UAE’s Next Mastermind Awards honors global leaders in Dubai

The Next Mastermind Awards 2026 brought business, coaching, authorship and industry leaders together in Dubai on June 27 to recognize work in leadership, innovation, education and personal development. The event also launched a new book, featured a panel on lasting impact, and set a second awards date for Nov. 21 focused on healthcare, sports, technology, wellness and aesthetics.

Why it matters: - The Next Mastermind Awards is positioning itself as a cross-industry recognition platform for leaders and changemakers. - The event spotlighted leadership, innovation, education and personal development in a public setting with regional and international guests. - The awards also linked recognition with thought leadership, including a book launch and panel discussion.

What happened: - The Next Mastermind Awards 2026 took place on Saturday, June 27, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. - The event was founded by Dr. Mansoor Al Obeidli and co-founded by Dr. Navana Kundu. - Professionals from business, corporates, coaching and authorship joined industry pioneers and changemakers for the ceremony. - The program opened with a red-carpet reception, the UAE National Anthem and welcome remarks from Dr. Mansoor Al Obeidli. - H.E. Sheikha Dr. Ayesha Bint Saud Al Qassimi and Salma Saeed Salem Musallam Alkitbi attended as Chief Guests. - Guests of Honour included Rashad Haddad, Khaled Diab, Nidal Abou Zaki, Frank Beckmann, representatives from Gulf News, the Art of Living Foundation and Ms. Nasra Mohammed Ali.

The details: - Gulf News was recognized as the Official Event Partner. - Vijay Vaghela, Mark Thompson and Tina Bhaktha represented Gulf News at the ceremony. - The Art of Living Foundation was recognized as the Official Wellbeing Partner. - DP World ILT20 took part in a special recognition segment. - CEO David White and Head of Activations Arushi Mishra shared the league’s vision, commitment to grassroots cricket and plans for the upcoming season. - Special recognition awards went to H.E. Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Gulf News, Ajay Mathradas Khimji of the Art of Living Foundation, Sriman Japadas and Lalchand S. Rajput. - Sriman Japadas launched CHARM: The Five Elements of Lasting Wealth during the evening, followed by a ceremonial book signing with dignitaries and award recipients. - Keynote addresses came from Ajay Mathradas Khimji, Ery Sanchez, Salman Kafeel, Khaled Diab, Dr. Catherine O'Farrell and Mohammed Murtuza. - Khaled Diab moderated a panel with Frank Beckmann, Sriman Japadas, Maurits Mannaert and Laurens Mannaert. - Awards were presented across business, media, healthcare, education, coaching, entertainment, technology, fitness and literature. - Recipients included Hubert Sepidnam (Mr. Taster), Ebraheem Al Samadi, Abdu Rozik, Ahmed Ben Chaibah, Ahmad Almarzooqi, Faizan Khan, Henrietta Newton Martin, Hafsah Babirye, Sofia Ibrahim, Mohammed Murtuza, Karl-Alexandre Chiniara, WASAKA Musical singer Sajid Khan, Fahmil Khan, Pankaj Rangari, Dr. Rozhin Pahlevani, Lilya Hasbini, Misha Sharma Gambhir, Mariam Murtuza, Khushbu Chirag Jain, Salome Muhonja and Toby Ayres. - The evening ended with a networking dinner.

Between the lines: - The awards are broadening beyond a single sector and using partner recognition to build credibility across media, wellbeing and sports. - The mix of keynote speakers, panelists and honorees suggests the event is trying to frame awards as a platform for ideas, not only trophies. - The planned book launch and signing show the organizers are tying the brand to leadership content and professional development.

What's next: - The Next Mastermind Awards will continue on Nov. 21, 2026. - The November program will focus on Healthcare Leaders, Sports Leaders, Technology Leaders, Wellness Leaders and Aesthetic Leaders. - The next event suggests the awards will keep expanding into specialized categories and recurring industry showcases.