Online platform shines a much-needed spotlight on Abu Dhabi’s unsung heroes
[31.01.2026, Abu Dhabi, UAE] Abu Dhabi Review (ADR), the capital’s leading online lifestyle platform, proudly reveals the winners of its inaugural ADR Community Champions Awards, celebrating the individuals and grassroots initiatives making a meaningful difference across the capital’s communities.
Held at the rooftop venue of the stunning Madar 39 event space in Mina Zayed, the awards brought together community leaders, creatives, volunteers, educators and advocates whose work spans youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing, cultural heritage, inclusion and education.
The ADR Community Champions Awards recognise people who go above and beyond to strengthen social connection, inspire positive change and create lasting impact across the emirate.
Founded by Asha Sherwood, CEO of Abu Dhabi Review, the awards reflect a long-standing commitment to championing local voices and celebrating community-driven stories.
Asha says: “These awards are about recognising the people who quietly and consistently show up for others. Abu Dhabi is full of individuals who give their time, energy and skills to strengthen our communities, and this platform allows us to honour them, share their stories and say thank you.”
Winners and highly commended recipients were recognised across nine award categories, reflecting the diversity and depth of community initiatives across Abu Dhabi.
Highlights included initiatives focused on empowering women through inclusive spaces, using food, art and sport as tools for independence and wellbeing, advancing environmental action through education and collaboration, and providing long-term support for youth, families and underrepresented groups.
From volunteer-led rescue efforts and grassroots education programmes to sustainability hubs and mentoring platforms, the winners demonstrate how local action can create far-reaching social impact.
The ADR Community Champions Awards were supported by a group of local and regional brands aligned with ADR’s values of connection, wellbeing and community.
Guests enjoyed pizza and focaccia from sibling brands Marmellata and Barbassi, both known for bringing people together over quality, community-centric dining, alongside healthy treats from newly-launched MOOAH- the UAE’s first specialised parfait bar, offering healthy dining experiences. Beverages were supplied by Pink and Greens – a local brand which offers freshly pressed juices, while Lanjaron Arabia kept guests hydrated throughout the evening with its premium mineral water.
The Moments AD photo booth gave guests the chance to capture and take home special memories from the night.
Shortlisted nominees and award recipients will continue to receive exposure across Abu Dhabi Review’s platforms, helping to amplify their work and inspire others to get involved in community-focused initiatives.
“Being deeply integrated into the community has allowed Abu Dhabi Review to build trusted relationships with its audience,” Asha added.
“These awards are one way we can give back, celebrate those making a difference, and encourage more people to contribute to the collective wellbeing of the capital.”
Winners & Highly Commended Recipients
Innovation in Community Engagement Award
Winner: Chef Zulaika Namwase
Chef Zulaika Namwase was recognised for transforming traditional cooking classes into a powerful tool for empowerment and independence. Through the Becoming Cooking Training Class, participants gain not only culinary skills but transferable knowledge, confidence, and pathways to self-sufficiency. Designed to create long-term impact, the initiative enables participants to continue learning, earning, and even training others, strengthening individuals, families, and the wider community beyond the kitchen.
Highly Commended: Ozan Kara
Ozan Kara was highly commended for making science and space exploration accessible to young people across Abu Dhabi. While working professionally in advanced rocket system engineering, he dedicates his personal time to delivering educational workshops and talks for children and cultural centres. His sessions demystify space travel, astronaut life, and future possibilities such as living on Mars, inspiring curiosity and engagement in STEM among the next generation.
Outstanding Community Service Award
Winner: Simone Mazloumian – Eklektik Mama
Simone Mazloumian was honoured for redefining support for mothers in Abu Dhabi through BYOBaby™. Recognising the isolation many mums experience, she created inclusive, judgement-free spaces where mothers can rest, connect, and care for their wellbeing. From cinema mornings and supported fitness sessions to events with professional childcare, her initiative has grown into a thriving ecosystem of real-world and digital communities, fostering honest connection, confidence, and support for modern motherhood.
Highly Commended: Tracey Hughes – RAD Paws Up For Pets
Tracey Hughes was recognised for her tireless commitment to animal welfare across the UAE. Alongside full-time work, she dedicates her time and personal resources to rescuing, caring for, and rehoming abandoned cats and dogs. From covering veterinary and boarding costs to coordinating adoptions, her work is driven by compassion, persistence, and a deep sense of responsibility for animals with no other lifeline.
Health & Wellbeing Award
Winner: Ciara Whelan – Spicy Sundays
Ciara Whelan was awarded for creating a highly inclusive fitness-led community that supports women’s physical and mental wellbeing. Through Spicy Sundays, she transformed weekly workouts into a safe, encouraging environment where women of all abilities can build strength, confidence, and connection. With a strong focus on accessibility and affordability, the initiative has helped many women carry newfound confidence into their wider lives, families, and careers.
