Dubai, UAE — The Impact CEO Awards Gala 2026 convened senior business leaders and global industry representatives on January 16th, 2026, at the Metropolitan Hotel, under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi. Organized by Impact Events, the annual autumn edition reaffirmed its position as a premier platform for advancing innovation, strategic collaboration, and sustainable economic development. The ceremony was chaired by distinguished leaders including CEO Dunston Pereira of the Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Ahmad Al Mahmood of Sharjah Government Advisory, and Eng. Zayed Ahmad Al Tamimi, Founder and CEO of Nobel International Group.
The 2026 gala brought together an exclusive delegation of CEOs, innovators, investors, and dignitaries for a series of keynote addresses and high-level networking engagements. Speakers CEO Dunston Pereira, Premal Patel, Dr. Ravi Shankar, and Dr. Prithvi Priyadarshini shared insights on contemporary leadership practices, organizational performance, and wellness-driven productivity. Designed to support senior professionals across multiple sectors, the program facilitated knowledge exchange and strengthened cross-industry collaboration.
Participants represented a broad range of industries, including Healthcare, Technology, Cybersecurity, Space Research, Banking, Finance, Education, Lifestyle, Wealth Management, Sustainability, and Retail. Delegates attended from France, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan, reflecting the expanding international reach of the Impact Leadership Program and its commitment to supporting global business communities.
The event combined formal recognition with opportunities for strategic engagement. Founder of the Impact Leadership Program and CEO of Impact Events, Nousheen Mukhtar, addressed attendees with a message focused on leadership development and global economic advancement. Recognized internationally for her work in empowering business leaders, she acknowledged the contributions of emerging and established professionals across diverse fields. The event celebrated high-performing impact makers. The winners of Impact Awards included the following leaders:
Dr Reshma Khan
Dr. Reshma Khan is an internationally acclaimed psychotherapist and holistic healing expert transforming emotional well‑being through non‑medication therapies. With 1000+ successful sessions, she has empowered individuals and teams to build resilience and clarity. She founded H3 Holistic Healing Healthcare, offering psychotherapy, NLP, mind‑body therapies, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence programs.
Kashif Ali
Kashif Ali is a visionary technology entrepreneur and CEO with over a decade of experience in fleet management, GPS vehicle tracking, and telematics solutions. With a background in Information Technology and proven leadership across multiple markets, Kashif has successfully established and led technology companies in the UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan, and the United States. His expertise spans software engineering, database systems, and network infrastructure, combined with a strong acumen for strategic growth and business development.
Dr Andrey Rogachev
Dr. Andrey Rogachev is a distinguished business leader and Doctor of Economics, specializing in corporate finance, risk management, and governance. With global experience across the USA, EU, Middle East, and Africa, he combines executive leadership with academic excellence, mentoring entrepreneurs and shaping resilient strategies for innovation, security, and sustainable growth.
Letizia Mantovani MSc
Letizia Mantovani is a microbiologist, naturopath and creator of the Mantovani Method™, an integrative wellness system combining microbiome analysis, frequency-based assessment and personalised coaching. She helps individuals rebalance their biology, emotions and lifestyle to achieve clarity, vitality and long-lasting health transformation.
Ghassan Brinji
Ghassan is a senior leader and expert specialized in managed educational technology services and EdTech project management within Saudi Arabia’s education ecosystem. He has extensive experience in PMO excellence, operational governance, and large-scale managed services, delivering scalable, sustainable, and high-impact initiatives that support the goals and national priorities of Saudi Vision 2030.
Premal Patel
Prem is CEO of TKOP World Ltd and Healthy Minds Club UAE known for his ability to forge robust and long-lasting business relationships by connecting with people on a human level. He has built award winning company cultures with high energy and sense of community. Transforming organisation culture is his true passion, and he’s good at it!
Zeina Akkawi
Zeina Akkawi is a Dubai‑based PR and branding expert known for shaping powerful personal and business identities. As Founder of PAZ Marketing, she brings over 17 years of experience across government, tourism, luxury brands, and political PR, helping leaders and companies elevate their influence and visibility.
She is revered for managing high-profile branding for executives, ministers, diplomats, and entrepreneurs, creating impactful experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.
Sirine Dia
Sirine Dia is a businesswoman and strategic growth leader with ten years of experience driving revenue acceleration and market expansion across the Middle East and Africa. Renowned for turning vision into revenue, she drives market-shaping growth initiatives at national and regional scale across infrastructure, technology, and enterprise industries with measurable, scalable impact and lasting value.
Dr Ravi shankar
Dr. Eng. Ravi Shanker is a results-driven CEO with a distinguished track record of leading organizations toward sustainable growth and operational excellence. As the CEO of Efficient Air Conditioning Industries LLC, he heads one of the leading HVAC duct and accessories manufacturing companies in the MENA region. With decades of experience across business development, strategic planning, sales, and financial management, Mr. Shanker has played a pivotal role in shaping and scaling multiple successful organizations.
Jon Ane
Jon Ane is a multiple award-winning author, a businessman, a growth consultant, and a person trusted with the secrets of prominent leaders in business and governmental sectors. He is known for his deep and creative thinking away from The beaten paths, equipped with sheer pragmatism. He is the author of the awarded book ‘Strategy’s Rosetta Stone.
