As the founder of the first Arab-owned business committed to bio-disposables, she is revolutionizing the way we use and design everything from sandwich wraps to tableware, utilizing renewable materials. Despite being a businesswoman, Lamis goes out of her way to ensure that the environmental standards of the UAE are raised to higher levels. Lamis’ got an insight to sustainable design while at Pratt Institute in New York where she wrote her thesis on Green design. This academic endeavour laid the foundation for what would become her life’s mission: it focuses on cultivating a culture of sustainability instead of being the rule rather than the exception. She did not restrict herself to mere theories of environmental conservation.

She went further to make practical changes by establishing NUMU, which is a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to persuade businesses to go green. The practical experience she gained at NUMU helped her when she decided to start her own business and create a company dealing in bio-disposables. The story of Lamis is the real-life story of girl power, courage, and determination in the face of daunting adversity. She had no investors to propel her into operation, no initial capital from a rich relative, and no government subsidies. She appreciated this form of freedom because it enabled her to remain loyal to her ideals with regard to sustainable products. Her business which currently sells a host of disposable products, practices green catering and provides consumers in the Arab world with eco-friendly alternatives has raised the bar. Lamis uses her achievement to demand better environmental status in UAE. She also knows that the execution of radical innovation does not only mean innovative products and services but changing the mind-set. By speaking to the public, launching educational programs, and working for NUMU, Lamis is on a mission to make sustainability a priority for both businesses and individuals in the future.

When Lamis asked about her proud moment was keen not to single out the moment but describe the process instead. Her response to the question stems from the fact that she had struggled to build her business from the ground up by herself, saying, ‘This,’ she said pointing at where she is today with her business, ‘I believe is my biggest achievement. ’ To her, clinching the award would be akin to affirmation that she has been hard at work painting the picture of what she refers to as the ‘Emirates Woman’– a woman who will go against the norm for a superior purpose.

 Lamis’ story is not just the story of having a very profitable venture, but it is the story of having a very successful role model. For that reason, she demonstrated her commitment to sustainability, the rate at which she battled through every hurdle and her unwavering commitment to the improvement of the standards of the environment makes her a good role model for young aspiring businessmen and women. UN Environment: As she goes further in her career and the fight for a greener future, Lamis is not only making waves but is sparking change that will surely last.

Inspired by her grandfather, one of the most well-known herbalists in the land, Hend Al Hashemi is a zealous Emirati entrepreneur who has developed a lucrative skincare business based on her family’s rich, traditional herbal knowledge. Hend is fully invested in her objective: to make natural, effective skincare a reality. She started her journey for a personal need. Being an eczema sufferer, she found few products that suited her skin concerns. She started experimenting with herbs and natural ingredients to concoct her remedies, drawing on her family’s knowledge. With an inborn love for flora and all things restorative, Hend launched her brand, 202, Gardenia Rd. – literally named after her home address, where she grows many of the ingredients used in her products.

Some of Hend’s product line includes natural skincare such as soaps, scrubs, oils, and bath soaks. The best-selling Goat Milk and Neem soap are ideal for curing skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungus, and athlete’s foot. If you have extra dry skin, then you need her Camel Milk and Lavender Soap that exudes luxury and nourishment. Quality drips from every product the lady makes. A marketer by training and born into a family of pharmacists, Hend had acquired the knowledge of how to formulate all types of skincare solutions that were effective yet safe. Through thorough research, experimentation, and a deep understanding of herbal properties, Hend perfected her craft.

Not wholly supported by her family in the beginning, Hend had the guts to take the leap of faith and finally chose the path of entrepreneurship. She applied her knowledge of marketing to build a very catchy brand and to promote her products accordingly. It is because she believes in the power of nature and is committed to finding effective skincare solutions that she can enjoy such success. Hend is a lively character with many sides to her personality. She likes listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, cycling, and hanging out with her four dogs. She has this love for life, which is so contagious; she is so passionate about what she does.

Hend’s story could be an inspiration to younger Emiratis who want to follow their dreams. She encourages them to take their time and to be exposed to different types of jobs. When they become entrepreneurs themselves, do it in a strategic manner. Hend believes success is not only about making money; it is about creating an impact and giving back to society. The natural skincare solutions will be increased by Hend in the future, whereby she expands her portfolio to suit every need and taste. She also aspires to set up a more sustainable business by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and lowering her environmental footprint. Hend loves giving back to society. She says that she wants to engage in an active relationship with local organizations in the course of promoting environmental conservation and supporting various initiatives that contribute to the health and wellness sector. Hend, through all this, expects to make a difference and create a powerful, positive effect on society.

Hend Al Hashemi’s is a story of passion, dedication, and perseverance. Her natural skincare product line, inspired by her grandfather’s herbal knowledge, offers holistic and effective solutions for healthy, glowing skin. As she continues to build her brand, inspiring others, so rest assured that Hend’s mark on the world of natural beauty will be indelibly etched.

Dr. Jumah Al-Mazrouie is a living embodiment of expert knowledge and leadership in aviation and engineering circles. A career spanning important roles in the most critical aviation projects in Dubai, Dr. Jumah’s work on project delivery and quality assurance remains instrumental in the moulding of the UAE aviation industry. From pioneering construction operations to ensuring operational readiness at airports, his contributions are nothing short of remarkable.

Dr. Jumah’s career began with great grounding in engineering, studying to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Valparaiso University in 2002. He did this to lay the bedrock for his first role as an automation engineer in TAKREER and to develop his leading competencies in engineering and technology. His early career experiences provided him with a unique understanding of the complications connected with large engineering projects, which in the future would be irreplaceable in work within the aviation sector. His expertise in project management was further honed when he obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from Zayed University, which he completed in 2008. This combination of technical and managerial skills positioned Dr. Jumah as a leader who could manage complex projects-projects requiring meticulous attention to detail, in particular, and strategic problem-solving.

The most significant turning point in Dr. Jumah’s career was when he entered the aviation industry, which would define his entire professional life. He used to work at Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects as senior director and vice president; his mandate was to ensure the successful delivery of major key aviation projects. His responsibilities were not just confined to overseeing construction but also to playing an important role in ensuring every project was done with the highest quality and on time as part of such a rapidly expanding airport. Of specific significance is Dr. Jumah’s engagement in the development process with regard to the Operational Readiness and Airport Transition, well-known by its acronym ORAT. Indeed, this is the most critical aspect of managing aviation projects: ensuring the new or upgraded facilities are operational in every respect to meet all requirements on the day they open to the public. The competencies of Dr. Jumah in these fields contributed to smooth transitions in several of Dubai’s airport projects that helped reinforce its status as a global aviation leader.

Dr. Jumah has always used education as an instrumental force in his career. After receiving his EMBA, he sought a PhD in Project Management from the British University in Dubai and graduated in 2016. Further education thus enabled him to incorporate research aspects into his work, allowing him to establish very innovative solutions to complex problems in aviation and engineering fields. Besides academic merits, the professional experience of Dr. Jumah makes him a highly demanded expert in the sphere of both project management and quality assurance. His insight into the integration of technology and engineering principles has not only benefited the organizations he has worked for but also contributed to the greater good of the field of project management within the UAE.

Dr. Jumah Al-Mazrouie drive the wheel of innovation and ensure excellence as the aviation industry continues to undergo development. He set a high standard for project delivery and quality assurance in the UAE through his work, whose influence surpasses even the projects directly headed by him. Operating under his tutelage, Dr. Jumah proved that with a commitment to education and strategic approach toward project management, amazing things could be achieved even for the most challenging sectors.