The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the opening of applications for the 22nd cycle of the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA).
Established as one of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s most respected platforms for business impact, SKEA celebrates enterprises and leaders whose work delivers measurable outcomes for Abu Dhabi’s economic strength, social prosperity, and global competitiveness. The award highlights performance that expands markets, creates quality employment, advances technology adoption, develops Emirati talent, and strengthens community value, reinforcing the emirate’s global competitiveness.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Guided by the values of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and inspired by the founding vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, SKEA honours positive impact that serves people, enterprise, and the nation’s future. It is a practical instrument of the Chamber’s mandate to open doors for our private sector, build productive partnerships, and expand market access to new opportunities at home and abroad. This latest cycle is the continuation of an important journey that tells a story of impact, vision, and of an enduring legacy.
“At ADCCI, we engage the business community through world class services and platforms that turn achievement into advantage. SKEA is central to this effort. By placing outcomes at the centre, it helps businesses scale what works, compete with confidence, and contribute to sustainable growth.”
Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade recorded strong growth in the first half of 2025, rising 34.7 per cent to AED195.4 billion compared to AED145 billion in the same period of 2024, according to Abu Dhabi Customs. Non-oil exports increased 64 per cent to AED78.5 billion, imports rose 15 per cent to AED80 billion, and re-exports grew 35 per cent to exceed AED36 billion. This performance reflects the resilience of the economy, the efficiency of infrastructure, and the advancement of logistics services that facilitate trade flows and smooth movement of goods through border crossings. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a regional and global hub for trade and logistics and provides the backdrop against which SKEA awardees grow, compete and expand.
Winners will be selected on the basis of demonstrable impact aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic plan and the principles of the Falcon Economy. Evaluation is structured around seven focus areas that reflect the emirate’s priorities: talent, technology, community and society, SME champions, exports, supply chain, and entrepreneurship.
The application process is digital and evidence based. After an initial quantitative review, shortlisted applicants are invited to an impact interview to explore the depth and sustainability of results. Independent assessors and judges ensure a clear and transparent process across all categories, including corporates, family businesses, SMEs, startups, scale-ups, and individual contributors.
To broaden access, SKEA is running an awareness programme with ecosystem partners including the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Hub71, with briefings in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
By recognising measurable impact through SKEA, Abu Dhabi promotes healthy competition, inclusivity, and a private sector that grows, innovates, and leads with purpose. Businesses can apply via the SKEA website: skea.ae.