Fatima Al Bashrahi
Fatima Bashrahi is the Founder of Al Najah Ideas; she is a visionary leader with a background in the legal sector, now shaping a purpose-driven platform focused on strategy, leadership, and development. Her work bridges structure, creativity, and empowerment, turning ideas into impactful realities.
Muhammad Hisan
Muhammad Hisan is Managing Director and Chief Engineer of Eiman Builders and Developers. A UON Australia Civil Engineering (Honours) graduate and former John Holland intern, he designed Karachi’s Burj-ul-Eiman using Australian Standards. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UOW, he demonstrates global expertise in every urban development.
Sajida Younis
Sajida Younas is a dedicated Business Development Officer at Efficient Air Conditioning Industries LLC. With a strong commitment to excellence and a results-driven approach, she has played a key role in expanding the company’s market presence beyond the UAE. Through her hard work, strategic insight, and determination, Sajida has successfully extended the company’s reach into West Africa and the MENA region, building strong client relationships and opening new growth opportunities.
Sasa Pejic
Sasa Pejic is a financial consultant, content creator, and founder of Pannon Group NS. He specializes in portfolio structuring, macroeconomic analysis, and personal finance education. His finance-focused content has reached over 30 million professionals across global business networks, and he collaborates with international brands on educational initiatives for investors.
Dr. Mohamed Adel Badawy
Dr. Mohamed Adel Badawy is a Group CFO and Financial Restructuring Advisor with over 20 years of experience across the GCC and Egypt. He supports companies through financial turnaround and growth readiness. A frequent speaker and university lecturer, his work bridges practical restructuring with research-driven financial leadership.
Shivanee Deshpande
Shivanee is a people leader with nearly a decade of experience in HR strategy and talent development across India, the UK, and the UAE. She is the Founder of TalentNest Consulting, where she partners with organizations and professionals to drive inclusive hiring, experiential learning, and personal branding initiatives. A global speaker, active HR community contributor, and Advisory Board Member at HBR, Shivanee is passionate about redefining HR to create meaningful business impact while nurturing human potential.
Sunnykumar Kamani
JSunnykumar Kamani is an internationally acclaimed IAM and cybersecurity innovator, credited with designing advanced identity lifecycle automation, SOD controls, and access frameworks. His transformative solutions enhance operational security, compliance, and efficiency for Fortune 500 firms, while his platform innovations and automation strategies set new benchmarks in enterprise cybersecurity practices.
Anu Sharma
Anu Sharma is the Founder & CEO of Anuvi Business Solutions and Anuvi Luxe Real Estate, Dubai. With 12+ years of experience, she is a trusted advisor in UAE business setup, corporate services, and real estate advisory. She is also a YouTuber and the author of the book How to Set Up Business in Dubai, empowering entrepreneurs worldwide.
Dr. Prithvi Priyadarshini Shivalingaiah
Dr. Prithvipriyadarshini Shivalingaiah, Karnataka’s first female DM Gastroenterologist, is an advanced therapeutic endoscopist, TEDx speaker, and India–Dubai Queen Mentor. A global advocate for gut health, microbiome, nutrition, and stress, she is a Sustainable Health UAE panelist, featured on 5 magazines. widely loved by patients, and recipient of Stylfemina Best Doctor 2023, UAE Women Achievers, Middle East Woman leaders Award 2024, and Red FM Shakti Award 2025.
Amjad Khan
Amjad Khan is a dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneur, widely recognized for his leadership and contribution across multiple industries in the UAE and the USA. With a vision rooted in innovation, growth, and community development, Mr. Khan has built a strong, diversified business portfolio under the umbrella of the Noor Al Wadi Group of Companies.
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Elnabawy
Dr. Ahmed El-Nabawy (DBA, MBA) is the Founder and CEO of Intelligent Experts Technology (IET), a leading Odoo Gold Partner. A specialist in digital transformation, he pioneered the integration of ZATCA’s E-Invoicing (Fatoora) in Saudi Arabia. By merging high-level financial consultancy with advanced ERP implementation, Dr. El-Nabawy empowers organizations to achieve operational excellence. His award-winning leadership focuses on localized technology solutions that drive corporate growth and ensure full regulatory compliance across the Middle East.
Wellness Lab & Diet Delights
Wellness Lab and Diet Delights, based out of Qatar, form a unified, outcomes‑driven wellness ecosystem delivering complete health transformation journeys. Integrating preventive wellness, regenerative aesthetics, and clinically guided nutrition, they go beyond treatments to create sustainable, personalized results. Their model empowers individuals to achieve long‑term vitality, confidence, and measurable well‑being through science‑based, holistic care.
Padam Kafle
Padam Kafle, CEO of vCodes, is a forward‑thinking technology leader known for driving digital transformation and delivering innovative software solutions. With strong expertise in IT strategy, product development, and operational excellence, he has built high‑performing teams and positioned vCodes as a trusted partner for scalable, future‑ready tech innovation.
The Impact CEO Awards Gala 2026 distinguished itself through its emphasis on purpose-driven leadership and its ability to facilitate meaningful professional connections. The event’s structured program, refined production, and curated storytelling contributed to a cohesive and impactful experience for all participants.
In her closing remarks, CEO Nousheen Mukhtar announced the organization’s upcoming leadership event scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, in April. She noted that the expansion aligns with Impact Events’ mission to foster economic development by building a strong and interconnected global business community. With each edition, the Impact Leadership Program continues to broaden its network and reinforce its role in shaping future-ready leadership across international markets.
