Global excellence takes centre stage in Dubai at ET Indo Global Leaders 2025

On August 6, Dubai’s iconic Al Habtoor Palace played host to ET Indo Global Leaders 2025, a flagship initiative by The Economic Times. The high-profile gathering brought together global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers for an evening dedicated to advancing cross-border collaboration, fostering innovation, and celebrating leadership excellence.

The programme opened with networking over tea, followed by a welcome address from H.E. Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of the Ajman Free Zone Authority. He remarked, “India–UAE ties are not just trade or diplomacy — they are family. Rooted in trust, built on shared dreams, and driven by visionary leaders, this bond is a bridge to a future where success is sweeter when shared, and greatness knows no borders.” His words set the tone for the evening, leading seamlessly into a keynote monologue by Manu Nair, CEO of EthrealX, who underscored the power of visionary leadership and the need for holistic ecosystem thinking.

The first panel, “Indo-Global Innovation Exchange”, featured voices from education, agri-tech, and finance, including Manish Nath Tiwari, Founder, Kea Solution Inc; M. Narasimha Murthy, Executive Vice Chairman, Arca Global Indian International School; CA Bidhu Bhusan Nayak, Noted Financial Advisor; and Pratik Jena, Managing Director, Highland Agro Food Pvt Ltd. The panel explored building future-ready, collaborative ecosystems. This was followed by a unique session by Master Vani Kabir titled “Ritual to Reality”, focusing on spiritual frameworks for modern leadership.

The next panel, “The Power of Partnerships: India & UAE as Strategic Growth Hubs”, featured dignitaries including Ismail Al Naqi; Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General, IBPC-Dubai; and Jigar Sagar, Serial Entrepreneur & Ecosystem Builder, who discussed the evolving economic synergies between the two nations.

The final panel, “Women Who Lead”, highlighted inspiring journeys of Indo-global women leaders such as Anooja Bashir, Founder & MD, Ourea; Genesis Velazco, Digital Creator; Tripti Shinghal Somani, Founder, Womennovator; and Master Vani Kabir, Founder, Vani Kabir Multiverse, showcasing leadership across borders. A brand showcase by Sajeev Nair, CEO of Vieroots, introduced wellness innovations designed for today’s global professionals.

The evening concluded with a grand felicitation ceremony, celebrating individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact through innovation, policy, and leadership.

The event was produced by Chic Events and Entertainment and supported by Womennovator as the Community Partner. The evening concluded with a curated supper and networking session, rounding off a powerful celebration of ideas, partnerships, and visionary leadership.

LIST OF RECIPIENTS

1. Akhilesh Sharma, Founder & CEO, Havendaxa Pvt Ltd. ‘Proptech Fintech Leader of the Year’

2. CA Bidhu Bhusan Nayak, Financial Advisor. ‘Trailblazing Excellence in Economic Strategy, Fiscal Planning and Corporate Advisory Services’

3. Alen John, Co-Founder & Managing Director, JW Marine Logistics. ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’

4. Amit Marwah, Chief Executive Officer, DAYIM TRUCKS. ‘Visionary Leadership in International Business’

5. Anooja Bashir, Founder & Managing Director, Ourea. /Trailblazer in Brand Strategy’

6. Anup Boppana, Director, Anvita Group. ‘Young Achiever in Real Estate’

7. Arhan Bagati, Founder-KYARI. ‘Excellence in Social Impact’

8. Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, Managing Director and CEO, SS Group Pvt. Ltd. ‘Excellence in Real Estate Development’

9. Ashutosh Behra & Kawaljeet Kaur, Business Head, One Source. ‘Innovator in Turnkey Infra Services Under One Roof’

10. Pratik Jena, Managing Director, Highland Agro Food Pvt. Ltd. ‘Entrepreneurial Visionary Leading a New-Age Global Agro Export Group’

11. CA Jyoti Prakash Mahapatra, Group Chief Financial Officer, Ruby Hall Clinic.‘Excellence in Financial Governance & Compliance’

12. OSL Group. ‘Innovation & Excellence in Maritime Industry’

13. D.Rajeshwar Reddy, Managing Director, Sanctus World School. ‘Excellent Emerging School- 21st Century Global Learning’

14. Dhruvv Chawla & Jugendra Singh, Founders, Molecule. ‘Trailblazers - Indo Global Restrobar’

15. Dr G Jegannathan, Executive Director, Ideal Flow Control Pvt Ltd. ‘Excellence in Innovative Engineering and Profound Technology in Value Repair and Maintenance’

16. Dr G Shunmuga Raja, Managing Director, Rightway Health International Pvt Ltd. ‘Excellence in Leading Network Marketing Company’

17. Dr Sajeev Nair, Founder Chairman, Vieroots Wellness Solutions. ‘Global Wellness Thought Leader’

18. Dr Ajayya Kumar, COO, Emircom LLC. ‘Excellence in Management, Arts, Culture & Literature’

19. Dr Dhiraj Jain, CEO, 1XL Infra & Real Estate Development LLC - Real Estate

20. Dr Mamata Dhiraj Jain, Managing Director, 1XL Infra & Real Estate Development LLC - Real Estate

21. Dr Mohan Chandar, Chairman, National Model Group of Schools. ‘Innovative School of the Year’

22. Harmeet Singh Malhotra, Managing Director, Today Logistics. ‘Excellence in Customs Clearance and International Logistics’

