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Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park inaugurates its official opening month in official partnership with Emirates Environmental Group, with the launch of a campaign called “Homegrown Heroes.” This annual ceremony aims to honor the UAE’s trailblazing leaders and achievers, as well as the community’s unsung heroes. In an elegant ceremony held on the 31st of January at the rooftop of the hotel, the Homegrown Heroes Awards were given out to eight outstanding individuals from various sectors for their significant and positive contributions to society.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Holiday Inn Dubai Science Park is also the official hospitality partner of the Emirates Environmental Group this year. Already on its journey to sustainability, the hotel currently operates on no single-use plastic, has an onsite water bottling plant, and features digital amenities in all its guest rooms, suites & apartments including ‘plantable’ pens. The Holiday Inn Dubai Science Park will participate in their sustainable drives and will be their official hub for donors to drop off their recyclables such as cans, papers and plastics and more.

The president and founder of EEG, Habiba Al Mar’ashi said, “The UAE is taking significant steps to help safeguard the environment and build a better community. The Emirates Environmental Group is proud to join hands with the Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park along with our Homegrown Heroes and the country’s eco-champions in building a sustainable future for the next generation. We thank Sayed for his leadership and his entire team at Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park’s commitment and efforts in promoting sustainable hospitality. The hotel has launched a number of green initiatives including operating on no single use of plastic, having an onsite water bottling plant, and other activities that support the local community.”

“These unsung local heroes are the ones who have helped make Dubai the vibrant community that it is; and this campaign is our way of celebrating them and honoring their exemplary contributions to the city. Through the Homegrown Heroes campaign, we want pay it forward and support these community leaders and their causes by offering Holiday Inn & Suites DSP as their home away from home and their venue for fundraisers and activities. We are excited to kick off this campaign with our partners, as we bring to life Holiday Inn Dubai Science Park’s vision to be community hub and a champion for the environment,” said the General Manager of HIDSP, Sayed Tayoun.

Who are these Homegrown Heroes?

The selected Homegrown Heroes include individuals who have championed people with disabilities and special needs such as Shobika Kalra, the Wings of Angels founder who has aimed to make the world more wheelchair accessible; and Dr. Nadia Al Sayegh, Founder of Senses Special Needs Centre, who has been working at the Ministry of Social Affairs and actively providing assistance and support to the families of children with special needs. A strong advocate for female empowerment and women in business, Megan Al Marzooqi, is the owner of Real Mums of UAE, an online virtual village aimed at supporting mums through their entire journey of motherhood. The unstoppable and inspiring Candice Fanucci launched the Pirates Surf Rescue which aims to create the next generation of good, moral, hardworking athletes, whilst inspiring a sense of community within the region.

Krishna Dela Paz is the Head of Branding & Marketing of the Emirates Literature Foundation and the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. A true hero of education, literature and the arts, she is also a recipient of the first ever GEMS Exceptional Head of School Award 2018.

Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG; and sisters, Rania and Zaina Kanaan, founders of upcycling social enterprise ChariCycles and Kave People, were recognized for their passion and contributions to environmental preservation.

Aside from this amazing recognition, recipients of the Homegrown Heroes Award have been given complimentary overnight stays and the opportunity to hold any business, networking or charity events at the Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park, allowing them to raise funds for their respective organizations.