Her work supports international aid agencies in their work to help victims of humanitarian crises in the region.

CV: HE Shaima Al Zarooni is chief executive officer of the International Humanitarian City, a vast logistics hub established by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to support international aid agencies in their work to help victims of humanitarian crises in the region.

Where it began: HE graduated from Zayed University with a degree in Business Sciences, and went on to earn two Masters; one in international business and a second in public administration. She worked for the office of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein and in the office of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum prior to joining the Executive Council of Dubai.

Dreaming big: HE Shaima Al Zarooni’s influence extends to several major bodies within the UAE, including the Executive Office of the UAE National Olympic Committee and the DIHAD Scientific Advisory Board. She has also served as a judge on the prestigious Hult Prize Committee and acts as a mentor to students on the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Personal Development Programme.

What winning means to me: I hope that by winning this award I will be able to inspire women to reach up to the stars, but always ensure that their feet are on solid grounds.

Photographed by: Farooq Salik  | Assisted by: Kristina Nabieva