DIAFA AWARDS THE RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL MIDDLE EASTERN TALENTS

“Challenges and obstacles are not the end of the road, but a pathway

to new and creative solutions.”

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

The ‘Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA)’ honored the outstanding and creative individuals from all walks of life and around the globe, in Dubai, a glittering and cutting-edge city. The 6th International DIAFA Festivals Awards was held at the fabulous Dubai Creek Harbour Marina. Dr Michel Daher is the honourable Founder & President of the BIAF, DIAFA & EMIGALA.

The sixth edition of the DIAFA Awards was dedicated to the spirit of late artist Warda Al-Jazaeryia, who is revered as one of the Arab world’s symbols, and to remember her ten years after her passing.

The Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards – DIAFA is a unique and prestigious annual red carpet and awards ceremony that honors distinguished international and Arab personalities, in recognition of their achievements and contributions towards committees and society’s betterment, and to encourage the next generation of Arab achievers.

Kylie Verzosa

The few honorees of the awards winners:

Kylie Verzosa won the Best Actress for her role in “The Housemaid” at the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) 2022.

Kylie was adorned in an elegant black gown. Kylie was highly excited and she raised her trophy, and said “Dream come true. Such an honor to represent you again [Philippines],” with a warm wide smile.

At the acceptance speech, Kylie said, “Six years ago, when I won the Miss International title for the Philippines, it was such a joyous moment for me. Today, I feel like winning another crown, and this time for Best Actress. Nothing ever beats the feeling of winning something for your own country because of your own hard work.”

“The Housemaid” is the Philippine adaptation of a Korean film of the same name.

Maya Ali
GB with Maya Ali

Pakistani actress Maya Ali was honoured with ‘Pakistani Actress of the Year Award’ at DIAFA 2022, for her exceptional acting.

The very talented actoress Maya Ali dazzled all the guests, looked very sweet, cute and beautiful, as she sashayed down the red carpet, adorned in an emerald green gown by MARK BUMGARNER. It was lovely for me to meet with her.

Mohammed Al Sheikh

Mohammed Al Sheikh was honored with the prestigious ‘Businessman of the Year’ title at the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards 2022.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Al Sheikh said; “A momentous day indeed and I feel extremely proud and honored to have received this award in the esteemed presence of my fellow Arab achievers from various fields. I would like to take this opportunity to tell every Arab that this is the platform that motivates you to turn your passion into a profession and make a mark that compels the world to take notice. Go ahead, be creative youth, break the barrier, and feel confident to share your creativity with the world.”

Mohammed Al Sheikh is a successful entrepreneur and is best known for his Al Sheikh Stud, a haven for thoroughbred Arabian horses. Adding further he said; “I would like to dedicate this award to my home country Palestine, my family, and of course, to every member of my team. They have all contributed to this honor with their distinguished efforts and I truly appreciate them for the hard work they put in.”

H.E. Dr. Tariq Mohammad Saleh Al Gurg (centre)

H.E. Dr. Tariq Mohammad Saleh Al Gurg was honored with the Humanitarian Award by the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) 2022.

H.E. Dr. Tariq Mohammad Saleh Al Gurg was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dubai Cares.

Dubai Cares is considered to be the largest NGO in the world solely dedicated to providing children in developing countries with access to primary education.

H.E. Dr. Tariq Mohammad Saleh Al Gurg

DIAFA hosted honorees from 18 countries for the first time, including the host country UAE, and respective nations of France, Tanzania, Pakistan, India, Tunisia, Jordan, the Sultanate of Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The honoring festival commenced at 20:30. The festival was televised live on eight television channels and broadcast platforms throughout the Arab world and the rest of the globe, along with a live broadcast on Weyak, the top Arab platform that provides a selection of the top movies, television shows, and unique Arabic, Indian, and Turkish programs that appeals to viewers of all ages and tastes in the Arab world.

The Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards is an annual awards show held in Dubai, UAE. It honors distinguished International and Arab personalities in recognition of their annual achievements and contribution towards committees and society betterment. The first edition of DIAFA was held in 2017.

DIAFA is a prestigious and unique event that honors distinguished International and Arab personalities, selected by a qualified committee, for their annual achievements and contributions towards communities and societies betterment.

The festival introduces renowned figures from various fields such as art, culture, music, business, and humanitarian services.

Balqees Fathi was honored the Best Singer Talent.

The guests were amazed as she performed “Mazagangy” from the aisles of the Dubai Creek Harbour Marina on to the stage, to receive the award, she was adorned in the monochrome gown by Tony Ward Couture.

GB with Balqees Fathi

The special guest of honor was Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was graced and welcomed at the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) 2022. She was adorned in a cream satin abaya with floral embroidery, looked very pretty and gorgeous.


Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with Dr. Michel Daher
Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with Balqees Fathi
Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with Steven Seagal
GB