6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Shaakira Ally receives ‘Outstanding UAE Author Excellence Award' at UAE's Next MasterMind Awards 2025
South African educator, poet, and novelist Shaakira Ally received the esteemed 'Outstanding UAE Author Excellence Award' at the prestigious UAE's Next MasterMind Awards 2025, held at the majestic Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai, for her critically acclaimed novel, I Swear by Azania.
Shaakira received the prestigious award from Khaled Diab, president of Rotary Dubai Cosmopolitan and two-time Guinness World Record holder; Philippe Gerwill, globally renowned Digital Health Key Opinion Leader and Futurist; and Frank Beckmann, founder and CEO of GVI Investment Advisory. The moment was met with thunderous applause as the audience witnessed a writer of fierce truth-telling and emotional intelligence being recognised on a global stage.
In her acceptance speech, Ally said: "I am deeply honoured to be recognised as an Outstanding UAE Author at the UAE's Next MasterMind Awards 2025. This award is incredibly special to me, it affirms the power of storytelling to heal, to challenge, and to reclaim space for those whose voices have long been silenced."
Her award-winning novel, I Swear by Azania, follows the powerful journey of Azania - a young girl born with Pseudoachondroplasia - as she faces the weight of racism, familial cruelty, and social prejudice in the shadows of South Africa's apartheid legacy. Through unforgettable characters and lyrical narrative, Ally delivers a literary protest against forgetting, calling readers to confront the unspoken and the uncomfortable with courage and empathy.
The UAE's Next MasterMind Awards, now in its 11th edition, continue to honour visionaries who are shaping the future across disciplines. Founded by Dr Mansoor Al Obeidli and Dr Navana Kundu, the awards platform highlights global excellence in leadership, creativity, and innovation.
Ally's recognition as "Outstanding UAE Author" is a powerful testament to her courage, creativity, and the transformative power of the written word - inspiring readers around the world to confront the past, embrace truth, and envision a better tomorrow.
