Managing Director of UAE National Orchestra Set to Deliver Keynote Address at 6th Edition.
One of the UAE’s most influential voices in culture and creative leadership, Sheikha Alia Bint Khalid Al Qassimi will serve as chief guest and keynote speaker at the Excellence Awards 2026.
Organised by Gulf News and BeingShe, the awards will return to Dubai’s Museum of the Future on June 12, where outstanding women leaders and organisations advancing women’s empowerment will be recognised. Sheikha Alia’s participation underscores the awards’ mission of celebrating women who are shaping the UAE’s future through innovation, leadership and meaningful impact.
“The progress seen across the UAE today reflects a vision that recognised early on that women must be equal partners in shaping the nation,” Sheikha Alia said. “With the support of our leadership and guided by the example of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, women have been empowered to contribute, lead and innovate across all areas of society.”
For more than 19 years, Sheikha Alia has been on a consistent path of empowerment, contributing to the UAE’s cultural and creative sectors. As Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, she has led initiatives that combine cultural preservation with innovation, ensuring Emirati heritage remains relevant for future generations.
“What inspires me most is seeing young women stepping into leadership roles across every sector with the confidence to pursue their ambitions and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our country,” she said.
Resonance with Excellence Awards
Her outlook and philosophy align closely with the Excellence Awards, which over six editions has evolved into a movement recognising women who are transforming industries, driving innovation and inspiring change across the UAE. This year, the inclusion of corporate awards reflects a growing understanding that sustained empowerment depends not only on individuals, but also on institutions that actively support women’s advancement.
“Recognition through platforms such as the Excellence Awards represents far more than a celebration of individual achievement,” Sheikha Alia said. “These awards shine a light on women whose leadership, dedication and accomplishments are helping drive progress across our society. They create visible examples for future generations, demonstrating what can be achieved when people are empowered to fulfil their potential. By celebrating achievement and contribution, they inspire others to pursue their ambitions and play their part in the continued success of the UAE.”
She added that women will continue to play a central role in achieving the UAE’s national ambitions. “Across government, business, science, culture, healthcare and politics, women are helping to shape the ideas, institutions and communities that will define the future,” she said. “Their contributions are essential to achieving the UAE’s long-term ambitions and strengthening a resilient, globally connected future.”
Winners of the Excellence Awards 2026 will be announced at the event by a jury comprising Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary of the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism; Sheikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa, Director of Hospitality Affairs at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Sheikha Al Beshri, Senior Manager of Business Excellence at Dubai Chambers; and Madhurima Nigam, Founder of Numen Rising.
The Excellence Awards 2026 is supported by gifting partner The White Company, entertainment partner Artist Related Group, and support partners Rouge and Bold Real Estate Development.
