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© 2025 Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award

Celebrating Business Impact

Be recognised for the results you deliver. The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award highlights organisations and individuals that move markets, create jobs, build capability and strengthen communities in Abu Dhabi.

About

Why SKEA
matters to you?

The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award is Abu Dhabi’s leading impact award. If your work delivers measurable outcomes for the economy and society, SKEA helps you turn that measurable contributions into market access, investor confidence and partnerships.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Chamber

Run by the Abu Dhabi Chamber since 1999, SKEA is a practical tool to help you grow. Awardees gain introductions to buyers and investors, stronger positioning with customers and regulators, and credibility that opens doors in Abu Dhabi and abroad.

We proudly honour the values of the exceptional leader whose name the Award bears, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. SKEA carries forward a national commitment to progress first set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Khalifa advanced that founding vision, enabling the nation to reach for space, set global benchmarks and become a model of sustainable development. SKEA recognises impact that serves people, enterprise and the future, and invites the private sector to build on this legacy with measurable results for Abu Dhabi.

Falcon Economy

Celebration of the "Falcon Economy"

Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy is accelerating. Non-oil sectors are expanding, innovation is scaling and opportunity is growing. SKEA shines a light on the companies and leaders driving that momentum, and helps them go further.

Building on twenty five years of trust, SKEA now advances a clear vision that puts impact before process. It recognises outcomes and helps you scale what works through access to Startegic partners, investors and markets. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, SKEA fosters innovation and sustainable development while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global model of progress.

Over the years we have celebrated companies and leaders whose measurable results improved lives and strengthened Abu Dhabi. Their success shows that SKEA turns impact into visibility, investor confidence and access to new markets, creating a clear path applicants can follow and scale.

SKEA Awardees

VIAI Technologies VIAI Technologies
VIAI Technologies

Focus: Deep-tech UAE company building an integrated AI ecosystem for preventive healthcare and human performance through smart AI glasses, an AI health mirror, and the world’s first semi-autonomous AI clinic.

Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital
Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital

Focus: Abu Dhabi-based comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, specializing in post-acute rehabilitation, long-term and complex care.

Gulf Extrusion Automotive & Industries Gulf Extrusion Automotive & Industries
Gulf Extrusion Automotive & Industries

Focus: UAE-based advanced manufacturer delivering precision aluminium solutions for global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers across the automotive, aerospace, defence, marine, energy, and industrial sectors.

Al Nakheel Hygienic Paper Mfg Al Nakheel Hygienic Paper Mfg
Al Nakheel Hygienic Paper Mfg

Focus: UAE manufacturing arm of Fine Hygienic Holding – industrial-scale tissue and hygienic paper products distributed across GCC, MENA, Europe and beyond.

Kanoo Energy Kanoo Energy
Kanoo Energy

Focus: Regional energy services and solutions provider – engineering, procurement and technical services for oil & gas, power, utilities and industrial sectors.

Circa Biotech Circa Biotech
Circa Biotech

Focus: Abu Dhabi-based bio and circular economy company using Black Soldier Fly insect bioconversion to transform organic food waste into insect protein, sustainable aviation fuel feedstock, and organic fertilizer.

Low Calories Restaurants Low Calories Restaurants
Low Calories Restaurants

Focus: UAE-born healthy F&B brand offering fresh, diet-focused meals challenging the perception that nutritious food lacks taste.

Archireef Archireef
Archireef

Focus: Restoration of marine ecosystems, particularly through innovative technologies designed to enhance coral reef health.

Shorooq PartnersShorooq Partners
Shorooq Partners

Focus: Venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan.

VChargeVCharge
VCharge

Focus: Renewable Energy Integration: Solar to battery storage systems then to EV chargers.

Joud CoffeeJoud Coffee
Joud Coffee

Focus: Abu Dhabi-based specialty coffee brand focused on locally roasted coffee, handcrafted food, and community-driven café experiences.

Pure Harvest FarmsPure Harvest Farms
Pure Harvest Farms

Focus: Transforming agriculture in Abu Dhabi with advanced technology to grow fresh, sustainable produce in the desert.

Hamda Al FahimHamda Al Fahim
Hamda Al Fahim

Focus: Fashion Haute Couture, Bridal, and Ready-to-Wear collections.

Union Copper Rod LLCUnion Copper Rod LLC
Union Copper Rod LLC

Focus: Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer specializing in premium copper wire rods for the cable and electrical industries.

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What is Impact?

Economic Impact

Economic Impact

Jobs created and people upskilled in Abu Dhabi.
Productivity gains, market expansion and profitable growth.
Technology adopted or developed that improves efficiency and quality.
Local sourcing, supplier development and resilient value chains.
Eco-Social Impact

Eco-Social Impact

Lower emissions, resource efficiency and sustainable operations.
Better quality of life through education, health and community programmes.
Ethical governance, inclusion and responsible practice.
Investments in talent pipelines and innovation ecosystems.

Impact Areas

We assess impact across seven themes. You do not need to score highly on all seven; strong performance in your strengths can set you apart.

