Istanbul Welcomed Impact Innovation Excellence Awards 2026

1 September 2026 | Dubai, UAE

The Impact Innovation Excellence Awards 2026 delivered a standout success this August in Istanbul, bringing together some of the world’s most progressive leaders, innovators, and industry influencers for a defining moment in global business dialogue. Held at the renowned Elite World Istanbul Hotel in Taksim, the event became a vibrant meeting point for technology visionaries, policy shapers, and entrepreneurial trailblazers committed to building the future of innovation‑driven leadership.

At the heart of this landmark gathering was the global mission championed by Nousheen Mukhtar —a mission rooted in elevating leadership, accelerating innovation, and creating platforms where individuals and organizations can amplify their global impact. The Istanbul edition embodied this vision with remarkable clarity, uniting founders, policymakers, and industry experts in a city celebrated for its cultural diversity, strategic geography, and fast‑rising innovation ecosystem. The event also underscored the deepening brotherly ties between Pakistan, UAE and Türkiye, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration and economic progress.

With Istanbul’s tech sector surging—marked by new unicorns, expanding venture capital, and a thriving entrepreneurial landscape—the city provided an ideal backdrop for future‑focused conversations. The Awards positioned Istanbul as a regional epicenter for innovation, spotlighting achievements in leadership development, business expansion, and digital transformation.

The program featured powerful keynote sessions from Nousheen Mukhtar, Dr. Eng. Zayed Ahmad Al Tamimi, Dr. Angela Thomas, and Dr. Kendall Wilson, each offering strategic insights into emerging technologies, global leadership trends, and cross‑border collaboration. A high‑energy innovation forum—featuring Dr. Naznen Maymoun, UAE Government Advisor Ahmed Al Mahmood, Umut Rallas, Dipak Bhadra, and Ahmet Cagri Karamisir—served as a central highlight, sparking dialogue on the future of global business and inspiring leaders to rethink the boundaries of innovation.

The Awards ceremony honored distinguished achievers across diverse industries. Among the celebrated winners were Eyup Akbal, Vice Chairman of Fuzul Holding; Damla Dikbıyık of Dikbıyık Arı Ürünleri; Dipak Bhadra, CEO of Abundant Living Lifestyle Coaching; Riadh Bouaziz, CEO & Chairman of RKF Luxury Linen; Nicole Purin, Head of Legal & Regulatory; Anu Sharma, CEO of Anuvi Business Solutions & Anuvi Luxe Real Estate; Dr. Kendall Wilson, Founder & CEO of Digitalchemy; Dr. Angela Thomas, CEO of Angel Success Consulting; Dr. Lisa Saha, Managing Director of British Columbia School, Bangladesh; Nawal Alhanaee, Director of Energy at Dubai’s Future Energy Department; Nishad Abdu Rahiman, CEO of Analytix Global; and Monica Perna & Francesco Iannello, Co‑founders of AUGE 10X.

The event was further enriched by the presence of Turkish parliamentarian Serkan Bayram, whose motivational address on resilience captivated the international audience. He also signed copies of his acclaimed book Piece of Grain for distinguished guests. Eyup Akbal, a pioneer of interest‑free finance in Türkiye, delivered an insightful speech on the nation’s growing global economic influence and extended a warm welcome to international attendees. Adding cultural flair to the evening were public influencer Nesibe Konulğa and Turkish artist Inanc Karaduman, who brought artistic elegance to the ceremony.

For the Impact Leadership Program community, the Istanbul edition marked a pivotal milestone—opening new pathways for collaboration, investment, and international partnerships. By convening diverse voices from across continents, the event created a fertile environment for ideas to evolve into transformative initiatives.

The Impact Innovation Excellence Awards 2026 concluded with a powerful sense of momentum. Attendees left Istanbul not only celebrated for their achievements but united by a shared commitment to shaping a future defined by creativity, resilience, and meaningful global impact.

About Impact Events & Impact Leadership Program

Impact Events and the Impact Leadership Global Program form a dynamic ecosystem dedicated to developing future‑ready leaders and amplifying global influence. Impact Events curate high‑level international gatherings that connect innovators, founders, and decision‑makers, transforming ideas into action. The Impact Leadership Global Program strengthens this mission through strategic learning, cross‑border collaboration, and visibility opportunities—empowering professionals to elevate their authority, expand their global footprint, and drive transformative change in business and society.