The Takreem Foundation's spring gala held in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai. Thursday 15, May, 2025. (Credit: TAKREEM)
The TAKREEM Foundation illuminated the Godolphin Ballroom at Jumeirah Emirates Towers on May 15, with a remarkable fundraising gala held under the patronage of the UAE, its partners and its sponsors.
The evening brought together an array of dignitaries, philanthropists, cultural figures and changemakers to honor Arab excellence and support TAKREEM’s ongoing humanitarian mission.
Founded in 2010, TAKREEM Foundation was established to reshape the narrative of the Arab world, challenge misconceptions, and celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of Arab people across the globe. Since its inception, the Foundation has honored more than 150 remarkable individuals from nearly every Arab country, aiming to build bridges between East and West.
The 2025 Jury Board convened in Dubai to deliberate on this year’s laureates, including Hind Seddiqi, Dania Haffar Bazzy, Paula Al Askari, Fares Akkad, Mayada Himani, Ziad Al-Turki, Karim Abdel-Motaal, Ramez Shehadi, Khalid Janahi, Muna AbuSulayman, HE Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Salah Khalil and Jean Traboulsi.
The event also coincided with a pivotal announcement marking TAKREEM’s 15th anniversary: the introduction of a newly appointed Board of Trustees to guide the Foundation through its next chapter with enhanced governance, oversight and impact.
This assembly of leaders included Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Mr. Shwan Taha, Mrs. Asma Seddiq Al-Mutawa, Mrs. Alissar Nasr, Dr. Salwa Khoury, Mr. Khalid Janahi, Mrs. Diane Al Ghussein, Mr. Albert Momdjian, HE Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Salah Khalil, Mr. Amid Baroudi, Mrs. Hayat Shobokshi, Mr. Ziad Al-Turki, Mr. Samir Brikho, Mr. Emile Haddad and Mr. Hatem Dowidar.
Returning to Dubai after a decade, the city served as the perfect backdrop for a celebration of unity, heritage and innovation. The evening reflected TAKREEM’s evolution from an awards platform into a catalyst for change — one that not only honored excellence but mobilized resources to uplift communities in need. The gala reaffirmed the Foundation’s focus on humanitarian action, notably spotlighting its recent support of Lebanese students, struggling artists and under-resourced medical institutions.
In his keynote address, TAKREEM’s founder Ricardo Karam highlighted the Foundation’s growing commitment to direct support, stating, “It is through hope, action and unity that we will shape the brighter tomorrow we all envision.” His words resonated deeply with attendees, who were reminded of the power of collective compassion.
The evening also introduced two impactful partner organizations: Anta Akhi, which offered dignified care to people with disabilities in Lebanon, and INARA, an NGO providing urgent medical and psychological support to children affected by conflict and disaster. Proceeds from the gala were directed toward sustaining these vital efforts.
Following the gala, an online auction was launched in partnership with global stakeholders to raise additional funds. The auction offered guests and international supporters the chance to contribute meaningfully to TAKREEM’s expanding humanitarian projects.
As the night drew to a close, guests departed with a renewed sense of purpose. The 2025 gala reaffirmed TAKREEM Foundation’s unwavering mission: to amplify the voices of the Arab world, celebrate its changemakers, and invest in the well-being of its most vulnerable.