countless unsung heroes who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to making a difference,' Asha continues. 'Through the Community Champions Awards, we want to celebrate these incredible people and inspire others to join them in creating positive change. Being so deeply integrated into the community has allowed us to build strong, lasting relationships with our audience. It's earned us the privilege of becoming a trusted voice in the capital, and now we have the opportunity to give back and say thank you.' Nominations for the awards will open eight to ten weeks ahead of the event, which is slated to take place in Q4 this year. A panel of judges, comprising carefully selected people from across Abu Dhabi's rich, multicultural society, will review entries before winners are announced during a glittering evening of recognition and networking. Shortlisted nominees in each category will receive community-wide exposure, with their efforts showcased across Abu Dhabi Review's platforms. The ADR Community Champions Awards 2025 invites businesses and organisations to support this initiative through sponsorship opportunities that align with their corporate social responsibility values and commitment to local communities. ADR Community Champions Award Categories in full: Outstanding Community Service Award Youth Empowerment Award Volunteer Excellence Award Cultural Heritage & Arts Award Environmental Sustainability Award Innovation in Community Engagement Award Social Inclusion & Diversity Award Health & Wellness Award Educational Impact Award For partnership and nomination details, please contact hello@ About: Abu Dhabi Review is a lifestyle platform dedicated to showcasing the very best of the capital - from dining and entertainment to culture, wellness, and business. Created to help residents and visitors make the most of life in the UAE's capital, the platform delivers fresh, engaging content that inspires its audience to truly Live the Capital. For more, please visit Instagram: Media contact: Ananda Shakespeare Shakespeare Communications ananda@
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How UAE influenced British expat Asha Sherwood's relationship with money
As one of the UAE's media leaders, British expatriate Asha Sherwood, CEO of Abu Dhabi Review, has had a number of experiences during her 13 years in the UAE that has influenced her relationship with money. The 44-year-old recalls going from part-time jobs as a teenage student to running one of the country's major publications in the capital, Abu Dhabi. If you had to write a letter to money, what would you say? Dear Money, while you are not the be-all and end-all, it would be nice to see more of you. I like having you in my life because you give it a boost from time to time. Most importantly, you offer a sense of security that I can share with my family, which means the most to me. See you soon, Asha. Describe your relationship with money. I've always liked it, because it's enabled me to do, buy, and be what I want to. I started earning at 15, working at a hairdresser's, and the joy I felt when I earned £15 (Dh73.41) every Saturday was unmatched. Buying my first pair of jeans was a milestone, but I couldn't believe how much they cost. Having never paid for anything before (thanks, Mum and Dad), I realised I'd have to save four weeks' salary to afford one item. How do you think this relationship was formed? While my parents always bought things for me, they also taught me the importance of earning my own money and being independent. They wanted to show my sister and me that we didn't need to depend on others to succeed if we focused on being financially stable. Anyone who joined us on that journey would be a bonus. My father taught me to pay off any debts quickly, and not to spend beyond your means. Who do you speak to about money matters, and is it something you consider 'taboo'? Mostly, I speak to my husband. We're a team, and we make financial decisions that are best for our family together. What has been the most profound experience you've had so far in relation to money, and what has it taught you? Once, at university, I went into my overdraft. My dad found out and made me pay it off by taking on an extra summer job (in addition to my weekend job). I never went into my overdraft again. It taught me a huge lesson and made me appreciate how much money my parents were putting into my education. At the very least, I needed to be responsible for my own spending. How has living in the UAE changed your relationship with money? I spent a long time converting UAE prices to UK prices to get an idea of what we were 'actually' spending. Twelve years on, I convert the other way. Living here, I've seen many people try to 'keep up with the Joneses'. The UAE is such a melting pot of wealth and cultures, and you're often in friendships with people you might not have met in your home country. This can create a pressure to fit in, which sometimes results in living beyond your means. For me, living here has motivated me to earn more, so I can achieve the lifestyle I've envisioned. If you could give your child or younger self one piece of advice about money, what would it be and why? Start saving and investing early — small amounts add up over time. Understanding that money grows with time and consistency is life-changing. Living within your means, avoiding unnecessary debt, and making your money work for you will create financial freedom and security. What do you value spending money on? My family, my home, and my business. Flying back to the UK to see my family is a luxury I deeply value. What do you consider 'splashing out'? Flying Business Class, designer handbags, and luxurious holidays. Do you long-term plan your finances? I must admit, not as much as I would like to! This is something we will change in 2025, but how? By taking a lot of advice. What is a long-term goal that is pegged to your finances? The dream is to retire early. I am not there yet, but I do see it as a goal that is achievable.
