Eminent Emiratis, Pakistanis honored at People Awards

By Rajive Singh

Palazzo Versace Hotel

DUBAI 13 April 2019: Some of the top names in the Emirati and Pakistani communities were recognized for their achievements in leadership and contribution to creating job opportunities for people of all cultures in the UAE and Pakistan.

The annual People Awards by the Pakistani Executives Organization for Promotion of Leadership & Entrepreneurship (People ) was held at the Palazzo Versace in collaboration with Dubai-based international venture capital company ASA Ventures and global legal firm DWF.

Founded in 2011, People , a voluntary, not-for-profit organization has helped create networks and strengthen ties not only among professionals of Pakistani heritage, but also between the Emirati and Pakistani sectors.

The UAE Minister of Tolerance, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chief guest, acknowledged “how close business relations between the UAE and Pakistan promote respect, understanding, and appreciation for each other”. He also helped award the nine outstanding Emiratis and Pakistanis, all of whom have positively influenced society through their achievements in business leadership, media, humanitarian contribution, and women empowerment.

Some of the awardees include Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares; Suhail Galadari, director of Galadari Brothers Co; Haji Muhammad Iqbal, chairman of ARY Network; Maaz Sheikh, co-founder and CEO of Starz Play; and Raja Al Mazrouie, executive vice president of FinTech Hive at DIFC. One special category was awarded to Muhammad Haseeb Ur Rehman, a blue-collar worker of Pakistani descent. He received the Most Aspiring Employee of the Year award after topping his English language classes provided for free by SmartLife Foundation.

Kashif Khan, founder and president of People, said that Pakistan is entering into a “revolutionary phase with better governance” and emphasized that now is the time “to convert challenges into opportunities”. Danish Rizvi, COO of ASA Ventures and People Dubai chapter head, stated that the firm’s plan to invest further in Pakistan is part of “the vision to create an ecosystem driving businesses and economic growth with sustainable employment”.