Maitha Al Shamsi is not just an academic; she is a prophetic leader whose effort has contributed a lot to the educational and social sectors in the United Arab Emirates. Her influence is felt not only across borders but also within the Arab world, through a glittering career in academia, government, and global advocacy. It narrates the emergence of a student in Saudi Arabia to become a driving force behind UAE’s educational reforms and woman rights-a journey that underlines the impact of education and social responsibility.

Maitha Al Shamsi boasts an illustrious career, which began with her academic pursuits: a Bachelor of Arts degree from King Saud University, class of 1980, followed by a master’s from Alexandria University in 1988. Her thirst for knowledge did not stop there, as she went further to complete a post-doctorate in Sociology, therefore establishing herself as a leading intellectual in the region. This provided the bedrock upon which she was able to serve all her life at many academic and public lives. In literature, Maitha has an impressively lengthy record, much like her academic credentials. She has authored several important works, among which are “Expatriate Migration to the Gulf Cooperation Council States: Current Problems and Future Prospects” and “The Mother of the Nation: Fatima bint Mubarak, and Principles and Accomplishments.” These various publications in her name indeed reflect not just academic, but also deep commitment to the socio-political problems the Arab world faces.

Maitha has played a serious role in shaping the UAE’s educational policy and advocacy. She is a member of the Board of Trustees at Abu Dhabi University, one of the leading universities in the UAE. Her commitment to UNESCO’s Scientific Committee for the Arab States on Education and Scientific Research shows her engagement with promoting education and scientific progress in the region. The big turn in her career came in 2008 when she joined the UAE Federal Government as Minister of State. She started the establishment of Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi, a milestone that introduced world-class education to UAE shores. Her leadership umbrella covered the Marriage Fund, which she headed until 2016, showing her interest in social welfare and family development.

Maitha does not wield influence in education only, but also she is among the notable champion of women and social development. She is the President of the General Women’s Union in the UAE, heading the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood-to date, she advances campaigns on women’s empowerment and welfare of the children. Her work has not gone unnoticed; in 2003, she received the prestigious Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Arab Management. On the international platform, Maitha has used every opportunity to highlight HR violations. The atrocities committed against the Rohingya people of Myanmar have come most under her critical gaze. Her activism for the Rohingya refugees resulted in seven million dollars pledged in support at a United Nations conference in Geneva in 2017, a commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

The career of Maitha Al Shamsi stands as testimony to the finesse that was her unyielding dedication towards education, social development, and human rights. Continuing through her engagement, it still remains a significant inspiration to future generations-a sobering reminder that one single individual can make a big difference in this world. Be it through academic contributions or governmental leadership, even extending to global advocacy, Maitha remains a formidable force in implementing positive change in and around the UAE.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais is reshaping the traditional healthcare landscape as the Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, a pioneering tech-enabled global healthcare company based in Abu Dhabi. His leadership is not just about managing a business; it’s about driving a revolution in personalized, precise, and preventative care, all powered by cutting-edge technology.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais has positioned M42 at the forefront of global healthcare by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomic sequencing into everyday medical practice. These innovations allow for a level of care that is more tailored to individual patients, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments. Under Hasan’s direction, M42 is not just another healthcare company; it’s a hub of technological and medical excellence that spans a global network, setting new standards for the industry. The impact of Hasan’s leadership is visible in M42’s approach to healthcare. By harnessing the power of AI and advanced sequencing, M42 is moving towards a future where medical treatments are no longer one-size-fits-all but are instead customized to the unique genetic makeup of each patient. This shift towards personalized medicine is a game-changer, promising not only more effective treatments but also a more efficient healthcare system overall.

Hasan’s influence extends far beyond M42. He holds significant roles as the Chairman of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, and the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. These positions reflect his diverse expertise and his ability to lead across various sectors. His role as a Board Member of Yas Holdings and Chairman of Yas Holdings Healthcare Committee further underscores his influence in both healthcare and business at large. Before taking the reins at M42, Hasan was the Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Health, where he was instrumental in establishing it as an independent entity. His strategic vision and focus on innovation played a crucial role in expanding and integrating the network of healthcare facilities under Mubadala Health. Hasan’s leadership was key in enhancing patient experiences, fostering collaborations, and driving global partnerships that elevated clinical outcomes.

