The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA), a flagship initiative of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is progressing through the final evaluation stages of its 22nd cycle with significant momentum. The award has attracted over 230 applications, marking a remarkable growth of more than 80 percent compared to its previous cycle and underscoring its growing prestige within the nation’s business community.
Growing Momentum from Startups and SMEs
A key highlight of this cycle is the diverse and dynamic applicant base. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups represent approximately 60 percent of the total submissions, signaling a strong engagement from the core of Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem. This reflects the award’s expanding reach and its success in engaging emerging businesses.
Furthermore, the award has demonstrated a broadening geographical footprint within the emirate, with more than 10 percent of company applications originating from the Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions. This diversification showcases the award’s inclusive approach to recognizing excellence across all of Abu Dhabi’s key economic sectors and regions.
A Renewed Focus on Tangible Impact
Under a new framework, the 22nd cycle places a strong emphasis on measuring the tangible impact of private sector contributions. The evaluation criteria move beyond recognizing performance to assessing how company efforts translate into measurable economic and societal value across seven key areas: talent, technology, community and society, SME champions, supply chains, export, and entrepreneurship.
This refined approach evaluates the ability of participants to generate value through innovation, capability building, and market expansion. The framework is designed to highlight businesses that enhance Abu Dhabi’s investment attractiveness and foster strategic partnerships for sustainable long-term growth. The evaluation process is managed by independent assessors and judges to ensure transparency and objectivity, starting from digital registration and culminating in impact interviews for qualified participants.
Upholding a Legacy of Excellence
Established by the Abu Dhabi Chamber in 1999 and named in honor of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the award has evolved into a leading national platform for embedding innovation and sustainability within the business environment. It serves as a practical application of a forward-looking leadership vision that positions the private sector as an essential partner in driving the UAE’s comprehensive economic and social development.
Participation categories are inclusive, covering corporates, family businesses, SMEs, startups and scaleups, as well as nominated individuals, ensuring the award supports all components of the private sector.
About the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award
The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) is an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Launched in 1999, it has become a leading national platform for recognizing organizations and individuals that create a meaningful economic and eco-social impact. The award aims to embed the principles of innovation, excellence, and sustainability within Abu Dhabi’s business environment, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the emirate’s economy.
Source: Zawya
