Tally MSME Honours 2025 celebrates UAE excellence

The Tally MSME Honours returned to Dubai with energy and purpose. The program celebrates UAE entrepreneurs and small businesses. Moreover, this fifth edition drew 1,500+ Middle East nominations and 20,000+ entries worldwide. As a result, judges recognised standout founders across five categories. Together, the winners reflect a resilient, tech-savvy SME community.

Why Tally MSME Honours matters

SMEs power jobs, exports, and everyday innovation. Therefore, recognition does more than hand out trophies. It raises visibility, opens networks, and encourages bold ideas. In addition, the program aligns with the UAE’s drive to be a global entrepreneurship hub. Consequently, policy momentum and digital adoption amplify that impact.

A night of recognition—and representation

The ceremony mixed celebration with substance. Founders, mentors, and city leaders filled the room. Most importantly, the event honoured winners across five tracks:

• Business Maestro: Muneer Al Wafaa (Al Wafaa Group); Satya Kalyan Yerramsetti (Telebu Communications LLC); Nitin Kumar Agarwal (GTGC Technical Services LLC); Abdul Aziz Al Harthy (Flexible Industrial Packages Company, SAOC); Abu Amir (Missan Group of Companies).
• Wonder Woman: Victoria Labdon (The Garden of Knowledge); Joy Elizabeth Buckner (Buckner Education); Dr. Mary Jane Al Alvero Mahdi (Prime Group of Companies); Bhavika Thadani (Priyankara FZC LLC); Rashmi Gurbaxani (CPME Consulting LLC).
• Tech Transformers: Dhiraj Hinduja (Doctor Cars Auto Repairing Co); Rahisudheen Abu (Trans Ocean Maritime Services LLC); Muhammad Adnan Arshad (Mahnoor Kitchen); Kashif Ahmad Khan (Peko); Quintin Picardo (TAS Consultants FZ LLC).
• E-preneur Icon: Pratibha Tiwari (Prasha Lifestyle); Ruchita Singh (Ruchita Nutribakes); Shweta Bora (THEMADEONEARTH LLC); Anupama Gokhale & Batul Tambawala (Upcycle Social Responsibility Projects); DJ Buddha.
• NewGen Icon: Pravin Rai (QuicKart General Trading LLC); Nouel Catis Omamalin (Nouel Catis Foodstuff Trading LLC); Mufaddal Vohara (Raj Digital Marketing FZ LLC); Naveen Kumar Reddy Yelluru (TechieMaya FZE); Rahuul Jashnani (CSRH Fashion Design LLC).

Voices from the stage

Leaders stressed community and momentum. Specifically, Nupur Goenka, Executive Director at Tally Solutions, highlighted resilience and shared learning. Meanwhile, Vikas Panchal, General Manager – MENA, noted the UAE’s supportive policies and rapid digital shift. Taken together, their messages explain why SMEs continue to thrive.

What sets this edition apart

First, the scale impressed. Entries jumped across sectors and emirates. Second, the category mix matched real founder journeys. It spotlighted women-led growth, tech adoption, and digital-first brands. Third, ecosystem partners added depth. The payment partner Pay10 showcased open-finance models, instant settlements, and lower costs. Accordingly, winners gained recognition and practical tools.

Eight quick takeaways for founders

Above all, keep execution simple and measured.

1. First, tell the customer story clearly.
2. Next, track unit economics early.
3. Also, use digital channels, then measure conversion.
4. Moreover, build partnerships that extend reach.
5. Meanwhile, document processes before scaling.
6. Additionally, invest in team skills and culture.
7. Then, protect cash flow with disciplined cycles.
8. Finally, celebrate wins to attract talent and partners.

Beyond trophies: the ripple effect

Awards create momentum. Consequently, new customers notice. Likewise, banks and partners take meetings faster. Furthermore, hiring becomes easier. Additionally, winners often mentor peers. Their stories prompt others to formalise operations, adopt software, and explore exports. In turn, the ecosystem compounds gains year after year.

Spotlight on community impact

Many honourees support local jobs and training. Others, in contrast, upcycle materials or cut food waste. Several export niche products from the UAE to global markets. In each case, practical innovation meets purpose. Therefore, that blend strengthens brand loyalty and long-term value.

How the UAE backdrop helps

The country invests in founders and skills. For example, free zones streamline setup. Similarly, digital services reduce paperwork. Meanwhile, accelerators and grants shorten the path from idea to launch. Hence, SMEs can test, learn, and scale faster than in many markets.

Looking ahead

Expect more cross-border e-commerce, AI-enabled operations, and sustainable products. Also expect more women at the helm and more youth-led ventures. Accordingly, the Tally MSME Honours will continue to spotlight that progress. Next year, the cohort will likely be even more diverse and data-driven.

Bottom line

The Tally MSME Honours celebrates grit, creativity, and smart execution. Ultimately, shortlist by shortlist, it raises the bar for UAE entrepreneurship. With that, visibility, networks, and practical support turn recognition into results. Consequently, the wider community gains confidence to build, hire, and grow.

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