Impact Innovation Summit Brings Global Business Leaders Together in Riyadh
Riyadh became a meeting point for global entrepreneurs and innovators this October as the Impact Innovation Summit 2025 came to a close. The event, held on October 2nd, at Holiday Inn Al Qasr, connected over a hundred business professionals from eleven countries, including the UAE, UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Pakistan, Spain, Italy, Romania, and India.
The summit, organized by Impact Events in partnership with Nobel International Group, focused on the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in modern business. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the event encouraged open discussions on climate change, responsible growth, and building stronger international partnerships.
Founder of the Impact Leadership Program, Nousheen Mukhtar, said that the summit has become “a space where forward-thinking individuals from across the world come together to share ideas and create meaningful change.” Over the past four years, this initiative has continuously brought global entrepreneurs under one roof to learn, connect, and collaborate.
Celebrating Impact and Excellence
The summit also hosted the Impact Excellence Awards 2025, which recognized outstanding business leaders, innovators, and social impact advocates. Supported by the Private Royal Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmad Bin Faisal Al Qassimi, the awards honored many international achievers. The ceremony was led by Dr. Shagufta Zareen, Trade Minister at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh, Nousheen Mukhtar, and Zayed Ahmad Al Tamimi, CEO of Nobel International Group.
Among this year’s awardees were Marilyn Aziz, who was recognized for her dedication to wellness and health advocacy; Angela Thomas, winner of Excellence in Business Mentorship and Leadership Development; and Barbara Amerio, CEO of Amer Yachts, honored for her contributions to sustainable yacht manufacturing.
The awards also highlighted achievements in technology and digital innovation. Cristina Luminita Iancu of Genuineq received an award for software excellence, Duha Rahahleh of CyberX World for cybersecurity innovation, and Elena Unciuleanu of Reporting Center for her pioneering work in banking technology. Sundus Jaber Alfaresi was recognized for fintech development, and Ghada Mohammad Rashwan for advancing digital transformation.
Recognizing a Diverse Range of Talent
Several other professionals stood out for their leadership in education, culture, and social responsibility. Akanksha Gulia was awarded for cultural intelligence training, Dr. Moriah Priestley for organizational leadership, and Dr. Ignacio Bonasa for his contribution to education. In the beauty and lifestyle sector, Dr. Diana Richardson received an award for business mentorship, while Dominique Cagle was recognized for corporate housing and Iffat Parveen for health and social care.
Other winners included Ibrahim Alqasim in logistics, Mohammad Faris Hassan in nursing, Riadh Bouaziz in textiles, Paola Surdo Maldini in haircare, and Sheikh Mohamad Hamade in sustainable agriculture. Rebecca Harriet Lilley, Mridula Singh, and Nicole Purin were recognized for their excellence in finance, real estate, and law.
Riyadh’s Growing Role in Global Innovation
Reflecting on the summit’s outcomes, Nousheen Mukhtar noted that Riyadh’s growing economy and entrepreneurial environment make it one of the most promising hubs for innovative businesses. She added, “We aim to create consistent opportunities for businesses that want to grow with purpose and make a difference.”
As Impact Events prepare for the Impact Innovation Summit 2026, the vision remains clear — to build stronger international networks and encourage collaboration that supports meaningful, sustainable progress across industries.
