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KT+150 List Announced: Celebrating the UAE’s Most Inspiring Rising Talent

By GST Updated 2 min read

The KT+150 List has been revealed, celebrating 150 of the UAE’s most dynamic and innovative individuals who are shaping the country’s future.

An initiative launched by Khaleej Times, KT+150 is the first of its kind, created not simply to recognise achievement but to spotlight the people behind bold ideas, creative breakthroughs, and disruptive innovations that are redefining culture, business, technology, and design in the UAE and beyond. The list highlights 150 honourees across 15 different sectors, acknowledging those who are actively challenging convention and forging new paths in their fields.

Among those honoured are:

  • Tatum Greig (Media & Entertainment) – Founded Bees&Honey, a pioneer in influencer marketing and creative brand campaigns across the region.
  • Ayush Krishnan (Sports) – Ultramarathoner and mental health fundraiser using endurance racing to spotlight emotional wellbeing.
  • Ahmad Jaber (Real Estate) – CEO of Lacasa Living, leading bold developments in real estate.
  • Zubair Sarookh (Media & Entertainment) – Comedian and digital creator known for his relatable humour and social media reach.
  • Sara Aqel (Food) – The award-winning culinary mind behind Dara Dining.
  • Afrin Fathima Razvi (Education) – Driving innovation in academic integrity through AI-powered education tools.
  • Suhana Jethwani (Consumer Tech) – Founder of Artrepreneur, a growing platform for digital art sales in the GCC.
  • Najia Qazi (Social Impact) – Fashion-sustainability advocate raising awareness about circular design.
  • Karin Belbeisi (Sports) – Youngest Arab female swimmer to qualify for Paris 2024.
  • Sultan Khalifa (E-sports) – The UAE’s sim racing champion bridging the digital and physical world of motorsport.
  • Divya Rai (Health & Wellness) – Founder of ASWRA, a pioneering emergency wearable tech brand.
  • Srijan Shetty (Finance) – Co-founder of digital assets startup Fuze, redefining finance in the region.

Each individual was chosen through a thorough nomination and evaluation process led by an external jury of 15 respected industry figures, working alongside Khaleej Times’ editorial team. The judging panel brought together some of the UAE’s most influential voices across key sectors, including Mona Kattan, CEO of Kayali; Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder; Dr Waleed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Etihad Energy Services; and Mr Taster, internationally recognised food content creator, ensuring both local expertise and global outlook.

In October, KT+150 will be marked by an exclusive gathering for those featured, bringing honourees together with mentors, judges, and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to connection and celebration.

Positioned as one of the most ambitious recognition platforms of the year, the KT+150 List reflects the UAE’s growing commitment to elevating diverse talent, sparking dialogue, and accelerating innovation across multiple industries.

To view the complete list, visit https://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-150-2025

For interview opportunities, please contact omar.abdraboo@mslgroup.com

Reported by Stuart

Business and property: Dubai companies, deals and the property market

Stuart covers business and property for Dubai Week. He reports on Dubai and Gulf companies, their deals and results, and on the property market: sales figures, major transactions, new projects and the rules that affect buyers and investors. He also writes about technology firms expanding into the UAE, and about retail, hospitality and aviation where they bear on Dubai's economy. His reports centre on the figures, who is behind a deal and what it means for the market. Recent stories include the AED124m office sale at Vision Tower, Dubai South's May property sales and the 37% fall in UAE mergers and acquisitions.

Spotted an error? Email editor@dubaiweek.ae or read our corrections policy.

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