Inspired by 1971, the founding year of the United Arab Emirates, The Emirates 71 is a special editorial initiative by Emirates Insight, celebrating people whose ideas, businesses, and contributions are making a meaningful difference.
100% Free Nomination · No publication fee
What is The Emirates 71?
The Emirates 71 is an honorary digital publication by Emirates Insight, a UAE-focused business and insights magazine covering entrepreneurship, markets, technology, innovation, and leadership.
The initiative recognises individuals who are building businesses, creating opportunities, introducing new ideas, and contributing to the UAE's growing business ecosystem.
From independent professionals and first-time founders to experienced entrepreneurs and established business leaders, we believe meaningful contributions deserve recognition.
The Emirates 71 is not an award, competition, or paid recognition programme. It is an independent editorial feature highlighting selected individuals and their professional journeys. The final edition will feature up to 71 individuals selected through an editorial review process.
Who can be nominated?
The Emirates 71 welcomes nominations from across the UAE's diverse business community, including:
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
- Startup founders and co-founders
- Solopreneurs and independent business professionals
- Freelancers building established businesses or ventures
- CEOs, managing directors, and business leaders
- Technology innovators and startup builders
- Investors and business ecosystem contributors
- Social entrepreneurs and community-focused business leaders
Individuals from all nationalities are welcome, provided they have a meaningful professional or business connection to the UAE.
You do not need to own a large company, manage hundreds of employees, or have achieved national recognition to be considered. What matters is your work, professional journey, contribution, and demonstrated impact.
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone can nominate an eligible individual. You may nominate:
- Yourself through self-nomination
- Your business partner or co-founder
- A colleague or professional connection
- An entrepreneur or business leader you admire
- A founder or independent professional whose work deserves recognition
Self-nominations are welcome and receive the same consideration as nominations submitted by others. There is no requirement for an invitation, recommendation from an influential person, or membership in any organisation.
Why be featured in The Emirates 71?
Being selected for The Emirates 71 offers an opportunity to share your professional journey with a wider audience.
Editorial recognition
Be included in a special digital edition of Emirates Insight celebrating UAE-based entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders.
Professional visibility
Introduce your work, business, and contributions to readers interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
A shareable digital feature
Selected individuals will be featured in the official Emirates 71 digital publication, which they can share with their professional networks.
Personal and business credibility
An independent editorial feature can help communicate your professional journey, achievements, and contributions.
Discoverability and connections
Become part of a curated collection of individuals contributing to the UAE's business ecosystem.
Recognition does not guarantee business opportunities, partnerships, or commercial results.
Is there any nomination or publication fee?
No. The Emirates 71 is completely free to enter and be featured in. There is:
- No nomination fee
- No application fee
- No selection fee
- No fee for inclusion in the final Emirates 71 digital publication
Neither self-nomination nor nomination by another person requires payment. Selection is based on editorial evaluation, not financial contributions, advertising purchases, or sponsorships.
How are individuals selected?
All eligible nominations are reviewed by the Emirates Insight editorial team. The evaluation considers factors such as:
- Professional achievements and demonstrated progress
- Entrepreneurship, leadership, and initiative
- Innovation and problem-solving
- Business, industry, or community contribution
- Professional credibility and supporting evidence
- Meaningful connection and contribution to the UAE
The editorial team may conduct independent research, verify submitted information, and contact nominees for additional details. Submitting a nomination does not guarantee inclusion. The final selection will feature up to 71 individuals, presented without numerical ranking.
Areas of recognition
The Emirates 71 welcomes individuals working across the UAE economy, including:
Tech, AI and Digital
Software, AI, SaaS, platforms, cybersecurity, telecom, data.
Finance, Fintech and Investment
Banking, insurance, VC, PE, crypto, payments, wealth management.
Infrastructure and Mobility
Real estate, construction, logistics, transport, aviation, energy infrastructure.
Consumer Retail and Lifestyle
Retail, e-commerce, F&B, fashion, beauty, hospitality, tourism, luxury, creator economy.
Health and Education
Healthcare, biotech, pharma, medtech, education, edtech, training.
Impact and Sustainability
Climate, renewables, nonprofits, social enterprise, ESG, circular economy.
These categories are intended to provide broad representation and do not restrict nominations from other relevant sectors.
Important dates
- Sunday 6 December 2026, 11:59 PM UAE time — nominations close.
- December 2026 — editorial review and verification.
- On or before 25 December 2026 — final publication of The Emirates 71. The publication timeline is indicative and subject to the completion of editorial review and verification.
Nominate someone making a difference
Every business has a story. Every entrepreneur has a journey. And behind meaningful progress are people whose efforts deserve to be seen.
Whether you are building a startup, running your own small business, leading an organisation, or know someone making a positive contribution, we welcome your nomination.
Nominate yourself or someone you knowFree nomination · Open to eligible individuals of all nationalities across the UAE
About Emirates Insight
The Emirates 71 is an independent editorial initiative by Emirates Insight, a digital business and insights magazine covering the UAE and wider GCC. Through stories, interviews, analysis, and special editorial features, Emirates Insight explores the people, businesses, and ideas shaping the region's future.
The Emirates 71
Inspired by 1971. Dedicated to the people shaping tomorrow.
Editorial independence and publication disclaimer
The Emirates 71 is an independent, honorary digital editorial initiative by Emirates Insight. It is not an award, competition, government recognition programme, or official endorsement.
Nominations and inclusion in the final publication are completely free of charge. Submission of a nomination does not guarantee selection, publication, or any other benefit.
Emirates Insight reserves the right, at its editorial discretion, to review, verify, accept, reject, or withdraw nominations, and to amend selection criteria, timelines, categories, or the number of individuals featured.
We may postpone, suspend, modify, or cancel any edition or publication due to insufficient eligible nominations, verification concerns, operational limitations, legal or regulatory requirements, or other reasonable circumstances.
Emirates Insight also reserves the right to correct, update, remove, or withdraw any published profile or recognition if information is found to be inaccurate, misleading, unverifiable, or inconsistent with our editorial standards.
All editorial decisions remain with Emirates Insight. Nomination or selection does not create a contractual entitlement to publication, continued inclusion, or compensation.
The Emirates 71 is independently organised by Emirates Insight and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the UAE Government or any government authority unless expressly stated.
