The Abu Dhabi Awards has dedicated space within the exhibition to spotlight Emirati women who have made significant contributions across sectors including healthcare education and social development according to the Emirates News Agency. The 23rd edition of ADIHEX organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Emirates Falconers Club spans 107000 square metres with 2405 brands from 71 countries an increase from the previous year the organiser reported. Activities at the venue include displays of past award recipients stories and opportunities for visitors to learn about nomination processes for future honorees.
Abu Dhabi Awards launched in 2005 under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has recognised more than 100 individuals from 18 nationalities for selfless service to the community an Abu Dhabi Awards assessment found. Recipients receive the Abu Dhabi Medal through a resolution issued by the Ruler of Abu Dhabi with selections based solely on impact rather than volume of nominations the programme guidelines state. Past female Emirati honorees have included pioneers in medicine and advocates for people with disabilities whose work continues to influence national progress.
The timing coincides with heightened national focus on women’s empowerment as Abu Dhabi Registration Authority figures show 3058 new economic licences issued to Emirati businesswomen in the first half of 2026. That total reflects a 6.4 percent rise from 2873 licences in the same period of 2025 with creative Mobdea licences growing 10.1 percent the authority reported. Such growth aligns with the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031 advanced under the leadership of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
ADIHEX 2026 held under the theme A Legacy of Pride extends for 10 days for the first time and incorporates 15 specialised sectors covering hunting equestrian and outdoor activities ADNEC Group said. Eight falcon auctions and participation from 55 falcon farms representing a 20 percent increase from 2025 further illustrate the event scale the organiser noted. The exhibition provides a platform where awards programming intersects with cultural heritage to emphasise women’s roles in preserving and advancing UAE traditions.
Parallel initiatives across Abu Dhabi reinforce the message of women’s leadership with the 10th Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award opening nominations earlier this year according to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. That programme offers AED2.1 million in prizes across eight categories and received 325 applications in its previous edition including 93 from Emirati participants the council reported. The Remarkable Emirati Women summit held in January 2026 honoured 62 graduates from a leadership programme that has expanded its third cohort to 120 participants under the same high patronage.
Nominations for the next Abu Dhabi Awards cycle remain open with the programme stressing that one submission is sufficient for consideration regardless of the nominee age nationality or location of their work the official guidelines indicate. Community members are encouraged to submit stories of individuals whose actions have improved lives in Abu Dhabi and beyond without expectation of personal gain. The integration at ADIHEX aims to reach thousands of visitors and inspire further acts of service throughout the UAE.
