UOWD Alumni Reunion & Awards Ceremony 2024: Honoring Inspiring Journeys and Strengthening Connections

Thursday, 12 December, 2024

The UOWD Alumni Reunion & Awards Ceremony 2024 celebrated the accomplishments of graduates who have made significant impacts in their fields and communities, while also serving as a global reunion for the wider alumni network. This year’s event elevated the traditional awards ceremony into a broader celebration, uniting alumni from across the globe in a truly inclusive and memorable occasion.

The expanded format brought together not only award recipients and finalists but also the wider alumni community, fostering connections and celebrating shared achievements. Alumni, faculty, and special guests, including UOW Chancellor Michael Still, UOWGE Group CEO and Managing Director Marissa Mastroianni, and UOWGE Chairman John Green, gathered to honor the winners and finalists for their remarkable contributions.

Reflecting on the spirit of the evening, Professor Salem said:

"The Alumni Awards are more than a recognition of achievement; they are a tribute to the journeys that define success. Our alumni are changemakers, innovators, and community builders, and tonight, we celebrate not just their accomplishments but the values they carry forward into the world."

2024 Award Winners

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the award recipients. Each winner brought their own unique story of hard work, ambition, and impact:

• Professional Excellence Award: Johnny Abou Karam, Managing Director & VP of International Emerging Regions, Veritas Technologies LLC (Class of 2006)
  Johnny’s leadership has shaped international business operations, earning him recognition as one of Forbes’ Top 100 Executives in the Middle East.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award: Tariq Abu Samra, Founder & Managing Partner, BloomingBox (Class of 2010)
  Tariq turned BloomingBox into one of the UAE’s top gifting platforms, demonstrating what persistence and innovation can achieve in a competitive market.
• Young Alumni Award: Adam Ahsan, Lead Software Engineer, FortyGuard (Class of 2023)
  Adam’s cutting-edge projects, including a temperature-based operating system, have earned global attention from companies like Nvidia and Google.
• Social Impact Award: Dr Faraj Almehairbi, International Aid Unit Head, Emirates Red Crescent (Class of 2019)
  Dr Faraj’s humanitarian efforts have brought healthcare access and disaster relief to communities in need, showcasing the power of social responsibility.
• Inspiring Women Award: Engineer Amal Abdulrahim, Director of Strategy and Future, Ministry of Education (Class of 2013)
  Amal’s work in education strategy has driven progress in the UAE and inspired future generations of female leaders.

The awards are a reflection of the strength and diversity of the UOWD alumni network. Throughout the evening, stories of perseverance and achievement highlighted how UOWD alumni continue to drive change and contribute to their communities.

Adam Ahsan, who received the Young Alumni Award, spoke about the collective nature of his success:

"This award isn’t just about my work—it’s about the people I’ve worked with, the community I’ve been part of, and the opportunities I’ve had. It’s a reminder to keep pushing forward, not just for myself but for those who’ve supported me."

For Engineer Amal Abdulrahim, the Inspiring Women Award was a testament to the opportunities available to women in the UAE:

"This award reflects not just my journey but the opportunities given to us as Emirati women. It’s a celebration of the support that enables us to lead and make a difference. I hope it inspires others to pursue their goals without hesitation."

The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City, Grand Hyatt, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, Orient Travel and Ishraq Hospitality, Holiday Inn, Gates Hospitality, and Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments. Their contributions played a key role in elevating the celebration, including the exciting raffle draw that delighted attendees.

As the event concluded, the focus was not just on individual success but on the collective impact of a global alumni network. These stories serve as an inspiration to current students, recent graduates, and alumni alike, emphasising the importance of staying connected and supporting one another.