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Talent

Expanding Abu Dhabi’s human capital through continuous learning, leadership development, and workforce empowerment that drive productivity, innovation, and sustainable impact.

Talent

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Technology

Digital adoption, data use and innovation that improve outcomes.

Technology

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Community & Society

Inclusion, responsibility and long-term resilience

Community & Society

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SME Champions

How you enable SMEs to scale and diversify the economy.

SME Champions

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Exports

New markets entered, export growth and international partnerships.

Exports

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Supply Chains

Resilient, efficient and locally integrated supply chains.

Supply Chains

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Entrepreneurship

Creation and scaling of new ventures and business models.

Entrepreneurship

Eligibility

Choose the pathway that fits you. If in doubt, our team will guide you.

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Corporates

Large privately owned company that operates with a formal structure and a focus on business goals

  • Min 5 years since establishment
  • Exceed SME thresholds (200+ employees and 200-250m+ AED)
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Family Businesses

Businesses owned & managed by single family members across multiple generations

  • Min 10 years since establishment
  • Evidence of Family Business registration

SMEs

Micro, small and medium size enterprises defined by the number of employees or annual revenue depending on the sector

  • Min 3 years since establishment
  • Qualify under Abu Dhabi’s SME thresholds
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Startups & Scaleups

Companies aiming to disrupt existing markets or create entirely new ones

  • Min 3 years since establishment
  • Demonstrate proven novel business/technology, evidence of funding or y-o-y growth
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Individuals

Individuals that significantly improve or change existing systems or industries (only by nominations of ADDED++ ecosystem)

  • Tangible contribution to Abu Dhabi economy

How to Apply?

Follow these simple steps to submit your application for the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award

Step 1

Check Your Eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your organization or individual profile meets the requirements for participation in the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award.

Step 2

Create Your Profile

Register on the SKEA portal and select your applicant type (corporate, SME, startup, family business, or individual). Complete your basic details to activate your account.

Step 3

Tell your impact story

Fill in all survey questions accurately and upload the required supporting documents. These materials will help the SKEA team verify your eligibility and evaluate your submission.

Step 4

Submit and Confirm

Once all sections are completed, submit your application. You will receive an on-screen and email confirmation acknowledging your successful submission.

What is next?

The award process follows a structured and transparent approach

Evaluation

Your submission will be reviewed by independent evaluators and judges using the SKEA Impact Model, ensuring fair and transparent evaluation.

Impact Interviews

Shortlisted applicants join an impact interview to highlight their measurable contributions to Abu Dhabi's community and economy.

Results & Ceremony

Awardees are celebrated at the SKEA Recognotion Ceremony, recognizing exceptional impact generated across sectors.

What you gain?

Business meeting

Visibility with decision makers in government and industry

Modern technology

Stronger credibility with customers, lenders and investors

Crowded street

Access to Abu Dhabi Chamber programmes, trade missions and networks

Market stalls

Support to codify what works and replicate success across markets

Industrial equipment

A recognised seal that strengthens bids, procurement and registrations

SKEA Board of Trustees

The governance dimension within SKEA connects the government ecosystem with private sector leadership, promoting shared responsibility and strategic alignment for Abu Dhabi’s development

H.E. Saeed Al Fahim
Honorary Chairman
H.E. Saeed Al Fahim
H.E. Dr. Yasir Al Naqbi
Chairman
H.E. Dr. Yasir Al Naqbi
H.E. Badr Al Olama
Vice Chairman
H.E. Badr Al Olama
H.E. Mouza Al Nasri
Board Member
H.E. Mouza Al Nasri
H.E. Ahmad Al Mosa
Board Member
H.E. Ahmad Al Mosa
H.E. Marwa Al Mansoori
Board Member
H.E. Marwa Al Mansoori
H.E. Noor AI Tamimi
Board Member
H.E. Noor AI Tamimi

Find answers on eligibility, evidence requirements, confidentiality, timelines and what winners and finalists receive.

Here is everything you need to know about the application process to get started. To know more please contact us

The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) is a premier national impact-driven award, recognizing outstanding contribution and impact the companies and individuals have generated for the economy and society of Abu Dhabi under the patronage of the late H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Any company or individual operating in Abu Dhabi that meets the eligibility criteria can apply for the SKEA Award.

You can apply through our online portal by filling out the application form and submitting the required documentation.

No, there is no application fee. The SKEA Award application process is completely free of charge.

The questions cover your organization's and individual's profile, talent development, supply chains, technology, exports, entrepreneurship, sustainability practices, and overall impact on Abu Dhabi's economy.

You will need to prepare relevant business documents, financial statements, sustainability reports, and supporting evidence for your achievements.

Applications are evaluated by an independent panel of experts based on specific criteria including impact, innovation, and contribution to Abu Dhabi's economy.

Submit Your Query

Impact begins with connection

Contact

EMAIL

info@skea.ae

PHONE

+971800555

LOCATION

Abu Dhabi Chambers, UAE