Highly Commended: Matthew Keating – The MVMT Academy
Matthew Keating was recognised for his impact on youth wellbeing through movement and mentorship. Through tailored strength and conditioning programmes, he has helped young people improve physical ability, confidence, focus, and mental resilience. Beyond this, he volunteers his time coaching teachers at Nord Anglia School, amplifying his impact by empowering educators to inspire the next generation.
Highly Commended: Donna Howarth
Donna Howarth was commended for creating a trusted support network for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. At a time when these topics were rarely discussed, she built a safe, informative community offering accurate guidance, expert connections, and personalised fitness programmes. Her work empowers women to build strength, confidence, and resilience during a life stage often overlooked.
Highly Commended: Seth Amoafo – PASS
Seth Amoafo was recognised for nearly two decades of using sport as a tool for inclusion, development, and opportunity in Abu Dhabi. Through football programmes, he has supported young people, People of Determination, and women athletes, fostering confidence and discipline. His contributions include engaging over 100,000 young people through the Special Olympics World Games and delivering free football sessions in low-income schools.
Volunteer Excellence Award
Winner: Mubarak Nsubuga
Mubarak Nsubuga was honoured for his consistent and wide-reaching volunteer service across the UAE. Since first volunteering at Expo 2020, he has supported community initiatives, cultural festivals, Ramadan programmes, and major sporting events. Working with organisations including Emirates Red Crescent, Ma’an, and Emirates Youth Foundation, he leads by example, encouraging others to volunteer and demonstrating how sustained commitment creates meaningful community impact.
Highly Commended: Ahmad Hiskol – Bluerex Offroad Rescue
Ahmad Hiskol was recognised for his voluntary off-road rescue work, assisting stranded families and injured trail users in extreme conditions. Beyond emergency response, he actively involves young people, teaching preparedness, responsibility, and service, helping to build a culture of safety and community support.
Youth Empowerment Award
Winner: Elizabeth “Ella” Prouty
Elizabeth “Ella” Prouty was awarded for her leadership in tackling food waste through a practical composting initiative within her school community. Demonstrating systems-level thinking at a young age, she educated students and staff on sustainability while exploring partnerships with local restaurants to extend impact beyond the school. Her work has inspired lasting behavioural change around environmental responsibility.
Cultural Heritage & Arts Award
Winner: Annunziata Tricarico
Annunziata Tricarico was recognised for using art as a platform for awareness, healing, and open dialogue around breast cancer. By sharing her personal experience through creative work, she has empowered others to reflect, engage, and speak openly about their own journeys. Her voluntary work and public campaigns demonstrate how creativity can drive understanding, courage, and meaningful community impact.
Social Inclusion & Diversity Award
Winner: Masooma Ajaz – Career Mentor UAE
Masooma Ajaz was honoured for her commitment to inclusion through free career mentoring and job-seeker support across the UAE. Providing CV guidance, interview preparation, and personalised advice, she has supported thousands of individuals during periods of uncertainty. Despite a large platform, she has chosen to operate entirely for community benefit, consistently showing up to restore confidence, direction, and opportunity.
Environmental & Sustainability
Winner: The Climate Tribe
The Climate Tribe was recognised for creating a collaborative sustainability hub in Mina Zayed that turns environmental awareness into action. Practising what they advocate, their space incorporates recycled materials throughout while hosting workshops, education sessions, and community initiatives. By bringing together individuals and organisations, they demonstrate how collective effort drives real environmental impact.
Highly Commended: Legha Tabrizi – Bloom Gardens Mini Farm
Legha Tabrizi was commended for transforming a small urban space into a vibrant community hub through the Bloom Gardens Mini Farm. The initiative brings together families, children, and seniors through hands-on gardening and sustainable farming, encouraging intergenerational learning, cultural exchange, and a deeper connection to nature.
Community Resilience Award
Winner: Beatrice Deleon
Beatrice Deleon was honoured for her unwavering support of the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi. Despite managing her own autoimmune condition, she has worked tirelessly to provide access to food, clothing, education, and care. Her leadership in building a Montessori school has expanded educational access for children, while her broader mission promotes love, compassion, and resilience during challenging times.
Education Impact Award
Winner: Yevheniy Semenov
Yevheniy Semenov was recognised for over a decade of volunteer-led work building community through education and culture. Through a free Ukrainian Saturday school, he supports children and families by preserving language, history, and values while fostering belonging. His initiatives also bring together people of different nationalities, strengthening social cohesion through education and cultural exchange.
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