She spearheaded a campaign that allowed labourers to enjoy the simple pleasures the city’s beaches provide.

CV: Maureen and the COEGA team manufacture stylish, sun-protective swimwear using Italian fabrics here in Dubai. Maureen also spearheaded the Drop Your Shorts For Good campaign, which provides swim shorts for labourers who would otherwise be banned from swimming at the city’s beaches.

Where it began: “I started COEGA Sunwear from my own home, selling to just one retail outlet, and I’ve watched it grow over the last 11 years to the point where we have thousands of items manufactured daily in Dubai.”

Proud moment: “My biggest achievement is taking COEGA Sunwear from a concept to where it is today; supplying more than 60 retail stores in the GCC, all while maintaining a happy home life.”

What winning means to me: “It would mean recognition for the hard work of everyone who helps to collect shorts for less well-off men and women of Dubai. Those that help me with the campaign are the real heroes.”

Photographed by: Farooq Salik  | Assisted by: Kristina Nabieva