23. Hitesh Bang, Managing Director, Parampara - Flavours of India. ‘Leadership in Inspiring New-Age Veg Dining’

24. Jagriti Motwani, Founder, Cha-Chi PR & Bhagva. ‘Innovator of the Year- Spiritual Tech’

25. Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India. ‘Most Influential Music and Entertainment Brand of the Year’

26. Jayachandran Nair R, CEO, Trenser Technology Solutions (P) Ltd. ‘Excellence in Digital Product Engineering’

27. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ). ‘Most Business-Friendly Industrial Free Zone of the Year’

28. Khaja Yousufuddin, Owner, Spice 6 - The Arab Villagio. ‘Trailblazer in International Cuisine – Arabian & Mediterranean’

29. KM Noorden, Chairman, Ocean Rubber Factory. ‘Leading Manufacturer in Industrial Rubber Solutions – Middle East’

30. Luthfullah Kadher Basha, Director - Casagrand Dubai Zone. ‘Excellence in Real Estate Innovation & Urban Living’

31. M Narasimha Murthy, Executive Vice Chairman, Arca Global Indian International School Hyderabad. ‘Outstanding Contribution to Indian Schooling’

32. Manish Khurana, Founder, Innovations Venture Studio and LMD2 Capadvisors. ‘Disruptive VC of the Year’

33. Manish Nath Tiwari, Founder, KeaBuilder. ‘Most Innovative Product of the Year’

34. Manoj Jindal, Founder, Dzylo (Virtuate Technologies Private Limited). ‘Interior & Construction Technology’

35. Manu Nair, Co-Founder & CEO, EthrealX. ‘Innovation & Excellence in Space Tech’

36. Master Vani Kabir, Founder, Vani Kabir Multiverse Pvt Ltd. ‘Master Global Healer 2025’

37. Meenavalli Krishna Mohan, Founder & CFO, String Metaverse. ‘Leading Web3 Company’

38. Moksha Yadav, Managing Director, The Moksh International School. Excellence in Education’

39. Pooja Chopra, Managing Director, Felix Impex & PNA Origine. ‘Visionary Business Leader - Women Empowerment & Design Innovation’

40. Pradeep Kumar V, Managing Director, Trenser Technology Solutions (P) Ltd.Excellence in Digital Product Engineering’

41. Preet Sandhu, Managing Director, AVPL. ‘Tech Entrepreneur of the Year’

42. Rajat Kumar Pruthi, CEO, International Security Organisation, ISO Group of Companies. ‘Security & Facility Management’

43. Reshma Bhaskaran & Sarath Mohanan, Co-Founders, Cornerstone Middle East. ‘Infrastructure Asset Performance Services’

44. Ena Kandhari, Chief Designer & Founder. ‘Excellence in Fine Jewellery’

45. Sanjay Lingadalli, Managing Director, Ven Consulting Pvt. Ltd. ‘Resource Augmentation Success Partner’

46. Saurabh Luthra, Chairman/Founder, Being Bharat Romeo Lane Hospitality LLP - F&B Business

47. Shweta Roy, Founder & Director, SR Queens Media Pvt Ltd. ‘Empowering Women Entrepreneurs & Redefining Pageantry with Purpose’

48. Sujit Routray, Co-Founder & CEO, Nyukt.ai. ‘Excellence in Deep Tech Innovation & Applied Research’

49. Subhash Chandra Sehgal, Founder & Chairman, Ozone Pharmaceutical. ‘Excel in Qualinomic Range of Cardio-Diabetic and Pain Management’

50. Acharya Vinod Kumar, World renowned Vedic Visionary. ‘Spiritual Guide & Philanthropic Leader’

51. Bawarchi, Legendary Food Brand – Biryani Innovation & Legacy

52. Sanjay Kantilal Sawant, Director, Ashoka Sthapatya Limited (ASL). ‘Excellence in Complex Construction & Infrastructure Development’

53. Anand Gadekar, MD & CEO, Efficient Fire & Security Solutions Ltd. ‘Emerging Leader in Fire Safety’

54. Shaktivel K, CEO & Co-Founder, Henox IT and Datacenters Pvt. Ltd - Excellence in Digital Infrastructure Development

55. Air Touch V5 - Smart Air Purifier, Honeywell. ‘Top Rated Air Purifier of the Year’

56. Advocate CA Harsh Patel, Founder & CEO, Water and Shark. Global Legal Visionary in Asset Protection & International Tax’

57. Parveen Singhal, CEO, Lexus, New Delhi. ‘Excellence in Luxury Automotive Retail’

58. Pooja Gogia, Director, Shakkar. ‘Pioneer in Curated Indian Sweets and Bespoke Gifting Experiences’

59. Yuvaraj S, CEO, Alok Infotech