CCI France UAE Business Awards 2026
CCI FRANCE UAE is pleased to launch a new edition of its Business Awards. The awards ceremony will take place during the CCI FRANCE UAE Gala Dinner on the theme 'Elevate to Innovate' on Friday 10 April 2026. This grand evening will gather more than 800 guests, including companies, investors, and representatives of French and local authorities at the Emirates Golf Club Dubai.
The CCI FRANCE UAE Business Awards are composed of the below categories:
- Rising Innovator Award - for Startup & SME, organized in partnership with French Tech Abu Dhabi-Dubai
Celebrating a small business (fewer than 50 employees globally) that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, agility, and impact through innovation—proving that bold ideas can elevate even the most modest ventures to remarkable heights.
The Rising Innovator Award celebrates small businesses that prove bold ideas and exceptional creativity can drive remarkable impact regardless of size. This recognition honors agile companies with fewer than 50 employees globally that are elevating their industries through innovative approaches, demonstrating how entrepreneurial spirit and strategic innovation strengthen the UAE-France business ecosystem and inspire others to reach new heights.
- Innovation Leadership Award - for MNC
Honoring a leading company that has embraced innovation at scale, driving transformation and inspiring industry progress through visionary leadership and strategic excellence
The Innovation Leadership Award celebrates companies that embody the spirit of "Innovate to Elevate" through transformational innovation that strengthens the UAE-France business corridor. This recognition honors organizations that drive industry progress through visionary leadership, strategic excellence, and sustainable practices creating shared value and inspiring others to elevate their standards across both nations.
Companies can only apply in one of the category listed above.
The winners will receive
- 1 seat for the Gala Dinner,
- During the Gala Dinner: their logo displayed on the screen, 1 minute speech, and a prize awarded on stage,
- After the award ceremony: communication on the CCI FRANCE UAE digital platforms.
Conditions to apply
The Rising Innovator Award - for Startup & SME
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Be a company with fewer than 50 employees, and not part of a larger group,
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Hold a valid Emirati business license. Please email your business license to coralie.flick(@)ccifranceuae.com
And be at least one of these criteria:
- Be a member of the CCI France UAE (no condition of nationality)
- Be referred by the French Tech Abu Dhabi - Dubai
- Be a French company (a company created by at least one French person)
- Be a French-founded company initiated abroad of the UAE
Innovation Leadership Award - for MNC
- Hold a valid UAE Trade Licence. Please send your Trade Licence to coralie.flick(@)ccifranceuae.com
And be at least one of these criteria:
- Be a member of the CCI France UAE (no condition of nationality)
- Be a French company (a company created by at least one French person)
- Be a French founded company initiated abroad of the UAE
The CCI France UAE, upon receipt of the application file, reserves the right to accept or not the applications according to the elements indicated in the form.
The Jury
The jury is composed of UAE-based representatives with recognized expertise and influence in the small business, environmental and innovative sectors, honorary members of the CCI FRANCE UAE, Members of French Tech Abu-Dhabi-Dubai board, connoisseurs of the Franco-Emirati relationship and sponsors of our 2026 Gala. The jury will take to heart to study all your files thoroughly with professionalism and confidentiality.
Agenda
- Monday 5 January to Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 12pm: Opening of applications
- Wednesday 11 March 2026 : Pitch sessions SMEs
- Thursday 12 March 2026 : Pitch sessions MNCs
- Friday 10 April 2026 : Award ceremony during the Gala Dinner.
Rising Innovator Award - for Startup & SME
The Rising Innovator Award celebrates small businesses that prove bold ideas and exceptional creativity can drive remarkable impact regardless of size. This recognition honors agile companies with fewer than 50 employees globally that are elevating their industries through innovative approaches, demonstrating how entrepreneurial spirit and strategic innovation strengthen the UAE-France business ecosystem and inspire others to reach new heights.
Innovation Leadership Award - for MNC
The Innovation Leadership Award celebrates companies that embody the spirit of "Innovate to Elevate" through transformational innovation that strengthens the UAE-France business corridor. This recognition honors organizations that drive industry progress through visionary leadership, strategic excellence, and sustainable practices creating shared value and inspiring others to elevate their standards across both nations.
Apply Now
Gala Dinner 2026
Friday April 10, 2026 , Emirates Golf Club Dubai. The theme of this year's event is “Elevate to Innovate
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