SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has become a platform that celebrates organisations creating lasting impact.
Winners of the 22nd edition of the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award were honoured during a ceremony at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
It recognised organisations and individuals driving excellence, innovation and sustainable impact across Abu Dhabi's private sector. Established by the Abu Dhabi Chamber in 1999 and named after the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the award has grown into one of the UAE's leading national programmes.
Under its updated framework, the award evaluated impact across seven key areas: talent, technology, community and society, SME champions, supply chains, exports and entrepreneurship.
Speaking to Aletihad, Marwa Al Mansoori, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "The award highlights organisations that invest in people, build capabilities, embrace innovation and create real value for society and the economy. Excellence is not a destination, it is a mindset."
Al Mansoori added that the Abu Dhabi Chamber remains committed to strengthening a culture of excellence and supporting businesses on their growth journey.
"With the support of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, we remain committed to advancing this journey by empowering businesses, encouraging continuous improvement and strengthening a culture of excellence across the private sector."
Also speaking to Aletihad, several award winners shared the innovations, achievements and business milestones that earned them this recognition.
Abdulla AbuEbeid, Co-Founder and CEO of VIAI Technologies, whose company was recognised for developing an integrated ecosystem combining edge AI, wearable technology and the world's first semi-autonomous AI-powered clinic, described the award as both an honour and a motivation.
"We are really proud and honoured to be recognised as one of the winners of the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award," he said.
VIAI Technologies is a deep-tech company focused on building the intelligence layer for human performance.
"Our ecosystem combines AI coaching with smart glasses that help athletes train in real time by displaying their performance metrics directly in their field of vision. We are also transforming healthcare from a reactive to a preventive model by developing the world's first semi-autonomous AI clinic," he explained.
He said the recognition motivates the company to keep innovating while representing the UAE through excellence.
"Carrying the name of Sheikh Khalifa is a great honour, and it inspires us to build more, innovate more and contribute even further." On supporting the UAE's vision, he added: "Today, the UAE is a global leader in AI, and its leadership continues to invest in youth empowerment, artificial intelligence and healthcare. That is exactly what we are building."
For Nasser Al Massabi, Founder and CEO of Low Calories Restaurant LLC, the award marks a milestone in a decade-long entrepreneurial journey that has transformed a single restaurant in Abu Dhabi into an international brand.
"I am truly delighted to receive this award. For me, the most memorable moment was meeting His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and receiving the award from him. It was an indescribable feeling."
Reflecting on the company's mission, Al Massabi said Low Calories is about more than healthy food, positioning itself as a partner in promoting healthier lifestyles across the community.
"Low Calories is more than just a healthy restaurant; we see ourselves as part of the community. This recognition comes after 10 years of hard work. We started Low Calories with a single branch in Abu Dhabi, and today we have expanded to 11 countries with more than 60 branches."
Samir Masoud, UAE Supply Chain and Operations Director and Technical Director at Fine Hygienic Holding, representing Nakheel Hygienic Paper Manufacturing, said receiving the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award highlights years of commitment to excellence.
"Receiving the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award is a great source of pride and honour. It reflects our strong commitment to organisational excellence and continuous improvement."
Masoud said people remain the driving force behind every achievement, crediting employees for building a culture of teamwork and excellence.
"Our employees are the most important factor behind our success. Their dedication, passion and teamwork have been the foundation of our achievements."