Abu Dhabi recently hosted its inaugural TIME magazine celebration to honor the most influential individuals globally, featuring the participation of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Foreign Trade, alongside notable international business leaders and Jessica Sebley, the magazine’s CEO.
The purpose of these awards is to recognize leaders from around the world who have made significant impacts in their companies, sectors, or communities.
During the ceremony held on Saadiyat Island, four distinguished individuals were recognized: Alexis Ohanian, founder of Seven Seven Six and Athlos, and co-founder of Reddit; Jamie Salter, founder and CEO of Authentic Brands Group (ABG); Kate Kalout, founder and CEO of Amini Tech; and Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi commented, “The UAE, under the guidance of our wise leadership, has positioned prosperity as a driver for social progress, prioritizing investment in individuals and inspiring them to achieve ambitious accomplishments. Thus, Abu Dhabi was the ideal location to honor these influential individuals from around the globe, reflecting what positive interactions between human, technological, scientific, and social forces can achieve for humanity and fostering global advancement across all fields.”
He further noted that this steadfast approach by the UAE affirms that economic success can be a means to create prosperity and opportunities for all, a reality already manifested in the nation.
During the event, the four honorees spoke about leadership challenges and the importance of innovation and resilience. Alexis Ohanian highlighted investment opportunities in women’s sports as the next promising sector, while Kate Kalout focused on developing an AI system that serves the Global South.
Zak Brown discussed the demands of leading a team in Formula 1, whereas Jamie Salter emphasized that taking risks was key to building his global brand empire.
Alexis Ohanian stated, “Through Seven Seven Six and Athlos, I’ve learned to seek out opportunities that others overlook, and women’s sports represent a new frontier for business where we can create genuine value and substantial economic impact. Receiving this honor from TIME is significant recognition of our efforts to change the global perspective on investing in women’s sports as a promising and profitable market. I want to thank the UAE for hosting this acknowledgment as a model for how to recognize and develop global opportunities.”
Kate Kalout expressed, “This recognition from TIME affirms our mission to support over 300,000 small farmers, demonstrating that AI can be a force for equity and economic empowerment if designed to benefit local communities. I thank the UAE for its role as a bridge between the Global North and South and its vision of building technological infrastructure that serves everyone in line with our goal of ensuring that everyone benefits from advancements in AI, not just a select few.”
Zak Brown remarked, “Winning this award is a tremendous honor as it reflects the efforts of the entire McLaren team to bring the team back to the forefront of Formula 1. I am grateful to the UAE for hosting us in a nation that embodies our values of attracting top talent to achieve extraordinary results. My experience at McLaren Racing has taught me that my role is to assemble the right team and foster a culture that empowers exceptional individuals to excel on the track.”
Jamie Salter shared, “Building the Authentic Brands group has taught me that success is not a straight path, and sometimes risks lead to remarkable outcomes, evident in our global portfolio worth $32 billion. I take this opportunity to thank the UAE for providing an inspiring environment that embodies the spirit of innovation and global collaboration that we strive for.”
The ceremony was sponsored and supported by Capital.com, a global online trading platform recognized as one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in Europe, expanding its operations in the MENA region from the UAE, alongside NMDC, a leading regional provider of marine energy services, engineering, procurement, and construction that operates across the MENA region and South Asia.
Victor Prokopenya, founder of Capital.com, stated, “We are proud to celebrate leaders who have transformed ideas into tangible impact in their sectors and the lives of millions. The UAE has once again proven to be a destination for ambitious talents, thanks to an environment that rewards effort and innovation. At Capital.com, we share these inspiring figures’ vision of making complex systems more accessible and enabling individuals to take control of their futures. By combining the positive energy in this region with the leadership’s vision and the commitment of the honorees at this event, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient community prepared for the future.”
Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC, affirmed the group’s commitment to the concept of “guardian leadership,” which involves guiding, empowering, and safeguarding progress.
He stated, “The spirit of innovation and resilience we witnessed during this celebration reflects the values we uphold in the UAE and at NMDC, which include ambition, collaboration, and belief in a better future. These principles guide our work and contribute to building a world where ideas flourish and progress is shared by all.”