Hasan’s career is marked by a series of leadership roles that have all contributed to his comprehensive understanding of the healthcare and hospitality industries. His journey began at Mubadala Investment Company (MIC) in 2007, where he managed international hospitality projects across the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. His portfolio included prestigious brands such as Viceroy Hotel Group, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and Rosewood Hotels and Resorts. This experience honed his skills in managing large-scale projects and laid the groundwork for his future successes in healthcare leadership.

Hasan successfully directed strategic functions at one of the region’s most distinguished hospitals. His efforts in this role demonstrated his ability to manage complex operations and deliver results that align with the highest standards of healthcare excellence. Hasan’s contributions to the healthcare industry have not gone unnoticed. In February 2023, he was ranked among the top ten leaders on the Forbes Middle East list of Middle East Healthcare Leaders for the second consecutive year. This recognition is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to advancing healthcare not just in the UAE, but globally.

His work is not just about managing organizations; it’s about inspiring innovation, fostering collaboration, and ultimately, making the world a healthier place. With leaders like Hasan at the helm, the future of healthcare looks brighter than ever.

Ahmed Saif Ali Al Dhabea Al-Darmaki is one of the world’s leading figures in energy and investment, where visionary leadership is combined with innovation. Building a career across several of the most important sectors within the UAE and beyond, Mr. Al-Darmaki has led organizations into sustainable growth and global relevance. His dynamic leadership has helped shape the trajectory not only of companies he has led but also set new benchmarks for excellence in the industries he serves.

Ahmed Saif Ali Al Dhabea Al-Darmaki’s career is a masterclass in strategic leadership and impactful decision-making. On the boards of such prestigious organizations as Al Mal Capital PSC, Al Mal Capital REIT, Daman Investments PSC, and National Investment Corporation, he has been instrumental in helping chart the course through dynamic financial landscapes. With his keen business acumen and profound grasp of market dynamics, he has helped these entities thrive in a world economy that is ever competitive. Before these companies, Mr. Al-Darmaki had been highly instrumental in the energy sector. As the Vice Chairman at Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. PJSC, TAQA, he was entrusted with a host of responsibilities that embarked on the firm’s investment and expansion into international markets to make it a recognized leader in energy production and management across the globe. Strategic acquisitions and investments have flourished in the company’s portfolio during his tenure in TAQA and further bolstered its reputation as a visionary in energy supply.

Mr. Al Darmaki’s leadership goes beyond conventional business metrics; he is also very outspoken on the subject of sustainable energy solutions. Formerly at the helm of Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, ADWEA, he spearheaded the structuring of modern water and electricity infrastructure within the Emirate. Indeed, his contributions to the field of efficient energy use and sustainability are profound and bound with long-term national policy imperatives for the UAE aimed at cutting down its carbon footprint and encouraging green energy resources in the country.

This interest in sustainability was further evidenced by his service as an Independent Director at Tesla Motors, Inc. In this position, Mr. Al-Darmaki shared the mission of Tesla: accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. His strategic insight and guidance allowed Tesla to overcome the scaling challenge of exponential growth across the world, securing its position as the leading electric vehicle and renewable energy company. Ahmed Saif Ali Al Dhabea Al-Darmaki’s success is steeped in sound academic orientation. He did his undergraduate degree from United Arab Emirates University, after which he completed his MBA at Zayed University, Dubai. Academic training would thus provide him with a capability related to a multi-dimensional world of energy/investment. Also, his commitment to lifelong learning has been his hallmark in career building, which has helped him always stay updated about the latest happenings in his industry and be able to innovate with continuity. Mr. Al-Darmaki has been of great benefit to society at large. His leadership and strategic vision not only drove success to the companies he controlled but have also had a positive impact on the economic and environmental landscape in the UAE. Similarly, work within organizations such as Abu Dhabi Future Energy PJSC, popularly known as Masdar, and First Energy Bank BSC furthered his reputation as one who is greatly committed to sustainable development and corporate responsibility.

While he continues to mentor the growth of some of the most influential organizations not only in the UAE but beyond the borders, Ahmed Saif Ali Al Dhabea Al-Darmaki is not losing sight of what the future may bring.

His vision would be to innovate energetically, invest in growth once more to attain sustainable development, with a view toward instilling a culture of excellence and transparency across organizations under his stewardship. A man of deep expertise, with an unflinching commitment to the practice of sustainability and with strategic foresight to boot, Mr. Al-Darmaki has all the trappings of a man destined to continue making a lasting impact on the world stage.