Abu Dhabi: From business and politics to cinema and music, women changemakers were celebrated in Abu Dhabi as the News9 Global Summit – UAE Edition unfolded with the theme SHEconomy Agenda. The event highlighted the idea that women are no longer just part of the growth story — they are leading it. Timed ahead of Emirati Women’s Day, the summit set the tone for empowerment and inclusivity. It was powered by Lamer Capital, with Shunya dot AI, FICCI, IPF and the Harvard Business School Club of the GCC as key partners.

MD and CEO of TV9 Network Barun Das, delivered the opening address, stressing the need to create platforms for global conversations driven by diverse voices. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in a recorded message, emphasized women’s leadership in governance and reform. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, underlined how diplomacy strengthens inclusive partnerships like the India–UAE relationship.

The evening featured actor Richa Chadha in a fireside chat, where she discussed her journey in cinema before being honored with the SHEstar Award for Cinema. Singer Sona Mohapatra also engaged in an inspiring conversation, later receiving the SHEstar Award for Music for her art and activism.

Several panels brought together women entrepreneurs and business leaders including Chetna Gala Sinha of Mann Deshi Foundation, Kanika Tekriwal of JetSetGo, Ajaita Shah of Frontier Markets, Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi, and Dr. Sonali Datta. They shared how innovation, perseverance, and vision can redefine industries. Leaders like Ankur Attrey of Lamer Capital and Ayush Gupta of GAIL spoke on wealth creation, legacy, and inclusive workplaces. Family business leaders Lavanya Nalli, Shafeena Yusuff Ali, Dr. Sana Sajan, and Dr. Jean Shahdadpuri discussed how women are reshaping traditional enterprises with modern strategies.

The evening’s highlight was the SHEstar Awards, which honoured achievers across diverse sectors — aviation, financial inclusion, social impact, CSR, STEM, artisanal economy, law, mountaineering, and the arts. Awardees included Kanika Tekriwal, Ajaita Shah, Shafeena Yusuff Ali, Lavanya Nalli, Chetna Gala Sinha, Dr Sana Sajan, Dr Suaad Al Shamsi, Nayla Al Baloushi, Advocate Bindu Chettur, and Sona Mohapatra.

The summit concluded with a group photo of speakers, award winners, and partners, marking a successful celebration of women-led growth and setting the stage for the global SHEconomy conversation.